2441 Lance Corporal William Tough
5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
13th November 1916
Born at 1pm on14/12/1896 in Foveran, Aberdeenshire. His parents were David Tough (17/05/1868-14/04/1951) and
Annie Hector (04/09/1875-01/03/1956). They were married on 15/12/1893.
William had 4 brothers, David (27/04/1894-22/04/1915), James Kemp (17/06/1897-12/04/1944), Alexander (04/12/1898-1980) and John Hector (02/07/1902-1990).
He also had 3 sisters, Mary Cooper (born on 23/12/1892), Margaret kemp (02/03/1901-01/10/1911) and
Louisa McDonald (20/08/1906-2000)
The 1901(Scottish) census records the family living at Frogmore Croft, Foveran, Aberdeen. David snr. was employed as a crofter.
By he time of the 1911(Scottish) Census being taken, William had left the family home (still Frogmore Croft) to live and work as as
farm servant at West Lodge of Ardo, Belhelvie , East Aberdeenshire.
This same year, Williams sister Margret, died at 7am on 1st October from meningitis after being ill for 20 days.
William enlisted in Ellon, Aberdeenshire and he was sent to France on 02/05/1915. He was killed in action on 13/11/1916.
Aberdeen Weekly Journal – 8th December 1916
Udny
Killed – Lance – Corporal William Tough, Gordons, son of Mr and Mrs David Tough, Myrtle Cottage. He was 22 years of age, prior to enlistment was engaged in farm work in the district.
William was awarded the 1914-1915, The British War 1914-1918 and Allied Victory medals. These didn't seem to reach his family as the officer in charge of records in Perth requested instructions for the disposal of the medals on 20/05/1921.
His older brother David had enlisted in Aberdeen on 15/05/1914 and embodied on 05 /08/1914 as
Gunner 245 North Scottish, Royal Garrison Artillery , Territorial Force.
Aberdeen press and Journal – Friday 23 April 1915
Artilleryman’s Tragic Death at Aberdeen
Gunner David Tough, 20 years old, son of Mr David Tough, farmer, Frogmore, Foveran, met his death accidentally early this morning through falling into the dock at Torry while returning to the fort there. He had served in the North Scottish Royal Garrison Artillery since May last year.
Aberdeen Evening Express – Saturday 24 April 1915
Births, Marriages, Death.
Roll Of Honour
Tough -Suddenly at Torry Battery, Aberdeen, David, son of David Tough, Frogmore, Foveran, aged 20 years. Funeral on Saturday , 24th inst, at 11.30am, from the Battery, Torry to King Street on its way to Foveran Churchyard. Foveran friends please meet at Churchyard about 1pm. This the only intimation and invitation.
Aberdeen Evening Express – Saturday 24 April 1915
Military Funeral in Aberdeen
The funeral of Gunner David Tough, who accidentally drowned at Torry early on Thursday morning, took place to-day from Torry Fort, Aberdeen, to Foveran Churchyard. Gunner Tough was a member of No.1 Company of the North Scottish Royal Garrison Artillery. At the time of the accident, he was proceeding to Torry Fort. In order to take a near way to the Fort he proceeded along South Esplanade East with the object of getting into Sinclair Road near the “Leading Light” at Torry. As no lights are allowed near the harbour the district was exceedingly dark at the time, and Tough having gone too far along the Esplanade, stepped into Torry Harbour. Tough was held in high esteem by his comrades and was regarded as a most efficient soldier. His death is deeply regretted by all who knew him. The funeral was attended by the members of No.1 Company North Scottish R.G.A. and other friends. The coffin was conveyed from the Fort on a gun carriage drawn by six horses and was draped with the Union Jack, with the deceased cap on the top. Many beautiful wreaths were placed on the coffin including one from the officers of the garrison’s artillery at Torry Fort, the N.C.O.’s and men of No.1 Company, the members of 2nd 1st Company and relatives and friends. Headed by the brass band of the Royal Field Artillery Territorial Force, the procession proceeded through the city to Merkland Road in King Street, where the coffin was transferred to a motor hearse and taken to Foveran.
Aberdeen Press and Journal – Thursday 29 April 1915
Deaths
Tough- Mr and Mrs Tough and family return sincere thanks to neighbours and friends, also officers and men of the Torry Battery, for kind sympathy in their sudden and sore bereavement.
Frymore Croft , Foveran.
Another brother James also served during the war. as 1287 Air Mechanic 2nd Class Royal Flying Corps.
He survived the war staying in what had now become the Royal Air Force and on 01/01/1923 at the rank of Sergeant Mechanic, he was awarded the British Empire Medal.
On 14/04/1939 he was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant from that of Flying Officer. He went on to be
Wing Commander 156 Maintenance Unit, Royal Air Force.
Aberdeen Evening Express – Monday April 17, 1944
Roll of Honour
Tough – Died on 12th April 1944, Wing Commander James K Tough. Third son of Mr and Mrs Tough, Thistlehill Undy Station. Interred in Bristol( Canford Cemetery and Crematorium, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol Unitary Authority, Bristol, England. Plot Sec. QQ. Grave 295B).
(He died of cellulitis of a leg)
1945 England & Wales National Probate Calendar(Index of Wills and Administrations), 1895-1995.
Tough James Kemp of Thistley Hill Undy Station Aberdeenshire died 12 April 1944 on war service Confirmation of
John Hector Tough manager. Sealed Llandudno.5 April.