A rare record book containing the names, details and photographs of a group bankers-turned-soldiers during World War I has been donated to the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen.
Originally published as a roll of honour by the North of Scotland Bank, the record book gives a personal insight into some of the lives lost during the battle.
It was uncovered in the archives of the Clydesdale Bank, which merged with the North of Scotland Bank in 1950, and has now been handed over to the museum, where it will be used to help people trace their family history.
As well as the names of soldiers, the volume includes rare pictures and penned background information about each man.
Museum curator Jesper Ericsson said: “It’s rare that we get records which provide such a personal insight into those who lost their lives in WWI – it will be a great addition to the military records available and will be invaluable in providing those looking into their family history with as full a picture as possible.
“With 2014 being the centenary, family history is naturally an extremely popular pasttime – the museum currently gets more than 1,000 requests for information every year and having the book to refer families to will also be a big help in responding to those queries.”
Robin Hewitt, senior manager at Clydesdale’s business and private banking centre in Aberdeen said the organisation was proud to support the museum’s efforts to commemorate not only former staff who sacrificed their lives, but everyone who died as a result of the war.
He added: “It’s a great honour to be able to pass the book on to the museum and we hope that it acts as a valuable resource for families researching their ancestry.”