Remembering a young Grangemouth pilot 100 years on

Representatives from ASA Scotland's Falkirk and Perth and Kinross branches, including Cllr James Kerr (chairman of Falkirk branch) and Provost Billy Buchanan (honorary member of Falkirk branch) were present at the memorial service.

Second Lieutenant William Galbraith, from the Royal Flying Corps, died in the tragic accident in Upavon on February 26, 1918.

And on Monday afternoon, a service of remembrance was held in his honour at Grandsable Cemetery.

The event was organised by the Ancre Somme Association (ASA) Scotland and its Falkirk branch to pay tribute to the pilot.

Provost Billy Buchanan, local councillors, representatives from the army, members of Ancre Somme Association and cadets from the Grangemouth 1333 (Spitfire) Squadron were present to pay their respects and lay a wreath at his grave.

Councillor James Kerr, chairman of ASA Falkirk, gave an overview of the tragic event 100 eyars ago when William lost his life.

He was just 25 years old at the time and was about to fly over to Europe to serve with the R.A.C and take on the Imperial German Flying Corps in the skies above France at the end of the First World War.

Lieutenant William Galbraith, was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs P.J Galbraith of Paris Street, Grangemouth and was originally a motor ambulance driver in the Army Service Corps.

He had only passed his final examination the month before his untimely death.

Cllr Kerr said: “Our aim is to teach children in Falkirk and the surrounding areas of their local heritage, we must never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of their Sovereign and country.

“Our association is proud to announce that a RAF 100 event is being planned for Saturday, May 26 at the Spitfire Memorial in Grangemouth.

“The RAF Baton 100 relay is also coming to Grangemouth to celebrate the 100 year heritage of our Royal Air Force and we want the communities to come and support this historic event.”

The ASA Falkirk branch opened in January of this year and members are working together in preparation for the celebratory event planned in Grangemouth in May, marking 100 years of the Royal Air Force.