Edinburgh City Police - PC 489D William Jenkinson 

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Memorial Plaque

Edinburgh City Police

PC489D William Jenkinson

Private 25210 15^th Battalion Royal Scots

Introduction:

William Jenkinson was born in Jane Street, Leith, on 23 April 1893. He was the son of William Jenkinson, a Police Constable in Leith Burgh Police, and Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. His parents were married in Leith on 29 July 1892.

By 1901, William senior was back working as a Gas Stoker and the family were now living in Milton Street, Abbeyhill. William junior was then at primary school.

By 1911, William was 17 and working in an aeriated water works and the family was living in Watson Crescent in Gorgie and Dalry.

On 11 November 1913, William now 20 years old, joined Edinburgh City Police as PC 489D stationed at the West End Police Station. On 1 June 1915, William was one of 96 Edinburgh City Police officers who resigned for the purpose of ‘Volunteering for Active Service with the Army’, mainly the Royal Scots and Seaforth Highlanders. He had enlisted in the 15^th (1^st Edinburgh) (Cranston’s) Battalion Royal Scots, along with many other Edinburgh officers.

After his basic training, William landed in France on 20 February 1916 and was in action almost immediately. William was killed in action on the first day of The Battle of the Somme, 1^st July 1916, 132 days later.

What follows is a record of his antecedents in the Jenkinson, Wilson and Hennigan families.

The Early Years:

Register of Births in the County of Haddington 1865:

According to the Register of Births in the Parish of Haddington in the County of East Lothian, Margaret Wilson was born in Lydgait, Haddington, on 18 June 1865. Her father was Robert Wilson, a Gardener, and her mother, Margaret Welsh or Wilson. Her parents had been married on 2 June 1865.

This was the birth of PC 489D William Jenkinson’s mother.

Register of Births in the County of Berwick 1870:

The Registers of Birth in the Parish of Hume in the County of Berwick for 1870 record that William Jenkinson was born at Hume on 18 January 1870. His father is listed as John Jenkinson, a Farm Servant, and his mother, Isabella Gibb, a Domestic servant. There is no record of his parent’s marriage at this, or any other time.

I have been unable to trace any identifiable record of Isabella Gibb. Three lived in Berwickshire, one was a 68-year-old widow, and living with her two sons and daughters in Duns. One was 15 years old and living with her family in Eccles. The third was 27 and a servant living in Bunkle and Preston. There were also three Isabella Gibbs living in Roxburgh.  William was brought up by the Jenkinson family immediately after his birth.

Census of Scotland 1871 – Wilson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1871, Robert and Margaret Wilson were living with their three daughters at Old Farm of Shaws, or East Houses, Newbattle, in the County of Midlothian.  Those present that night were: -

Census of Scotland 1871 – Jenkinson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1871, William and Isabella Jenkinson and their family were living at Belville, Eccles in the County of Berwick. Those present that night were: -

The grandson is the father of PC 489D William Jenkinson. His father was John Jenkinson, (25).

Register of Deaths in the Parish of Eccles in the County of Berwick 1881:

William Jenkinson, Agricultural Labourer, (63), died at Kaimes East Mains, in the Parish of Eccles, Berwick, on 20 February 1881. His son John registered his death. This was the death of PC 489D Jenkinson’s Great grandfather.

Census of Scotland 1881 – Wilson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1881, Robert and Margaret Wilson were living with their four daughters and three sons at No. 4 Marvingston Cottage, Bolton, in the County of East Lothian.  Those present that night were: -

Going by the places of birth of the younger children, Robert has moved around several times in the last ten years.

Census of Scotland 1881 – Jenkinson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1881, Isabella Jenkinson and her family were living at Kaimes East Mains, Eccles in the County of Berwick. Those present that night were: -

*Author’s Note: Ancestry has a note stating “Mother’s name, Sarah Jenkinson”. That is not what it states on his Birth or Marriage Certificates. Thomas is also listed a being ‘Sarah’s son’.

Census of Scotland 1881 – Hennigan Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1881, James and Sarah Hennigan and their family were living at 45 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh. Those present that night were: -

James and Sarah are the parents of PC 489D William Jenkinson’s future wife, Jane Pullen Hennigan, yet to be born.

