The Labour Corps- National Memorial

• First World War (1914-1918)
  Total names on memorial: 0
  Served and returned: 0
  Died: 0
  Exact count: yes
  Information shown: Undefined
  Order of information: Undefined
• Regimental Memorials
  Total names on memorial: 0
  Served and returned: 0
  Died: 0
  Exact count: yes
  Information shown: Undefined
  Order of information: Undefined

• Window
  Measurements: Undefined
  Materials: Stained Glass

• Labour Corps WWI National Memorial Window
• WMO ID: 153496
• Condition: Good [last updated on 27-11-2019]
• Help update these details if the condition is wrong
• 

Comments: Until Defence Cuts in 2005 the Royal Ordnance Corps had paid the insurance costs on a window then valued at £135,000

• warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=1616&mforum=warmemscot
• From the church website: Riverside Methodist Church, Rattray, Blairgowrie Press Release Church decides to move out of 127 year old building The Methodist church have agreed that they will move out of their 127 year old building in Riverside Road, a landmark building in Blairgowrie. Members of the church council made the decision at a meeting on 1st May because they can no longer afford the upkeep and running costs of the historic 200 seat church. As well as the enormous heating costs there are also expensive issues to be dealt with in the fabric of the building. This decision was not made lightly. The church has a proud history in Blairgowrie since opening in 1887. In 1885 Mr David Borrie, a local businessman, had left his fortune for the building of a Methodist church in the town. The church contains several stained glass windows including a large war memorial window honouring those from The Labour Corps regiment who gave their lives in the first world war. The organ in the church is an historically significant instrument made in 1870 by Peter Conacher. The church will continue to meet in their building on Riverside Road whilst their professional advisers investigate possibilities for the future of the site. Once the future of the building is finalised, the church plan to continue to meet for worship and other activities at another venue in the town. Ends.
• Glasgow Herald 8 May 1922 for the cost
• Labour Corp Memorial Window Towards the end of 1977, exactly 55 years after it was unveiled and dedicated, the only National War Memorial Window in a Methodist Church to the men of the Labour Corps who gave their lives in the 1st World War was vandalised, and quite seriously damaged. The Minister and members of the Church Council decided that a detailed history of the window should be produced, and although little information is now available, it is known that in 1922 the sum of £800 was paid to the artist Mr. R.A. Bell, R.A. From early in 1917 Blairgowrie was the Headquarters of the Corps and during the two years following, well nigh 20,000 men of all ranks passed through the Headquarters. The average number of men stationed here being 3,000 to 4,000. Over 7,000 Officers, NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers) and Men were killed or died of wounds or sickness in many parts of the world. The Memorial Fund was started by contributions of the Officers and men of the Labour Corps in 1919 and over 1,300 of its ranks subscribed to it. It was their desire that the memorial should take the form of a stained glass window in the Riverside Church, in which thousands of the men had found retreat and a very pleasant social centre at the Church, (Rev. J.Sutcliffe Allen was minister at that time). This memorial window will stand as a token of remembrance and gratitude to them for their work well done and their splendid example of Christian and human ideals. In giving honour to all and remembering those who made the supreme sacrifice, let us not forget the living.
• The Perth and Kinross ‘Doors Open’ website for September 2008 has the following entry: Riverside Methodist Church, Boat Brae, Rattray Description On the eastern bank of the River Ericht stands the Riverside Methodist Church. This church was built in 1887 by Alyth born architect David Smart. It is an unusual and curious design in that it looks very like an English country church with its decorative window moulds and stone spire, but, of course, all built of Perthshire Old Red Sandstone. Inside the church is the 'National War Memorial Window' that was dedicated to the men of the Labour Corps on the 2nd of December 1922. In 1917, Blairgowrie was the H.Q. of the Labour Corps with 20,000 men of all ranks passing through the town. Both officers and men contributed towards the memorial fund in recognition of the hospitality of Blairgowrie and the welcome retreat offered by the Riverside Methodist Church. Architect: David Smart Building Date: 1887"
• LABOUR CORPS WAR MEMORIAL According to my promise to all who subscribed over three years ago to this memorial, I have pleasure in sending you a picture and description of the window, now erected in the Riverside Church, Blairgowrie, and inviting you, if you should be able to attend, to the UNVEILING and DEDICATION, on Saturday 2nd December. The committee was most fortunate in securing an artist, Mr Robert Anning Bell R.A., of Glasgow and London, one of, if not the most distinguished of stained-glass artists in Great Britain. The craftsmanship has been, under his direction, executed by the famous firm of Messrs J. & W. Guthrie & Andrew Wells Ltd., of Glasgow. The result is a memorial, we trust, in some degree, worthy of the sacrifices commemorated. I do not think there will be found in the country any memorial to surpass it in artistic beauty, in the wealth of appropriateness of its symbolism, or in the integrity of its craftsmanship. It will be one of the most permanent treasures of art in Scotland, and will witness, we believe, for centuries to come, the heroism and devotion of the men who gave their lives, serving in the Labour Corps. We are endeavouring to secure special railway facilities for any who may wish to be present at the Dedication. With all good wishes I am, yours faithfully, J. SUTCLIFFE ALLEN