A FORMERLY unknown Scottish soldier who lost his life in Italy during the Second World War will have his name inscribed on the Dollar War Memorial.
Private George Alister Walker Ewan was discovered to have lived in the town before joining the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
He was wounded in action in the Vaiano area of Italy around June 21, 1944, before being buried by either the German army or local civilians.
Initially put down as an unknown soldier, work was done to identify his body more than 80 years later, revealing he moved to Dollar when he was a year old.
Now, in his memory, Private Ewan will have his name added to the town’s war memorial, between Bridge Street, Henderson Place and Devon Road.
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Provost Donald Balsillie had championed the late soldier’s name to be included on the monument.
He said: “I’m delighted that he’s finally being recognised and we can put his name on the war memorial.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to our cemeteries service who have worked hard to make this happen, it was their hard work to gather evidence and go through protocols.
“It’s important that the fallen get proper recognition so I’m delighted that he’ll be recognised in his hometown.”
His remains were recovered after the war, with historians finding his cap badge to confirm he had been a member of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
An independent researcher looked into the case and submitted evidence to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) that concluded he was born in Canada before moving to Dollar in 1916.
A ceremony will be held in the near future to officially unveil Private Ewan’s name on the monument.
The addition of his name to the Dollar War Memorial was made possible through correspondence between Clackmannanshire Council, the Ministry of Defence and Keith Brown MSP.
Mr Brown added: “This recognition is long overdue, and I pay tribute to all those involved in the research and advocacy that led to his identification and rededication.
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“Now, with his name on the memorial, future generations in Dollar and the wider constituency will have the opportunity to reflect on his service.
“I would like to thank Clackmannanshire Council, and particularly Provost Donald Balsillie, for their commitment to this.
“I look forward to the upcoming ceremony where we can all pay tribute to Private Ewan’s memory.
“This is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and I hope this serves as a lasting tribute to Private Ewan’s courage and dedication.”
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