Register of Deaths in the Parish of Eccles in the County of Berwick 1887:

Isabella Telford or Jenkinson, (70), widow of William Jenkinson, Agricultural Labourer, of Kaimes West Mains, Parish of Eccles, died there on 2 October 1865. Her son John registered her death. This is the death of PC 489D William Jenkinson’s Great grandmother

Census of Scotland 1891 – Wilson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1891, Robert and Margaret Wilson were living with two of their daughters and four of their sons at Duddingston Mains, in the County of Midlothian. Those present that night were: -

Going by the places of birth of the younger children, Robert has continued to move around several times in the last ten years. Maggie had by now, left home.

Census of Scotland 1891 – Maggie Wilson:

In the Census of Scotland 1891, Margaret Wilson was working as General Servant (Domestic) and living with her employer and her son at 19 Union Street, in the Parish of St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh. Those present that night were: -

*This is an obvious transcription error on Ancestry.

Census of Scotland 1891 – William Jenkinson:

In the Census of Scotland 1891, William Jenkinson was living as a Boarder with the family of John Knowles, (28), a Railway Signalman at 34 Lorne Street, Leith Those present that night were John Knowles wife, two daughters and two sons, a brother and sister-in-law, and a visitor. This is William’s record that night.

Census of Scotland 1891 – Hennigan Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1891, James and Sarah Hennigan and their family were living at 1/47 Ashley Buildings, High Street, Edinburgh. Those present that night were: -

Register of Marriages in the District of South Leith in the County of Edinburgh 1892:

On 29 July 1892 at 8 Salamander Street, Leith, William Jenkinson, (22), a Police Constable of 14 Gordon Street, Leith, after Banns according to the Forms of the Church of Scotland, married Margaret Wilson, (26), a Spinster, of 8 Salamander Street, Leith.

William’s parents were listed as John Jenkinson and Isabella Gibb. Margaret’s were Robert Wilson, and Margaret Welsh or Wilson. This is the marriage of the parents of the future PC 489D William Jenkinson.

It seems that William joined Leith Burgh Police between the 5 April 1891 the night of the previous Census, and before the date of his marriage on 29 July 1892.

Register of Births in the District of Canongate in the City of Edinburgh 1892:

On 7 September 1892, Jane Pullen Hennigan was born at Ashley Buildings, High Street, Edinburgh. Her father was James Hennigan, a Journeyman Hatter, and her mother, Sarah Pullen or Hennigan. Her parents were married on 28 May 1872 in Glasgow. Her father registered Jane’s birth.

This is the birth of the future PC 489D William Jenkinson’s wife.

Register of Births in the District of South Leith in the County of Edinburgh 1892:

William Jenkinson was born on 23 April 1893 at 42 Jane Street, Leith. His father was William Jenkinson, a Police Constable, and his mother, Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. His parents were married at Leith on 29 July 1892.

Register of Births in the District of South Leith in the County of Edinburgh 1895:

Robert Wilson Jenkinson was born on 10 March 1895 at 42 Jane Street, Leith. His father was William Jenkinson, a Police Constable, and his mother, Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. His parents were married at Leith on 29 July 1892.

This is the birth of William Jenkinson’s younger brother, Robert.

Register of Births in the District of Canongate in the City of Edinburgh 1897:

John Jenkinson was born on 4 May 1897 at 4 Milton Street, Abbeyhill. His father was William Jenkinson, a Gas Works Stoker, and his mother, Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. His parents were married at Leith on 29 July 1892.

This is the birth of William Jenkinson’s youngest brother, John.

Census of Scotland 1901 – Wilson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1901, Robert and Margaret Wilson were living with two of their daughters and two of their sons at 201 Easter Road, Edinburgh.  Those present that night were: -

Robert had long since ceased to work on the land and the family are living in the city.

Census of Scotland 1901 – Jenkinson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1901, William and Margaret Jenkinson were living with their three sons at 32 Milton Street in Abbeyhill, Edinburgh.  Those present that night were: -

Census of Scotland 1901 – Hennigan Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1901, James and Sarah Hennigan and their family were living at 16 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh. Those present that night were: -

*Jane is the future wife of PC 489D William Jenkinson.

Register of Deaths in the District of St Giles in the City of Edinburgh 1909:

On 5 February 1909, Sarah Pullen or Hennigan, (56), married to James Hennigan, Hatter, of 10 Arthur Street, Edinburgh, died at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Her Husband registered her death. This was the death of William Jenkinson’s future wife’s mother.

