This website complements the book 'The Democracy of War - Anstruther and Cellardyke in the First World War' written by Kevin Dunion and published by the Kilrenny and Anstruther Burgh Collection.

 

The Book -The Scottish coastal communities of Anstruther and Cellardyke lost over 100 men (and one woman) in the First World War. The book shows that almost every facet of the conflict can be traced through their experience. The 180 pages draw upon extensive research to document what happened to all those commemorated on the memorials, and is augmented by material provided by their relatives such as letters from the trenches, postcards from POW camps and photographs of the men in uniform and in their civilian life.  However the book goes far beyond personal accounts and places the local experience into the context of the war and also the nature of remembrance.
The end of the war saw local disputes as to how those who died, and those who returned, should be celebrated. The fact that there are separate memorials at either end of these adjacent communities shows the strength of feeling, and division, which commemoration engendered.A summary of each chapter is here 

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On The Memorials -  brief details of each of those who died, gathered from official records, military histories and local newspapers is set out in the order shown on the Anstruther and Cellardyke memorials.

Research Update - records what new or revised information  has been gathered since the publictaion of the book. Links to the Democarcy of War Update which contains full details of all updated information.

Photo Gallery - material gathered from relatives, the press, and from the archives of the Burgh Collection has been copied and captioned in our photo gallery. This has images not included in the book. 

( Photo: Waid Academy senior pupils 1905)
 

News - news about the book.

Contact/ Links - how to get in touch plus useful links for more information.

FAQs - why is it called The Democracy of War? why is it the Kilrenny and Anstruther Burgh Collection?

Guestbook/Comments - You can comment on this site or raise queries through the Guestbook. The purpose of this site is to gather in more information about Anstruther and Cellardyke in the First World War.  We would like to know even more about those who served. We wouid also like to know far more about those who stayed at home - about the women who worked in the factories and farms; and their fundraising efforts. Tell us about letters, photos, postcards or memorabilia through the Guestbook. You can also send us information by post or e-mail - see Contact/Links. 


The Democracy of War is on sale in Waterstones, St Andrews and East Neuk Books, Rodger Street, Anstruther which handles mail order sales.