Profiles

Chrystal started military service as Private 7721 in an Inns of Court battalion on 22nd November 1915. In March 1916 he transferred to 9th (Scottish) Officer Cadet Battalion and from there was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, a training and reserve battalion in July 1916. He was posted to the 9th Battalion of the regiment which he joined on 19th September 1916. This was a pioneer battalion attached to the 9th (Scottish) Division and had been in France since the summer of 1915. Although fully trained as infantry and able to fight as such if required the pioneer battalions’ main tasks were digging trenches and gun pits, building huts and maintaining roads.  Even when not working in the frontline trenches they were generally well within range of enemy artillery.

c1888, Glasgow

Killed in action during the Arras Offensive.
Said to have been shot while on patrol.

Chrystal’s body was not recovered from its temporary grave and buried at Point-Du-Jour Military Cemetery until 1920. His mother chose the phrase “He that overcometh shall inherit all things”, Rev 21-7 for his gravestone.

Son of Marie L. Chrystal, of Auchendennan, Arden, Dumbartonshire, and the late W. J. Chrystal.

William J Chrystal (1854-1921) & Marion L Alexander (1854->1925)

Chemical manufacturer. Partner in J & J White

Robert A (c1882-), Marguerite F (c1884-1960) Eleanor M C (c1892-1916)

Unmarried

Routenburn Preparatory School, Largs

Worked at J & J White

Not at home – in Ceylon

1917 – Auchendennan, Dumbartonshire

Park Circus, Glasgow

Routenburn Preparatory School, Largs

Scottish National War Memorial
Bonhill War Memorial
Rutherglen War Memorial
Alexandria Parish Church War Memorial
Western Club

In February 1911 Mr & Mrs Chrystal, accompanied by Ian and Eleanor left London for Colombo, Ceylon.

Much of the information on which this profile is based is drawn from various internet sources which are listed below.  The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis also wish to make full acknowledgement and thanks for the permitted use of any information or images generously supplied specifically for exhibition, publication or display in connection with The Roll of Honour and accompanying profiles to Ancestry, and Find my past.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Family Search

Scotlands People

The Long, Long Trail

The Scottish War Memorials Project

The Inns of Court Officers Training Corps during the Great War, by FHL Errington. 1922