Census of Scotland 1911 – Jenkinson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1911, William and Margaret Jenkinson were living with their three sons at 36 Watson Crescent in Dalry, Edinburgh.  For the first time, married women were compelled to record how long they had been married, how many live births they had experienced, and how many of those children were still alive on the date of the Census. Margaret recorded ‘18 years’, ‘3’ and ‘3’.

Those present that night were: -

Census of Scotland 1911 – Hennigan Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1911, James Hennigan and three of his family were living at 10 Arthur Street in the Southside of Edinburgh. Those present that night were: -

Registers of Marriages in the District of Morningside in the City of Edinburgh 1914:

On 20 November 1914, after Banns according to the Forms of the United Free Church of Scotland, at 8 Shandon Street, Edinburgh, William Jenkinson, (21), a Police Constable, and Bachelor, of 4 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, married Jeanie Pullen Hennigan, (22), a Shirtmaker’s Machinist and Spinster, of 9 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh.

William’s parents were William Jenkinson, a Gas Stoker and Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. Jeanie’s parents were James Hennigan, a Hatter and Sarah Pullen or Hennigan (Deceased).

Valuation Roll for the Burgh of Edinburgh for the Year 1915 – 1916:

The Valuation Roll for Springwell Place, Edinburgh in 1915 records William Jenkinson as the tenant of No. 24.

Valuation Roll for the Burgh of Edinburgh for the Year 1915 – 1916:

The Valuation Roll for Watson Crescent Edinburgh in 1915 records William Jenkinson, Gas Stoker, as the tenant of No. 4.

The Weekly Record – Edinburgh City Police 1915:

The weekly Record of Edinburgh City Police dated 1 June 1915 recorded that 96 officers from A, B, C, D and E Divisions had resigned as ‘Men volunteering for Active Service with the Army’, in his case, “D" Division. The local paper suggested that most of the men were destined for the Seaforth Highlanders, but many of them were intended for the Royal Scots.

Army Records for No. 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 1915:

The Statement of the Services for 25210 Private William Jenkinson show that he enlisted in the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) at Castle Street, Edinburgh on 31 May 1915. He was one of 23 officers from D Division to enlist that day.

William’s Jenkinson’s Army ‘Small Book’, his record of service, records that he was ‘born in the Parish of South Leith’, ‘22 years and 2 months old’, a ‘Policeman’, last address ‘24 Springwell Place’, ‘6’ ½” tall, with brown hair, grey eyes and a fresh complexion’. He had ‘an anchor tattoo on his chest and left forearm’. His religion was ‘Presbyterian’.

He joined the regiment at Edinburgh on 7 June 1915 and on the same date he was posted to the 16^th (McCrae’s) Battalion.

Army Records for No. S/4309 Private Robert Wilson Jenkinson Black Watch 1915:

William’s younger brother Robert Wilson Jenkinson, enlisted, probably in 1914, as Private S/4309 the 9^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), and was killed in action on 25 September 1915. He has no known grave, but is commemorated on the Loos Memorial at Dud Corner Cemetery in France. His mother Margaret was his next of kin on his Army papers.

Army Records for No. 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 1916:

On 6 January 1916, William was posted to the 18^th Royal Scots. His final posting was to the 15^th (Cranston’s) Battalion on 20 February 1916, the day after he arrived in France to join the British Expeditionary Force.

Last Will & Testament for 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 9 October 1916:

On 15 February 1916, at the Battalion’s Barracks at North Camp, Ripon in Yorkshire, William wrote his Will on an Army Form and had it witnessed by two of his fellow Royal Scots.

The law of the time dictated that he include a phrase to allow Jeanie to inherit for “her sole and separate use, her receipt alone, being a sufficient discharge.” William appointed Jeanie as his sole executor. The witnesses were ‘John B. Jackson’ and ‘James Watson’ of the Royal Scots.

Author’s Note: Private 26341 James Watson was killed in action at Loos on 16 July 1916. Lance Corporal 40321 John Jackson of the 15^th Royal Scots was killed in action at Arras on 5 June 1917.

