Chapter 16

Second World War.

On the declaration of war in 1939 it was decided that the annual pilgrimage to the Cairn at Teviothead should not take place and be discontinued for the duration of the war. However, through the war years, a small party of Brethren continued to place a wreath on the grave. A grant of £5-5/- was made to the “Teribus” Spitfire fund. The RWM Br.B.P. Ellis announced he was leaving to join up.

In l942 a Mr Thompson was balloted and initiated and D.J. Tunmore was passed to the second degree, both in one night.

Over the war years a large number of visitors were received from Stobs camp. The offices of Piper and Almoner were created on 1st May 1944.

The Lodge premises were again apparently requisitioned by the Military but it is unclear whether of not any soldiers were billeted there. Meetings continued to be held during the war years and the premises were derequisitioned on the 18th October 1946.

It was announced that 80 members of the Lodge had gone to war and 72 returned, although a large number were wounded and mentioned in the minutes of the Lodge. The war memorial in the Lodge room (gifted anonymously) was updated to include the names of the Brethren viz: Brothers William Johnstone, James Laidlaw, David McMinn, John Oliver, Michael Oliver, Maxwell Patterson, George L. Thom, and Richard Wakelin who died in the conflict It was dedicated by the Provincial Grand Chaplain Br. G.E. Cowe.

A combined church service including members from Lodges 424 and 111 was held in remembrance on 19th January 1947.