War hero’s life captured on DVD

Sep 29 2008 By Richard Mooney

A DOCUMENTARY about an Uphall World War One hero has made its way onto DVD for the very first time.

The film, entitled ‘A Soldier’s Return’, is a tribute to Corporal Robert Beveridge, a soldier who lived and worked in Uphall.

His name did not appear on any local war memorials until recently after Manchester-based film maker Charles Sandbach started researching the soldier’s life.

As a young man, Beveridge lost his parents to tuberculosis and, at the age of 21, he found himself thrown into the fields of the Somme in 1917 as war was declared.

He fought on the fields of Point Du Jour, Greenland Hill and many more. He saw many battles in his first year and his bravery was recognised with the award of the Military Medal.

The young corporal was promoted twice just months after he first volunteered.

During the infamous Battle of Passchendaele in September 1917, Beveridge was leading an attack on German soldiers in Frezenberg. He was caught in enemy fire and died instantly on the field of battle at the age of 24.

‘A Soldier’s Return’ tells the story of Robert Beveridge’s story, from his beginnings in Uphall, to his actions on the battlefield, and the campaign to have his name added to the war memorial in Strathbrock Church, Uphall.

You can watch a three-minute preview of the film here.

To purchase a copy of the DVD you can contact Tommy Davidson ASOLDIERSRETURN@hotmail.com, the cost is £10 plus £2 P&P or at Uphall News Agent or Dechmont News Agent.