Researchers working on a new book about Scottish soldiers who travelled through London during World War I have launched an appeal to find their descendants.

The congregation at St Columba’s Church in Knightsbridge looked after around 50,000 people on their way to or from the battlefields of Europe. Volunteers would wait at Victoria Station for trains and direct Scottish troops towards the church on Pont Street.

They were fed, given time to rest and sometimes put up for the night before being piped back to stations to continue on their way.

Elders at the church plan to include any fresh information on the previously untold story in a book about Scots in London during the Great War.

Church minister the Rev Angus MacLeod said: “The story of the church’s hospitality to visiting Scottish troops is remarkable and moving.

“It will form a central part of our commemoration events next year to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“Any further information we can obtain from the descendants of troops who passed through St Columba’s would be very welcome.”

The congregation would be delighted to hear from anyone with diaries, letters or other material relating to the role of St Columba’s during the Great War.

People are asked to get in touch with Hugh Pym c/o St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont Street, London SW1X OBD or email via office@stcolumbas.org.uk

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