A PORT Glasgow soldier who died a hundred years ago will be commemorated tomorrow at a special wreath-laying service in the town’s cemetery.

Private Neil McGlynn was injured fighting at the World War One Loos offensive in France.

He was shipped back to Britain, but died of his wounds on 10 October 1915 at the age of 20.

Now one of his relatives will pay a moving tribute to mark the sad anniversary.

Alex Mallia, 29, is part of a Living History Society specialising in Scots of the Great War. They will wear WW1 uniforms to perform their acts of remembrance.

He said today: “Neil was the son of Susan and Neil McGlynn, a boat builder in the local docks.

“Raised in Ropework Lane, Neil was the brother of my great-grandmother, Isabell McGylnn, and brother-in-law of my great-grandfather, William Kitchen, a local reservist.

“Neil joined the Army in Hamilton at the outbreak of war in September 1914.

“Enlisting in the 12th Highland Light Infantry, a Lowland based regiment, he was sent to France to prepare for the Loos offensive.

“He was wounded and sent back to Hamilton Hospital, where he died from his wounds — one of thousands who died of wounds on Scottish soil.

“He was laid to rest in Port Glasgow Cemetery by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission among many men in the area of many regiments. There are many Commonwealth war graves in this cemetery and in the UK.” Alex, a head chef who was born in Essex and lives in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, said a wreath will be laid on Neil’s grave, and 58 poppy crosses placed on other Commission gravesites in Port Glasgow cemetery from both world wars.

He said: “The Society’s aim is to highlight the sacrifice made by the local men of the area.

“We portray many regiments and I have been used as an extra on film sets such as Downton Abbey, Blue Peter and Private Peaceful.” The ceremony will take place between 10am and 11.15am.