Inverness bell-ringers remember World War I hero; Canadian relatives plan poignant pilgrimage
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CANADIAN relatives of a young Inverness soldier killed in the trenches of northern France during World War I are planning a poignant pilgrimage to the Highland capital in his honour.
Sergeant Fred Winchester, of the Gordon Highlanders, died when his trench was destroyed by a German shell on March 29, 1917. Aged just 26, he was described as an "exemplary young fellow " by the divisional chaplain.
He had been a bell-ringer and chorister at Inverness Cathedral where he also attended the boys’ school.
On the centenary of his death, the cathedral’s bell-ringers tolled the bells half-muffled for about an hour before and after a special remembrance service during which a memorial plaque was dedicated.
Cousins, who had been traced in Canada thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local history enthusiast, had intended to attend but had to cancel their plans due to family illness.
In a moving letter read out during the service, they spoke of their gratitude that Sgt Winchester was being honoured.
The letter, written by Andrew McCallum, of Ottawa, also stated they would go to the cathedral to remember him when they visited Scotland.
"Fred’s war used to be called ‘the war to end all wars’," Mr McCallum wrote.
"The events of the intervening century have made the hope for an age without war seem naive, and it may be.
"By remembering ‘exemplary young’ individuals like Fred, rather than simply honouring ‘the fallen’, we keep the human cost of war before us. I can’t help but believe that this form of remembrance serves the cause of peace."
The memorial plaque will be placed in the old boys’ school next to the cathedral.
Bell-ringer Ted Venn said the service, led by Bishop Mark Strange, had been poignant and highlighted the sacrifices made during World War I. "Fred had his whole life ahead of him," he said.
Sgt Winchester, of Harrowden Road, was a cashier at MacBrayne’s Steamboat Offices in Inverness. He was buried in the British Military Cemetery at Maroeuil.
