Memorial for 'selfless' postman

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Link already t story in "the good old days" forum but posted here as a News item.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scot ... 801303.stm

Tributes have been paid to a postman who died in a blizzard while delivering mail 100 years ago.

Robert Cunningham died at the age of 27 after being forced to take a detour across moors near the Ayrshire village of Ballantrae.

He froze to death alone just a short distance from his home.

A wreath will be laid on the moor to mark the 100th anniversary of his death and a service will be held at Ballantrae Parish Church.

Postman Billy Martin will join local residents in paying tribute.

He said: "The story of Robert Cunningham and his selfless devotion to duty is an inspiration to me and all the Royal Mail posties around this area.

"His story is part of local history and legend and he deserves to be remembered across the country."

Andrew Wood, the Royal Mail's area manager for the west of Scotland, said: "Robert Cunningham's story is a poignant reminder of the terrific sense of duty that is an integral part of Royal Mail history."

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Postman who died making his deliveries in a blizzard is remembered 100 years on

http://www.sundayherald.com/news/herald ... ars_on.php

ON A cold and lonely moor near the remote Ayrshire village of Ballantrae, Royal Mail postman Billy Martin yesterday laid a wreath and paid quiet tribute to a fellow postman who gave his life 100 years ago while bravely doing his duty.

On December 28, 1908, Robert Cun-ningham died in a blizzard while delivering the post to the rural hamlets and farmhouses in the braes surrounding his Ballantrae home.

A century later, Billy, 44, from Girvan, who delivers the mail in the same area as his heroic predecessor, laid a wreath at a memorial on the moor where Cunningham perished.
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At just 27 years old, Cunningham had already given 10 years' service as the local postie, and not once had he failed to deliver the mail that was then the only means of communication in isolated communities.

On that day 100 years ago he wasn't about to let a heavy overnight snowfall, or the threat of further wintery conditions, prevent him from discharging his duty.

It was on his journey home after successfully delivering the post, while taking a detour across the moor because the snow had blocked the usual road, that a blizzard overtook him. Cunningham froze to death alone on the moor, just a short distance from the safety of home.

Reports at the time said: "Weather conditions outside the sheltered glen were terrible, and when Robert did arrive home his brother Matthew and two friends set off to meet him.

"Failing to find him, and almost exhausted, they were sure he must have remained at one of the hospitable houses on his route, and returned home.

"The fact that he was missing became certain on the Wednesday and a search was organised. His body was found on the Thursday afternoon, lying on his empty mail sack and covered by the snow."

Today, to mark the 100th anniversary of Cunningham's sacrifice, Royal Mail posties will join with local people to pay tribute to his bravery in a ceremony at Ballantrae parish church.

Billy Martin said: "It is an honour for all the postmen and postwomen in this area to follow in the footsteps of such a brave and heroic postman. The story of Robert Cunningham and his selfless devotion to duty really is an inspiration to me and to all the Royal Mail posties around this area. His story is part of local history and legend and he deserves to be remembered not just here, but across the whole country."

Andrew Wood, Royal Mail area general manager for the West of Scotland, said: "Robert Cunningham's story is a poignant reminder of the terrific sense of duty that is an integral part of Royal Mail history and that our people still feel strongly. His sacrifice is a great reminder to us today of the great public service we provide, and it is with an enormous sense of pride that we mark the 100th anniversary of this brave postman's death."

John McIlwraith, the session clerk at Ballantrae parish church, who will lead prayers today at the memorial, said: "The story of Robert Cunningham is a proud part of our local history. His actions are still remembered by people in the local community and held up as a great example of community spirit and sacrifice. We are very proud to mark this anniversary of a true local hero."

[Barry Trotter]

he was prolly pished and sleeping oan the joab,added mr Crozier.

[Barry Trotter]

should also add there is a significent sized cairn up the road from the village of Moffat dedicated to the mail coach drivers who got trapped in a snow storm and perished there.http://www.phouka.com/travel/other/postman/postman.html