An 'Ellon' Man's long service medal pair, to a well known community leader, from a most patriotic family: Bandmaster & Sergeant-Drummer James Neilson, 5th (Buchan & Formartin) Battalion Gordon Highlanders (Territorial Force) and Postman, Ellon

- Territorial Force Efficiency Medal. GV (209 Sjt Dmr J. Neilson, 5/Gordon Hdrs.)
- Imperial Service Medal. GV 'Coinage' (James Neilson.)

Long Service Medals verification: The award of the Imperial Service Medal was published in the London Gazette & both long service medal are referred to in an obituary article, as under:

- TFEM: Refer to obituary article in Aberdeen Press & Journal issue, 26 October 1936
- Imperial Service Medal: Published London Gazette issue , 14 December 1926

The recipient's obituary - with dapper portrait of the recipient - was published in the local Aberdeen Press & Journal Issue of, 26 October 1936, and is quoted below:

Quote.

LATE MR JAMES NEILSON ELLON

LONG POSTAL SERVICE IN DISTRICT

Mr James Neilson, retired postman, whose death occurred at his residence, at the Square, Ellon, at the age of seventy, was a native of Montrose and served in the Royal Artillery from 1884 until 1896.

On leaving the Army he took up the position at Colieston and after being there for three years was transferred to Logierieve.

As bandmaster to the Gordon Highlanders Territorials, he was mobilised in 1914, but was discharged after a few months' service as he was over age.

He returned to his duties as postman and continued in that work until his retirement in 1926, when he received the Imperial Service Medal. He was also granted the Territorials Efficiency Medal.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Ythan (No. 892).

Mr. Neilson is survived by five sons and two daughters. Three of his sons were killed in the war.

Unquote

The three sons that James Neilson lost in the service of their country during the Great War were:

- 01/06/1916: Company Sergeant Major Charles Neilson, 5th Gordon Highlanders (University Graduate & professional footballer Aberdeen Football Club)
- 28/10/1917: Private James Hadden Neilson, 10th (Lovat's Scout's) Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
- 13/04/1918: Corporal Roland Miller Neilson, "E" Coy, 5th (Buchan & Formartin) Battalion Gordon Highlanders

The recipients service papers are extant and accessible at The National Archives, additionally the local Aberdeenshire papers of the period circa 1908-1926, are packed with multiple artIcles / mentions of Bandmaster / Sergeant-Drummer Neilson

Condition: About EF

Code: 22514