THE names of three servicemen who lost their lives in the Second World War are to be added to Musselburgh’s war memorial in time for Remembrance Day on Sunday.

A bronze plaque bearing their names, which will be attached to the monument at Mall Avenue, is being funded by Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council, which also installed seats at the site in memory of local D-Day veteran Dr Tom Renouf, who died in 2016 at the age of 91.

The names of the servicemen were brought to light by Musselburgh resident Ruth Knight, who was instrumental in having a fountain at The Mall turned into a Second World War memorial.

She was also involved in the publication of a book with the names and photographs of the 600 people from the Musselburgh area who died in the First World War, including nurse Helen Wood.

The trio whose names will be added to the Second World War memorial are: Alexander McGregor Dowie, merchant navy mate; James Fleming Lang, trooper, RAC Tank Regiment; and Andrew Beattie Paxton, assistant steward, merchant navy.

Mrs Knight said that the names became known after the memorial was established and would now be inscribed on it in remembrance of the three servicemen.

The community council has also launched its annual poppy appeal in aid of the Royal British Legion which, over the past 10 years, has raised £70,000 to help provide lifelong support for the Armed Forces community, with about £8,000 raised last year alone.

Collecting cans and poppies, including some poppies designed to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, will be available at local outlets. Volunteers – including the army, sea and air cadets – also offer their support for the community council’s poppy collection each year.

The town is preparing for its two Remembrance Day services and wreath-laying ceremonies next Sunday: one at the First World War memorial at St Michael’s Church, Inveresk, at 10.50am; and another, conducted by local clergy, at the Second World War memorial at The Mall at 12.30pm.

A parade makes its way from the Old Town Hall in Musselburgh to Inveresk, then back to The Mall.

Afterwards, participants gather at the Hollies Day Centre for a reception arranged by the community council, with refreshments.

Irene Tait, community council chairwoman, said: “It is very important that the community turns out to support Remembrance Day and to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.”

The community council was one of the first in Scotland to hold an event to mark the start of the First World War in 2014 with its Musselburgh Remembers, 1914-18 commemoration.

Stuart Baxter, manager of Musselburgh Area Partnership, said: “It is extremely important to remember those from all walks of life who laid down their lives for us and that all of the names of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are included on the memorial.

“Musselburgh Area Partnership are pleased to support Musselburgh and Inveresk Community Council in placing the three missing names on the memorial in time for Remembrance Day.”

Ward councillor John Williamson added: “The community council and Ruth Knight have done a wonderful job in ensuring that all of Musselburgh’s Second World War dead are remembered.

“The addition of a further three names to the memorial hopefully completes the task and surviving relatives have the comfort of knowing that their loved ones’ sacrifice has not been forgotten.”

Fellow ward councillor Katie Mackie said: “It would seem fitting that those that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country are commemorated and their names added.”

And Councillor Andy Forrest said: “It is fantastic that these missing names were found out and will now be added. They gave their lives so we can have the lifestyles we have and made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”