Battle of the Somme 1 July – 1 November 1916:

The first day of the Battle of the Somme, fought between 1 July and 1 November 1916, was the heaviest day of British losses of the war. 57,000 casualties, nearly 20,000 of whom were killed on that day alone.

The 15^th battalion was one of nine Royal Scots battalions to take part in the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916. The 2^nd, 8^th and 9^th battalions had all been through several battles of 1915, and the 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th had all been at Loos in 1915. By contrast, the 15^th 16^th and 17^th were introduced to the Western Front in early 1916 by attaching companies to more experienced units in the field on a rotation.

The battle was preceded by a bombardment of German positions to the north bank of the River Somme. The 15^th Battalion Royal Scots were the first wave of the assault at 0730 on the morning of the 1^st July 1916. They were followed in by McCrae’s 16^th Battalion.

The 15^th Battalion were initially piped into battle by another Edinburgh City Police officer, Pipe-Sergeant, later Pipe Major, David Anderson, whose two colleagues were shot almost immediately. Anderson managed a while longer but was eventually shot. He was unable to continue playing, but did advance towards the enemy. He survived the war and was awarded a French Croix de-Guerre. He can be seen below.

The 15^th Battalion Royal Scots lost 18 Officers and 610 ‘Other Ranks’ that day, among them at least two Edinburgh City Police officers, William Jenkinson, and Alexander (Sandy) Keith. Sandy Keith can be seen below.

Army Records for 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 1916:

Given the number of casualties over the battle, it inevitably took a long time to inform relatives of their loved one’s death. In William’s case, it took even longer, as the telegram went astray due to an error in the address. Jeanie, his wife and next of kin, was finally informed by a telegram on 9 October 1916.

Army Records for 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 9 October 1916:

The telegram simply stated,

“Much regret to inform you that report received from Base British Expeditionary Force states your husband 25210 Pte. Jenkinson 15^th Royal Scots was killed in action 1^st July.”

 The signature on the telegram is illegible.

William Jenkinson’s total service can be seen in the table below.

William, like thousands of other soldiers in that war, has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 6 D and 7 D, France.

Letter to the Army from Mrs Jean Jenkinson Dated 30 November 1916:

William’s Army records contain a letter written by Jeanie in response to a request from the Army to send a copy of her Marriage Certificate. It states:

“Dear Sir.

I am the wife of the late Pte. Jenkinson, 25210, 15^th Royal Scots, you asked me to send on my Marriage Certificate a month ago, which I did on 4 October...”

The letter is part of ‘The Burnt Records’ Army Records destroyed or partially destroyed during World War II. It seems there was delay in Jeanie hearing back from the Army regarding her Widow’s Pension.

Mrs Jeanie Jenkinson’s Army Widow’s Pension 1917:

The documentation regarding Jeanie’s Army Pension records that she was first notified of William’s death on 10 October 1916. Her Claim Form No. 104-88 was received by the Army on 31 October 1916. It was actioned by the army on 8 November 1916.

The Army took until 3 April 1917 to award Jeanie her Widow’s Pension. It was £0.13/9d (13 shillings and 9 pence), per week, the equivalent of £0.69 in UK Decimal currency. That sum was paid weekly from 16 April 1917.

Jeanie also received the sum of £2. 4/- (£2.20) as a payment under ‘Soldiers’ Effects’, for pay due, on 19 January 1917.

Register of Deaths in the District of Morningside in the City of Edinburgh 1918:

James Hennigan, Hatter (formerly), Widower of Sarah Pullen, died on 24 February 1918 at The Home, 43 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh. His usual address was 10 Roxburgh Street, Edinburgh.

His daughter, Jeanie Jenkinson of 2 (sic) Springwell Place, Edinburgh registered his death.

Army Records for 25210 Private William Jenkinson Royal Scots 1922:

William’s entitlement to the British War Medal and Victory Medal is recorded in his Military History Sheet, and the address listed in Jeanie’s handwriting is recorded as 24 Springwell Place, Edinburgh.

An Army Form tear-off slip dated 18 May 1922 and signed by Mrs J. Jenkinson states “I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the British War Medal and Victory Medal granted in respect of the service of Private No. 25210 Jenkinson”.

The documentation for this has the address 24 Springwell Place, Edinburgh.

Jeanie also received the Memorial Plaque which can be seen above along with the two medals.

