Threads of Two Lives

Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to view the kilt and research the story of Hugh Duncan Ferguson, who served in the regiment during World War Two. But this kilt tells more than the story of just one soldier. Unlike civilian clothing, the kilt, and other pieces of uniform, belonged to the army. And so, when a soldier left the regiment for whatever reason, this would be reused, cleaned, mended and reissued multiple times.

According to family research, Hugh Duncan Ferguson (service number 2986035) worked as a millworker and enjoyed playing football in his spare time, and he is noted to have been quite talented in this.

At the outbreak of war, he enlisted and was mobilised with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 7^th Battalion, and went to France in 1939. As war raged on, he would go to Africa in late 1942 and here he was wounded, and sustained injuries to his legs. But his service did not end there. An article from the Stirling Observer dated the 24^th November 1942 notes that Mr and Mrs Charles Ferguson were informed of Private Hugh Ferguson’s injury whilst serving in the Middle East. He was 22 years of age and his address was Fincastle Place in Cowie. Whilst we cannot be certain what his occupation was before his service, the newspaper notes he was a slater’s assistant. It is not unusual for newspapers to have share inaccurate information as this differs from what his family believed his career was. His image was printed in the paper, which can be seen below.

Further research conducted by the museum records Ferguson as being an Acting Corporal with the 8^th (Argyllshire) Battalion by  2^nd January 1944. Later that year, he was discharged as being medically unfit on Christmas Day.

The kilt that Ferguson wore tells a further story. On the interior back panel of the kilt, it does not bear the name of Ferguson, but instead “Williams 9436”.

This kilt had originally belonged to  Private James Williams (service number 2979436) who sailed on the Troopship ‘Somersetshire’ on  26^th of February 1936 and served in A Company.

Private Williams was awarded the Indian General Service medal with the clasp ‘Northwest Frontier 1936-1937’. It is believed that Williams served in the war and is discharged as medically unfit for further service on the 17^th of January 1943.

Written by Caitlin Meldrum, Audience and Communications Officer.

With thanks to the Ferguson family for sharing this story and giving permission.