The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:40 pm Post subject:

PTE. DAVID PRINGLE. Scottish Rifles
David Pringle – age 18 – Private (42464) 9th Battalion, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
David was as apprentice wool-sorter when he enlisted. He had been in France for just three weeks when he died.
Born 1899 in Galashiels. Son of the late Isabella (McLaren) Pringle (died 1916) and of David Pringle of Victoria House, Paton Street, Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 27 April 1918 and buried in Esquelbecq Military Cemetery, France.

PTE. GEORGE C. PRINGLE. Royal Scots
George Cranston Pringle – age 31 – Private (351560) 1/9th (Highlanders) Battalion, Royal Scots.
George enlisted as Private (4391) in the 1/9th Royal Scots.
Born 1886 in Galashiels. Son of Thomas and Jessie (Hislop) Pringle of 26 Livingstone Place, Galashiels.
Killed in Action on 23 April 1917 and buried in Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, France.

PTE. GEORGE H. PRINGLE. King's Own Scottish Borderers
George Henderson Pringle – age 26 – Private (6646) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
George was employed at Wilderbank Mill in Galashiels when he enlisted in the Territorial 4th KOSB in February 1914. He was mobilised in August and landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1889 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] Son of the late Eliza Simpson (Henderson) Pringle (died 1908) and of John Pringle of 54 Scott Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

and his brother

PTE. JOHN PRINGLE. King's Own Scottish Borderers
John Pringle – age 30 – Private (12049) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John had served his apprenticeship as a grocer with his father in Kelso, Roxburghshire before the family moved to his parents' home-town of Galashiels after his mother's death. John landed with his battalion at Boulogne in May 1915.
Born 1886 in Broxburn and Uphall, West Lothian. Son of the late Eliza Simpson (Henderson) Pringle (died 1908) and of John Pringle of 54 Scott Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 19 October 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:48 pm Post subject:

CAPT. LIONEL G. PRINGLE. M.V.O. . Highland Light Infantry
Leonel Graham (Leo) Pringle, Member of the Royal Victorian Order – age 34 – Captain, 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
Leo was educated at Vitzthum Gymnasium in Dresden, Germany, at Sunningdale School, Berkshire and at Radley College, Oxfordshire before attending the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. He was commissioned from there in August 1899 and joined the 2nd HLI. He was appointed M.V.O. on the occasion of the Presentation of Colours by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra to the 2nd Highland Light Infantry in 1903. He was promoted as Captain to the 1st HLI in June 1908.
The battalion were in Ambala, India as part of the 3rd (Lahore) Division in August 1914 and they moved to France via Egypt, landing at Marseilles on 1 December 1914. Leo was badly wounded at Givencchy on 19 December and died as a prisoner of war at the German Field Hospital at St. Sauveur, Lille.
Born 1880 in Ilkley, Wharfedale,Yorkshire. Son of the late Commander James Thomas Pringle, R.N. of Torwoodlee, Caddonfoot, Selkirkshire (died 1902) and of Ann Parminter (Black) Pringle of Southdean, Colinton Road, Edinburgh. (died 1916)
Died of Wounds on 29 December 1914 and buried in Lille Southern Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Caddonfoot Parish War Memorial and on the Sunningdale School and Radley College memorials.

PTE. ROBERT PRINGLE. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Robert Pringle – age 26 – Private (23866) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Born 1890 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] Son of the late Annie (Connor) Pringle (died 1907) and of Thomas Pringle of 51 Stirling Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 3 May 1917 and named on the Arras Memorial, France.
Also named on the Our Lady and St Andrew R.C. Church memorial in Galashiels.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:55 pm Post subject:

