MP Alan Brown recently visited Tower Hill Memorial in London to pay tribute to the fallen from his constituency.

The Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave.

Mr Brown was invited to visit Tower Hill by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Of the many names listed, 13 are associated with the Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency.

Included in these were Fireman, Alexander Crespo from Lugar who died in 1915, Master Hugh MacDonald from Mauchline who died in 1917, and Third Engineer, William Lucas from Mauchline who died in 1915.

Cumnock Chronicle: The Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave.The Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave. (Image: MP Alan Brown)

Speaking about his visit to the memorial, Alan Brown MP said: “I was proud to attend Tower Hill and I thank the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for reaching out and highlighting the connection with my constituency.

“As MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, it is important to me to honour the war dead from our constituency and to pay tribute to their sacrifice.

“The Tower Hill Memorial is particularly significant to our community as it commemorates 13 individuals who were connected to our community, either by birth, schooling, or residence.

“It was humbling to see the names of these brave men and women who gave their lives in service to defend the country during these torrid times. I am proud to say that I lay a wreath every year at Remembrance Services across our constituency to ensure that their memory is never forgotten.

“It is also worth noting that my Great Uncle, Hugh Wilson, is amongst the names of the fallen at the Newmilns Memorial. The sacrifices made by the people of Kilmarnock and Loudoun during both World Wars cannot be overstated, and it is a privilege to represent a community with such a strong connection to the country’s military history.”