Six: Sergeant J. Cormack, Royal Engineers, late Royal Scots

1914-15 Star (76781. Sjt. J. Cormack, R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (76781. Sjt. J. Cormack. R.E.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, G.V.R. (121 Sjt: J. Cormack. 9/R.Scots.); France, Third Republic, Croix de Guerre, reverse dated 1914-1918, bronze, with bronze star on ribbon; Imperial Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (James Cormack) the first five mounted as worn, the ISM loose, very fine and better (6) £160-£200

James Cormack was born in Edinburgh in 1883 and worked at the General Post Office as a sorting clerk and telegraphist. He attested for the 9th (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Scots Territorial Force, in April 1908, and attended annual camps from 1908 to 1914 at Hillerit, Aberdour, West Linton, and Barry. Raised Sergeant 6 April 1912, he was awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal under Battalion Order 41 of 1915. Transferred to the Royal Engineers as Sapper, Cormack was posted to the Signal Service training centre at Hitchin on 1 February 1915. Rated skilled telegraphist, he embarked for France on 16 July 1915 with No. 10 Corps H.Q. Signal Company and was soon attached to ‘K’ Sound Ranging Section, Royal Engineers.

His unit faced their first serious engagement during the Battle of Messines from 7 June to 11 July 1917. Cormack went on to witness extensive service during the Third Battle of Ypres and the advances into Flanders, being subsequently decorated with the French Croix de Guerre on 19 June 1919. Transferred to the Army Reserve at Chatham, he returned to his civilian employment with the Post Office in Edinburgh and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal on 4 February 1943.

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