SGT. JAMES S. PROVEN. Canada
James Spalding Proven – age 25 – Sergeant (79628) 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry.
James had been a member of the Territorial 4th King's Own Scottish Borderers and had served his apprenticeship in the Galashiels branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland before he emigrated to Canada. He was a bank clerk at the Union Bank branch when he enlisted in Claresholm, Alberta in November 1914. The battalion sailed from Quebec in May 1915 and landed in France in September. James was wounded at St Eloi in April and died nine days later in the 3rd General Hospital at Le Treport.
Born 1890 at Hillwood Mains in Kirkliston, West Lothian. Son of the late William Proven (died 1904) and of Annabella Kinnaird (Spalding) Proven of 27 Bristol Terrace, Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 15 April 1916 and buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Claresholm War Memorial and on the Royal Bank of Canada Memorial and Roll of Honour

and his brother

SGT. WILLIAM PROVEN, Canada
William Proven – age 28 – Sergeant (79124) 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry.
William was a member of the local militia, the 103rd Calgary Rifles, and was working as a carpenter when he enlisted in Calgary, Alberta in November 1914. The battalion sailed from Quebec in May 1915 and landed in France in September. A year later William suffered a gun shot wound to his head and, after treatment in the 26th General Hospital at Etaples, he was evacuated to the Northumberland War Hospital in Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne in October 1916 but he died there some months later.
Born 1889 at Hillwood Mains in Kirkliston, West Lothian. Son of the late William Proven (died 1904) and of Annabella Kinnaird (Spalding) Proven of 27 Bristol Terrace, Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 7 March 1917 and buried in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (St. Andrew's and Jesmond) Cemetery. (CWG)

DVR. JAMES PURVES. Canada
James Purves – age 23 – Private (419146) 42nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry.
James was a teamster when he enlisted at Niagara Camp, Ontario in June 1915. He sailed from Montreal with the 37th Battalion in August and was posted to the 42nd in France in October 1915.
Born 1893 at Newfaan Lodge, Galashiels. Son of the late Mary (Duncan) Purves (died 1894) and of the late Alexander Purves (died 1898)
Stepson of Mary (Small) Purves of 118 Galapark Road, Galashiels who married Alexander in 1896 in Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 15 September 1916 and named on the Vimy Memorial, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:27 pm Post subject:

PTE. FRED S. RAE. Scots Guards
Frederick Smith Rae – age 30 – Private (13678) 1st Battalion, Scots Guards.
Frederick served his apprenticeship as a gardener at Yair, Caddenfoot, Selkirkshire where his father was the Estate overseer. He joined his battalion in France in October 1915 but died in the 3rd Field Ambulance near Ypres in Belgium.
Born 1886 in Dunipace, Stirlingshire. Son of James Smith Rae and of Helen (Smith) Rae of Yair Estate, Caddonfoot.
Died of Wounds on 31 July 1917 and buried in Canada Farm Cemetery, Belgium.
Also named on the Caddonfoot Parish War Memorial.

PTE. JAMES RAE. Royal Army Service Corps
Note: CWGC currently gives, incorrectly, his year of death as 1916.
James Rae – age 44 – Private (MS/3016) Motor Transport, Tractor Depot (Avonmouth) Army Service Corps.
James served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in Galashiels before he served with the Royal Field Artillery at the time of the South African War. He re-enlisted in August 1914 but he was killed in an accident a year later when he was hit by a vehicle at Avonmouth docks in Bristol.
Born 1871 in Galashiels. Son of the late Robert Rae and Christina (Cunningham) Rae of Galashiels. (both died in 1914) Husband of Euphemia (Smith) Rae of 14 Wilderhaugh, Galashiels who he married in 1892 in Galashiels.
Died on Active Service on 21 August 1915 and buried in Bristol (Arnos Vale) Cemetery. (CWG)

PTE. ROBERT RAE. Scots Guards
Robert Rae – age 34 – Private (4636) 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards.
Robert was a reservist and had settled in Canada when he was recalled to the colours. He joined his battalion in Belgium in November 1914 but he was killed six weeks later.
Born 1880 in Castleton, Roxburghshire. Son of the late James Rae (died 1901) and of Elizabeth (Cook) Rae; from 1903 Mrs James Dodds of 1 Paisley Close, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 18 December 1914 and named on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:31 pm Post subject:

PTE. THOMAS W. RAMSAY, Royal Scots
Thomas Williamson Ramsay – age 21 – Private (35754) 12th Battalion, Royal Scots.
Thomas enlisted as Private (25197) in the King's Own Scottish Borderers but he was posted to the Royal Scots.
Born 1896 in Galashiels. Son of the late David Ramsay and of Mary (Williamson) Ramsay of 24 Galabank Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 October 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.

