Strathearn Herald – 9th October 1915 (This article appeared with photo above)

CRIEFF OFFICER KILLED IN ACTION – SECOND LIEUTENANT ANDREW SHARP

A sensation, mingled with general regret, was caused last Saturday in Crieff and district when information was received by ex-Provost Finlayson that Second Lieutenant Andrew Sharp, of the 9th Battalion Black Watch, had been killed in action during the great battle in France the previous Saturday.

Liuetenant Sharp, who was a partner for the last eight years of the firm Messers Graham & Finlayson, solicitors, Crieff, was well known and highly respected by a large circle of friends in Crieff and district. For several years he had been a member of the Scottish Horse, in which he attained the rank of sergeant; but had retired therefrom. After the outbreak of war in the autumn of last year, however, he re-joined his old regiment; but in January last he received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the 9th Black Watch, and was for some time training in England, afterwards proceeding to the front in August last, where his Battalion, with other Scottish regiments were engaged in the big battle at Loos, on 25th September, and where he fell gallantly leading his men towards the German trenches, as the following letter, received by his mother this week from the Commanding Officer shows:-

“October 1, 1915

Dear Mrs. Sharp,

It is with the greatest sorrow and with the deepest sympathy for you and your great loss, that I have to tell you that your gallant son was killed in action on Saturday, September 25th. He was, with the greatest gallantry, leading his men on an assault on the German trenches, two of which he had already captured, when he fell. He was killed instantaneously, and, I am assured, suffered no pain. I will let you know as soon as possible where he is buried. His kit and effects have been sent to the base, and will be forwarded to you in due course. His loss to the regiment is very great. He was a most capable officer.

Yours truly,

T.O Lloyd, Lieutenant-Colonel,

Commanding 9th Black Watch”

 

Lieutenant Sharp was an admirable young man of 30 years of age, being of a kindly and lovable disposition, and was as has been stated, well know and highly respected throughout Crieff and district. Between two and three years ago he was appointed Secretary to the Strathearn Agricultural Society, on the death of Mr. A.A. Connon, solicitor of Crieff, an in this connection he gained many friends, proving himself a most energetic and efficient official. He was convener of the Shooting Committee of the Strathearn Rifle Club, and was himself a good marksman. He was also Clerk to the Managers of the North U.F. Church, Crieff, and appropriate reference to his death was made on Sunday last.

Lieutenant Sharp was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Sharp, farmer, South Forr, near Crieff, who was well known in agricultural circles throughout Central and Western Perthshire, and who passed away last spring.

Deep sympathy is felt for his widowed mother in her sad bereavement. Two brothers of deceased are also on active service. One of them, William, who had been in New Zealand for some years, joined the contingent from that colony to the Dardanelles, where he was, some time ago wounded, and now lies in a Malta hospital; while the other brother is a private in the 6th Black Watch in France.

On Thursday Mrs. Sharp received the following telegram from Buckingham Palace:-

“The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the army have sustained by the death of your son in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.

Keeper of the Privy Purse”

Alexander Black