Relatives of a First World War soldier are being sought in Dundee after a commemoration ceremony.
Private Lewis Magnus Cohen died during World War I and is buried in Garnethill Synagogue, Glasgow. The army recently held a ceremony in memory of his service.
Lewis was one of two soldiers who were chosen to be remembered on October 14.
In the build-up to Remembrance Day, Captain Scott Menzies tasked two soldiers to find two names of people who gave their lives during the war, specifically those hurt in the field who later died of their wounds in the UK.
The other soldier chosen was Major James Dykes Black, MC.
Lewis’ Jewish name piqued the interest of the soldiers and they then worked with Gernethill Synagogue to put together a ceremony.
Cpt Menzies said: “It was quite interesting as the reading was done in Hebrew and then in English.
“We didn’t lay a wreath like usual because that is not in the Jewish faith. Instead, each soldier laid a small stone to show they were there, which is part of the faith.
“There was quite a range of ages there. The synagogue helped make it even more special with the support they gave us.”
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An estimated 1,500 Scottish Jews served in British forces in the First World War.
The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre has compiled a list of 126 who gave their lives.
Lewis was born in Dundee in 1894.
The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre, through a 1911 Census, found as a 16-year old solicitors’ clerk, he lived with his parents Jacob and Julia at 143 Nethergate, Dundee.
The census shows he lived with four siblings at the time — elder sisters Phoebe and Carrie; younger sister Victoria and younger brother Albert.
The two older sisters worked as actresses at the time.
Before volunteering for the war, Lewis worked as a travelling draper, selling cloth.
He joined the 16th (Service) Battalion (2nd Glasgow) highland Light Infantry. He served on the Western Front and was shot through the left forearm at some point in February 1916.
He was evacuated to Glasgow, but died after an operation – suffering from Tetanus on May 11, 1916. He was just 22-years old.
Tony Silverdale, chair of the Garnethill Hebrew Congregation, said: “It would seem quite possible that some descendants could still be traced in the Dundee area, there being a number of children in the family at the time.”
Tony asked anyone would might have information to email him at info@garnethill.org.uk