LT. WILLIAM J. RANKIN. Y&L R.
William John Rankin – age 23 – Second Lieutenant, 9th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment.
William was educated at Galashiels Academy before attending the Edinburgh Provincial Training Centre at Moray House in Edinburgh. He has just been appointed to a teaching post in Falkirk when, as a member of the Territorial 6th Royal Scots, he was mobilised in August 1914. He did not go overseas but served as Quartermaster Sergeant (1476) until he was commissioned from Cadet to the Y&L Regiment in January 1917.
Born 1893 in Galashiels. Son of John Dewsnap Rankin and of Mary Turner (Smith) Rankin of 9 Haliburton Place and of 43 High Buckholmside, Galashiels.
Killed in Action on 30 June 1917 and buried in Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm) Belgium.
Also named on the Edinburgh Provincial Training Centre War Memorial at Moray House.

SGT. ALEXANDER RATTRAY. D.C.M. Highland Light Infantry
Not listed by CWGC – out of time limit.
Alexander Rattray, Distinguished Conduct Medal – age 36 – Sergeant (11199) 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
Alexander joined the HLI in January 1909 and by 1911 was serving with the 1st Battalion in India. They were at Ambala in northern India in August 1914 and moved to France via Egypt, landing at Marseilles on 1 December 1914. He was wounded in January 1917 and again in June and while he was in hospital he was awarded a DCM “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Although wounded, he led his platoon forward under heavy fire, and made a gallant attempt to cut through the enemy wire until he was a second time wounded. He showed a splendid example at a critical time.”
Alexander was discharged from the army as “no longer physically fit for service” and was awarded a Silver War Badge (B141365) in March 1919. He was living at 47 Lintburn Street in Galashiels when he was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Gordon in Berwickshire and he died there of tuberculosis.
Born 1888 in Galashiels. Son of the late Alexander Rattray (died 1896) and of the late Janet (Hepburn) Rattray (died 1916)
Died - 12 May 1924.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:45 pm Post subject:

L-CPL. ADAM REDPATH. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Adam Redpath – age 27 – Private (6742) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Adam was a well-known local footballer who played for both Gala Rovers and Gala Fairydean. As a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB he was mobilised in August 1914 and landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed three months later by the premature explosion of a hand grenade.
Born 1888 in Hawick, Roxburghshire. Son of William and Isabella (Willet) Redpath of 33 Douglas Street, Galashiels.
Died on Active Service on 5 September 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

PTE. ALEXANDER REDPATH. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Alexander Redpath – age 24 – Private (29669) 6th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Alexander was a millworker when he enlisted in the Territorial 4th KOSB in January 1910. He extended his term of service in February 1914 and was mobilised in August 1914. He landed with his battalion (and his brother Adam) at Gallipoli in June 1915. He was returned home in December and, as his term of service had expired, he was discharged from the army in January 1916. However he re-enlisted and was posted to the 6th KOSB in France.
Born 1893 in Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. Son of William and Isabella (Willet) Redpath of 33 Douglas Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 3 May 1917 and named on the Arras Memorial, France.

SIG. R. J. I. REDPATH. Australia
Robert John Irvine Redpath – age 24 – Private (1455) 13th Battalion, Australian Infantry.
Robert's parents had emigrated from Galashiels in the late 1880's and his father was the manager of the Onkaparinga Woollen Mill in Tweedvale, Lobethal, South Australia. Robert was a warehouseman when he enlisted at Liverpool, New South Wales in November 1914. He sailed from Sydney in February 1915 and joined his battalion as they landed at Gallipoli in April. Robert was wounded and died on the Hospital Ship “Gloucester Castle” He was buried at sea.
Born 1891 in Lobethal, South Australia. Son of the late Jane (Irvine) Redpath and of Robert Ritchie Redpath who had married in 1879 in Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 7 May 1915 and named on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Lobethal War Memorial.

and his cousin (and his father's name-sake)

L-CPL. ROBERT R. REDPATH. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Robert Ritchie Redpath – age 26 – Lance Corporal (6137) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Robert was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB and was mobilised in August 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1889 in Galashiels. Son of George and Alison (Rutherford) Redpath of Larchbank Street, Galashiels.
Killed in Action on 12 July 1915 and buried in Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Galashiels East Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:56 pm Post subject:

PTE. JAMES K. REID. Royal Scots
James Kimberley Reid – age 20 – Private (49031) 11th Battalion, Royal Scots.
James was a clerk in a tweed warehouse at Station Brae, Galashiels when he enlisted as Private (29543) in the 79th Training Reserve Battalion.
Born 1898 in Galashiels. Son of the late Robert Reid (died 1912) and of Jane (Kimberley) Reid of High Street, Galashiels.
Killed in Action on 18 August 1918 and buried in Le Peuplier Military Cemetery, Caestre, France.

