A Belgian woman who adopted the grave of an Aberdeen-born First World War soldier is trying to find his surviving family.
Ilka Tygat Van Der Meer decided to start looking after the memorial to Private William Cruickshank, who is buried at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission site just outside of Ypres in Belgium, after a friend suggested she take part in the American Legion’s “Adopt a US Tommy” project.
Although Private Cruickshank was born in Aberdeen, he served in the Great War with the Fourth Canadian Mounted Rifles unit, having moved across the Atlantic at some point in his life.
As part of the adoption programme, Mrs Van Der Meer has been tending to the Aberdonian’s gravestone by dropping off flowers on his birthday and other special occasions, but now she wants to speak to his living relatives to find out if they can better help her keep his memory alive.
The 27-year-old said: “I live about nine miles from Ypres, and have always had a strong interest in the war because every day we see the evidence of the war.
“So I have William now, and I’m trying to dig as deep as I can into history to find out who he was, but it’s been hard.
“It’s strange, because he was 27 when he passed away so it’s really like we have some sort of connection.
“His grave is only three miles from where I live, so when I’m going to Ypres I like to stop and say hi to him.”
Mrs Van Der Meer added: “He was born in Scotland, and moved to Canada, but because he lived for a while in the USA he is an official US Tommy.
“While I was searching I couldn’t find any solid links to the USA, only that he lived for a while in Ohio and worked as an optician, but that’s it.
“He was born in Aberdeen, and his mother’s address was Forest Avenue in the city.
“I know some of his special days, like when he died and his birthday, but want to know more.”
Private Cruickshank died on June 2, 1916.
His mother was called Margaret Cruickshank, and his three sisters were called Chrissie, Mary and Eleaner, and his brother was called Norman.
Anyone who wishes to help Mrs Van Der Meer can email her on ilkavdmeer@hotmail.com
