David Cairns Penman

Killed in Action on the 17/06/1915 near Ypres

David arrived at Le Havre on the 03/10/1914 with the 114 Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery. Trench Mortar Batteries - In 1914, no organisation existed for trench mortars as the weapons simply did not exist in the British army. Along with the early and faltering development of the weapons, the organisation into Batteries was rather haphazard and was left to local command. The Infantry, Artillery and Engineers were all involved from time to time. By December 1915, high command ordered that light mortar units would be manned by the Infantry and the medium/heavy units by the Royal Field Artillery. In March 1916, the medium trench mortar Batteries formally came under the command of Divisional artillery, while the light Stokes Batteries left Battalion-level control and came under Brigade command. At this time, each Division was given a Divisional Trench Mortar officer, the Batteries were numbered, and a badge was introduced to identify mortar personnel. David was 5ft 11, weighed 156 Ibs, had brown hair and brown eyes when he enlisted. From David's Service Records he was 24 when he fell but his name on the Family Plot states he was 25. David is also remembered on the Coats Parish Church Roll of Honour and at the Family Plot in Old Monkland Cemetery (see photos) and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for David's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial x 3, his Service Records x 25, David's Pension Records x 2 and the Royal Garrison Artillery Cap Badge.