Registers of Marriages in the District of Dalry & Gorgie in the City of Edinburgh 1920:

On 7 July 1920, at 8 Shandon Street, Edinburgh, after Banns according to the Forms of the United Free Church of Scotland, John Jenkinson, (23), Draper’s Assistant and Bachelor, of 4 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, married Agnes Nimmo Finlayson, (23), a Grocer’s Assistant and Spinster, of 5 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh.

John’s parents were William Jenkinson and Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson. Agnes’ parents were William Finlayson and Agnes Nimmo or Finlayson.

This is the marriage of William ‘s youngest brother.

Register of Deaths in the Parish of Eccles in the County of Berwick 1924:

John Jenkinson, (79), General Labourer (Retired), Widower of Janet Brown, of Leitholm in the Parish of Eccles, died there on 27 March 1924. His Grandson, John Jenkinson of Leitholm, registered his death.

This is the death of the Grandfather of William Jenkinson, the PC and Royal Scot who was killed on 1 July 1916.

Census of Scotland 1921 – Jenkinson Family:

In the Census of Scotland 1921, William and Margaret Jenkinson were living with alone at 4 Watson Crescent in Dalry, Edinburgh.  Two of their sons, Robert and William, had died in the war. John was married and living elsewhere. It is difficult to imagine the grief they had, and were experiencing. They did have a visitor staying on the night of the Census.

Those present that night were: -

Census of Scotland 1921 – Jeanie Jenkinson:

On the night of the Census of Scotland 1921, Jeanie Jenkinson was living as a Lodger at 2 Springwell Place, Edinburgh. There is a note on the form that states, “Householder absent”, so she was the only person present in the house that evening.

Edinburgh Evening News 1 July 1922:

Page 3 of the Edinburgh Evening News edition of 1 July 1922 carried the following two announcements:

“JENKINSON: - In loving memory of our beloved son, Pte. WILLIAM JENKINSON, 15^th R.S., Killed in action on the Somme, 1^st July 1916.

A cherished memory of one so dear

Oft recalls a silent tear.

`inserted by his loving father and mother, 4 Watson Crescent.”

“JENKINSON: - In loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. WILLIAM JENKINSON, 15^th R.S., Killed in action on the Somme, 1^st July 1916.

Fondly remembered by his loving brother and sister-in-law Mr and Mrs J. Jenkinson.”

The End of the Story:

Registers of Deaths in the District of Dalry & Gorgie in the City of Edinburgh 1925:

On 15 November 1925, William Jenkinson, (55), married to Margaret Wilson, died in 4 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh. He is listed as the son of John Jenkinson, Crofter (deceased), and Isabella Gibb or Jenkinson (deceased). His Widow, Margaret Jenkinson registered his death.

There is no record of Isabella Gibb and John Jenkinson ever having married. In fact, John married Janet Brown, (27), an Agricultural Labourer, in Eccles in 1873. His parents are listed William Jenkinson and Isabella Telford.

Scotland National Probate Register Index 1926:

In the Register for 1926 is the following entry:

“JENKINSON, William, foreman Gas Stoker, 4 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, died 15 November at Edinburgh, intestate. Confirmation Edinburgh 12 April, to Margaret Wilson or Jenkinson, 4 Watson Crescent aforesaid, the relict. Value of Estate £803. 5/9d.”

Registers of Deaths in the District of Haymarket in the City of Edinburgh 1932:

On 10 November 1932, Margaret Jenkinson, (67), Widow of William Jenkinson, Gas works Stoker Foreman, died at 4 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh. Her son John Jenkinson, registered her death.

Registers of Deaths in the District of George Square in the City of Edinburgh 1976:

Jane Pullen Jenkinson (Jeanie), (83), Widow of William Jenkinson, Police Constable, died on 7 April 1976 at Chalmers Hospital, Edinburgh.

Her death was registered by her nephew, ‘R. Cawley’ of Bruce street, Edinburgh. Mr Cawley was the son of Jeanie’s sister Annie.

Jeanie never remarried after the death of William in 1916.

I have been unable to find any record of John and Sarah Jenkinson after 1922. It is possible that they may have emigrated or moved south to England?

It is possible that there are still Jenkinson, Wilson or Hennigan or Cawley relatives in and around the Edinburgh area.