SAP. GEORGE RICHARDSON. Royal Engineers
George Henderson Richardson – age 20 – Sapper (140125) 84th Field Company, Royal Engineers.
George had joined his company in the 20th (Light) Division to take part in the 1916 battles on the Somme.
Born 1896 in Elgin, Morayshire. Son of Robert William Richardson and of Elizabeth Barr (Henderson) Richardson of 106 Galapark Road, Galashiels who had married in 1894 in Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 18 September 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.

and his brother

PTE. JOHN RICHARDSON. Royal Scots
John Richardson – age 17 – Private (16243) 1st Battalion, Royal Scots.
John was a grocer when he enlisted and he joined his battalion in France in May 1915. He died in the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul.
Born 1898 in Elgin, Morayshire. Son of Robert William Richardson and of Elizabeth Barr (Henderson) Richardson of 106 Galapark Road, Galashiels who had married in 1894 in Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 25 June 1915 and buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Nord, France.

PTE. WILLIAM RICHARDSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Thought to be:
William Richardson – age 39 – Private (201528) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was a fruit merchant's traveller, living at 6 Bordeaux House, Kinnoull Street Perth when he married in 1909. He enlisted in Galashiels and joined his battalion as Private (8632) possibly serving in Palestine before the battalion moved to France in April 1918. William was a stretcher-bearer when he was killed.
Born 1879 in Ancrum, Roxburghshire. Son of William Richardson and the late Jessie (Gladstone) Richardson (died 1916) of St. Boswell's, Roxburghshire.
Husband of Elizabeth (Mitchell) Richardson of 54 Scott Street, Perth who he married in 1909 in Perth.
Died of Wounds on 3 October 1918 and buried in Proville British Cemetery, France.
Also named in the Perth and Perthshire Roll of Honour “The Golden Book” as RICHARDSON, W. Stretcher Bearer, 1/4th King's Own Scottish Borderers.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 5:01 pm Post subject:

PTE. ROBERT RIDDLE. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Robert Riddle – age 32 – Private (6911) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Robert was a millworker when he and his brother William enlisted in September 1914. They landed with their battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but they were both killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1884 in Galashiels. Son of William and Mary (Brownlee) Riddle of 2B Waverley Place, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

and his brother

PTE. WILLIAM RIDDLE. King's Own Scottish Borderers
William Riddle – age 27 – Private (6912) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
William was a plasterer when he and his brother Robert enlisted in September 1914. They landed with their battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but they were both killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1888 in Galashiels. Son of William and Mary (Brownlee) Riddle of 2B Waverley Place, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

PTE. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Alexander Robertson – age 47 – Private (200899) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Alexander's family had moved from Earlston to Galashiels by 1881 and he had joined the Border Rifle Volunteers in January 1886. He was employed at the Netherdale Mill in Galashiels when he enlisted in August 1914 and as Private (7563) he joined the 1/4th KOSB in Egypt. He served in Palestine but he died of an intestinal illness in the 54th Casualty Clearing Station at Deir el Belah.
Born 1870 in Earlston, Berwickshire. Son of the late James Robertson (died 1907) and of the late Robina (Hill) Robertson (died 1898) formerly of Galashiels. Husband of Margaret (Ford) Robertson of 4 Dale Street, Galashiels who he married in 1908 in Galashiels.
Died on Active Service on 20 May 1917 and buried in Deir El Belah War Cemetery, Palestine.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 9:37 am Post subject:

PTE. DAVID ROBERTSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
David Robertson – age 21 – Private (40125) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
David was a drummer in the Galashiels Ex-Soldiers' Pipe Band when he enlisted.
Born 1895 in Innerleithen, Peeblesshire. Son of Neil and Sarah Ellen (Sheldrick) Robertson of 130 Lintburn Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1916 and named on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, France.

