🎖️ Dunbar War Memorial Centenary Ceremony
On 3rd July 2021, the town of Dunbar in East Lothian commemorated the 100th anniversary of its War Memorial, originally unveiled on the same date in 1921. The memorial, a Celtic Cross crafted from Creetown white granite, stands overlooking the North Sea on Marine Road. Designed by Edinburgh architect F.E.B. Blanc and erected by builder George Cunningham, it honors the local men and women who served and sacrificed their lives during the World Wars.
The centenary ceremony included the rededication of the memorial, with the addition of 20 names of previously unlisted servicemen—14 from World War I and 6 from World War II—discovered through recent research. The event featured participation from military veterans, local dignitaries, clergy, and students from Dunbar Grammar School, who read citations for the newly added names. The Royal British Legion provided a piper and stewards, and the SNI Yeomanry was represented by serving officers and a trumpet major. The service was led by Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, with Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, representing HM The Queen, and Mary Duncan, Honorary Canadian Consul for Scotland, representing the Canadian Government.
⚔️ Historical Context: The Battle of Dunbar (1296)
The town of Dunbar holds historical significance beyond the World Wars. On 27th April 1296, it was the site of the Battle of Dunbar, a pivotal conflict during the First War of Scottish Independence. English forces under John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, defeated the Scottish army led by King John Balliol. The battle resulted in a decisive English victory, leading to the capture of numerous Scottish nobles and the subsequent abdication of King John Balliol. This event marked the beginning of a period of English occupation in Scotland.
The battlefield is located near the village of Spott, just south of Dunbar, and has been recognized for its historical importance. The area encompasses Doon Hill, which also played a role in the 1650 battle between Oliver Cromwell’s forces and the Scottish army during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
📚 Learn More
For more information on the Dunbar War Memorial and its centenary ceremony, you can refer to the Edinburgh News article. To delve deeper into the history of the Battle of Dunbar (1296), visit its Wikipedia page.