Archibald Sneddon worked at the Beardmore engineering factory in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. When conscription was introduced in 1916 Sneddon was exempt because this was a key war industry. As the need for military manpower grew, he became liable for military service. He served in the army at home, and by early 1918 was a Lance-Corporal with 10th Battalion Cameronians on the front line. Sneddon took a collection of objects with him when he and his wife emigrated to the United States in 1923. This story is part of the Next of Kin touring project, revealing family stories of the First World War across Scotland (www.nms.ac.uk/connections/our-national-work/next-of-kin/).
Certificate recording Sneddon’s release from ‘reserved occupation’ status; ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ bonnet with regimental cap badge; Identity discs; Unofficial identity bracelet; Model tank made by a German prisoner of war; Telegram sent to Sneddon; Sneddon’s pay book; Book of psalms and hymns; Photograph of Sneddon in uniform.