A Sense of Duty
Freemasonry has a long history of association with the Armed Forces, with many lodges founded by soldiers, sailors, and airmen over the centuries. There was also a significant growth in Lodge membership following both World Wars as servicemen sought to maintain camaraderie
The Great War (1914-1918)
Throughout the Great War (1914-1918) members from Lodge Thistle Operative No.158 stood shoulder to shoulder with Brother Freemasons and their fellow citizens in defence of our Country.
They answered the call to serve, enlisting in their thousands in the British Army, Royal Navy and the newly formed Royal Air Force.
Freemasons were represented at every rank — from privates and sailors to senior officers - and many made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of the Somme, Ypres and Gallipoli.
Their commitment reflected the core Masonic principles of duty, loyalty, brotherhood, and service to humanity.
In common with other Lodges in towns and cities across the country, our Lodge also supported the war effort locally, raising funds for hospitals, caring for the widows and orphans of the fallen, and contributing to relief efforts for injured servicemen.
In Memory of Those Who Left and Never Returned (1914-1918)
Here are the names of some of our Lodge Thistle Operative No.158 brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during the Great War (1914-1918)
Robert Argent (Age 28): Royal Navy, Duncan Beaton: Royal Engineers, Peter S. Brown: Fife & Forfar Yeomanry, William Crockett: Royal Army, Peter Morrison Galloway (age 34): Gordon Highlanders, Alex Hill: Household Battery, Alvah John Holland (Age 36): Royal Navy, James McCorquodale: Cameron Highlanders, David Mitchell (Age 32): Royal Field Artillery, John B. Sim (Age 32): Royal Garrison Artillery, James Tyrie (Age 47): Royal Navy and George Young: Royal Hussars
To the Present Day
The support for our Armed Services continues to this day assisting serving personnel, veterans, and their families with welfare, housing, career transition, and financial assistance, building on centuries of shared values like loyalty and service.
Remembrance Day (and Sunday) is significant to us as Freemasons because of our deep, historical, and ongoing connection to the Armed Forces, as well as our commitment to honouring the fallen, supporting veterans, and promoting unity.