It was a testing Christmas for families in Largs and surrounding area in 1914, with loved ones fighting overseas, and various fundraising activites being carried out to help support the war effort.

The sobering front page on Saturday 19 December set the tone: “The district has done well in the way of recruiting, but can do better. It should be said that there are some who volunteered but were not accepted, and other who were but not accepted, and others who were accepted but have been invalided.

“There are also some, no doubt, who have a knowledge of their own physical shortcomings which holds them back, and others who find it difficult to get away for various reasons. But when all is said and done, every fit man is wanted, and those under 30 years of age who are able but not willing are likely to have an unenviable time a few years hence, when the great war that commenced in 1914 becomes a matter of history.” In the Fairlie Notes, it was reported that Captain A.E Parker, of the Black Watch, was reported wounded and missing. Captain Parker had South African experience, and was on retired pay - he had been posted to the 3rd battalion.

Also in the village, Private James Cooper, who was wounded at the Aisne in Northern France, on 18 September, paid a short visit to Fairlie. Our correspondent said: “Despite the fact that Priavte Cooper was struck by three bullets beside a piece of shrapnel, he is making good progress towards complete recovery, and hopes to rejoin his regiment on Saturday 20 December.” The Fairlie Working Party had sent off the following materials to mine sweepers; 15 helmets, 14 mufflers, 5 pairs of mittens, 3 pairs of gloves, and two jerseys.

The first batch of Christmas parcels had already been despatched to the Fairlie men serving with the army. Each parcel contained: One shirt, two pairs of socks, one pair of mittens, one packet of stationary and pencil, one packet of cigarettes and matches, and one box of soap, a box of chocolate, one tin of acid drops, bootlaces, and a Christmas card with a view of Fairlie, supplied by Mr McNair.

Under the column ‘In the Fighting Line’, the following extract came from a letter addressed to Mr James Wilson, Crawford Street, from his cousin, Corporal David.T.Ryburn, 1st Royal Dragoons, 6th Cavalry Brigade, 3rd division.

David said: “We see the papers pretty often, and we can follow up the other corps fairly well. We don’t know how long it will take to whack the enemy, but from all accounts, it won’t take too long. It is awful to see the destruction that has been done in some of the towns and villages about here by the Germans.

“The trench work is very interesting, especially when you are under a shower of shrapnel each day. Every shell that goes over your head puts you in mind of a covey of patridges. However, you soon get used to them, and wave adieu as you hear them sing past you.” * Advertisers in the Largs and Millport News were mindful of the somber situation for families throughout the area. Eglinton Studio based at 22 Main Street, Largs, stated: “For those on active service, nothing will be more appreciated by those are so gallantly serving their country - either at home or abroad, than PHOTOGRAPHS of thei dear ones at home to send to your soldier boy.” Wm. Wilson stated: “Men mobilised for Home Defence and Fighting at the Front will want something dainty for Xmas and New Year. In spite of the great increase in the price of the ingredients we are using, we offer very moderate prices including Cheery Cake 1s 4d per lb, Ginger Bread 8d, and Lemon Cake 10d.” John H.Malcom were offering war-time comforts for our soldiers awith a selection of woollen belts, socks, sleeping socks, hand-knitted gloves, and navy blue mitts for sailors.

* Largs was hosting a Ballad Concert in the Stewart Memorial Hall on Monday 28 December to raise funds for the local War relief effort. A host of singers includign Soprano Miss Jean S.Lindsay, Tenor Mr W,MacQuarrie, and Violinist Jenny Cullen were among the big acts on the night.