Page 43 - RADC Bulletin 2021

Remembering Pte John Cockburn Smith
Mr L Thomas, former Sgt in the RADC
We remembered Pte John Cockburn Smith on Saturday 5th June at Airbles Cemetery, Motherwell.
To ensure the occasion was properly marked, I contacted all the veterans in the area and organised everyone to meet on
the day. I also informed the local council of what we planned to do and they jumped into action.
North Lanarkshire Council put out multiple social media posts across many platforms to try and find any living relatives in the hope they could join us on the day, however these proved unsuccessful. The council and I still worked hard behind the scenes to find some up until the night before the service but still had no luck.
For the day, the council sourced, at my request, and paid for the event to have a lone piper. At the grave site we were joined by the Depute Provost and Deputy Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, they also laid a wreath. Our wreath, which was placed by the grave along with the poppy cross provided by the RADC, was created by the local florist who did an amazing job using the RADC colours. I feel I should acknowledge The Provost of North Lanarkshire, Councillor Jean Jones, as although she desperately wanted to attend herself, she unfortunately had prior engagements. Her work behind the scenes, however, ensured the success
of the day. The community spirit in North Lanarkshire can only be described as outstanding.
Prior to the event, I went to the cemetery to find the grave and check the site.
On arrival, I noticed the area has been cordoned off due to some loose headstones. After speaking with the cemetery
manager about what we planned to do they immediately set about fixing the problems. On the day the whole area was freshly mowed and cleaned and in pristine condition.
I contacted the local Minister, Rev Bryce Calder from St Mary`s Paris Church in Motherwell and he was honoured to conduct a service and worked hard doing his own research on the RADC and had full control of the order of service.
During the service, he not only remembered John but also celebrated the 100 years of the RADC. We were all blown away as it was a very moving sermon.
A minutes silence was included in the service and following this the lone piper played the Pipers Lament. We strategically
placed him at the top of a small hill to ensure it had the best impact. After the service I received an email from the Mum of the piper. She said Griffin was very honoured to
have been involved in the event and sends his best wishes to all members, past and present, of the RADC.
After the service refreshments had been arranged and this allowed some of us veterans to catch up having not seen each other for 8 years.
I can’t say how inspiring it was that
every single person I to spoke to from the council, the church and the cemetery moved heaven and earth to ensure John had the remembrance he deserved.
RADC BULLETIN 2021 41