Sgt Charles Arthur was the older cousin of my grandfather, David McDonald. They grew up together at Branxton Farm at the foot of Largo Law in the Kingdom of Fife. Charles was a few years older than my grandfather, who looked up to him. My grandad, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 98, often told me stories of his much-loved cousin, who had been killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Charles was an extremely gifted musician, who would probably have gone on to become a leading violinist had he lived. As well as coaxing the most beautiful melodies from the instrument, Charles was an expert craftsman who also made violins. Grandad often told me of the night in 1916 when a loud knock sounded at the front door as he and his family sat around the supper table. My great-grandmother, Bella Arthur, opened the door - but no-one was there. She returned to the waiting family, looking troubled, and said gravely, "Charlie's dead." A few days later they received the telegram from the War Office confirming that Sgt Charles Arthur had been killed at the Somme. Charles Arthur is commemorated on the war memorial in Upper Largo. He will always be remembered with pride and affection by my family.

Elspeth McDonald