JAMES ROBERTSON. Royal Navy
James Robertson – age 20 – Able Seaman (SS/6522) H.M.S. Pheasant, Royal Navy.
James was a golf green keeper with his father at Ladhope Municipal Golf Course when he enlisted in October 1915. He joined the destroyer “Pheasant” in November 1916 but he was killed when his ship struck a mine off Rora Head, Hoy, Orkney.
Born 1897 in Stevenston, Ayrshire. Son of James and Elizabeth (Watt) Robertson of Ladhope Golf Course, Galashiels.
Died on Active Service/Lost at Sea on 1 March 1917 and named on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

PTE. JAS. ROBERTSON. COLDM. GDS.
James Robertson – age 28 – Private (6735) 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards.
James enlisted in April 1906 and was a reservist, and a drummer in the Galashiels Ex-Soldiers' Pipe Band, when he was mobilised at the outbreak of war. He landed with his battalion at Le Havre on 12 August 1914, one of the first British formations to move to France. He was wounded at Chavonne and evacuated home in September but he recovered and was able to rejoin his Regiment in February 1915. James died in the 4th Casualty Clearing Station at Lillers near Bethune.
Born 1887 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] Son of Isabella Robertson and of William Clow (died 1904) formerly of Hall Place, Galashiels. Husband of Bessie Ballantyne (Broad) Robertson of Meigle Street and of 16 Hall Street, Galashiels who he married in 1910 in Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 30 May 1915 and buried in Lillers Communal Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Galashiels East Church memorial.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 9:49 am Post subject:

PTE. RICHARD ROBERTSON. Royal Scots Fusiliers
Richard Robertson – age 30 – Private (8668) 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Richard had served with his Regiment in South Africa and in India before the war and was a reservist. He was mobilised and landed with his battalion at Le Havre on 14 August 1914, one of the first British formations to move to France, and he took part in the battle at Mons. Almost four years later Richard was killed by a bomb from a German aircraft.
Born 1888 in Galashiels. Son of the late Margaret (Oliver) Robertson (died 1893) and of Richard Robertson and step-son of Agnes (Lothian) Robertson of 130 Scott Street, Galashiels who married in 1899 in Manor, Peeblesshire. Husband of Helen (Fairley) Robertson of 130 Scott Street, Galashiels who he married in 1913 in Galashiels.
Killed in Action on 23 March 1918 and buried in Wailly Orchard Cemetery, France.
Also named on the Our Lady and St Andrew R.C. Church memorial in Galashiels.

PTE. ROBERT G. ROBERTSON. Camerons
Robert George Robertson – age 21 – Private (S/13359) 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders.
Robert was a butcher, living with his family at 16 Spittal Street in Edinburgh when he enlisted in September 1914. He joined his battalion in France in January 1915.
Born 1894 in Galashiels. Son of Joseph and Agnes (Henderson) Robertson of 16 Spittal Street, Edinburgh who married in 1890 in Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 25 September 1915 and named on the Loos Memorial, France.

PTE. JOHN S. ROBSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
John Shiel Robson – age 27 – Private (29389) 1/5th (Dumfries and Galloway) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
In 1911 John was in Kirkcaldy in Fife but he was in business as a hairdresser in High Buckholmside, Galashiels when he enlisted. He was posted to the 2nd and the 7th/8th Battalions before joining the 1/5th KOSB.
Born 1891 in Galashiels. Son of George and Annie (Douglas or Trotter) Robson of Galashiels. Husband of Isabella (Charters) Robson of 78 Meigle Street, Galashiels who he married in 1915 in Edinburgh.
Missing in Action on 1 August 1918 and named on the Soissons Memorial, Aisne, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 9:58 am Post subject:

L-CPL. GEORGE ROMANIS. R.S. GREYS. Cavalry
George Romanis – age 24 – Lance Corporal (8185) 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys)
George enlisted in early 1913 and landed with his Regiment in France on 17 August 1914. During the year he was in action at Mons, the Marne and Ypres.
Born 1894 in St. Bothwells, Roxburghshire as George Halliday Romanis.
Son of James and Margaret (Halliday) Romanis of 77 Scott Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 1 April 1918 and named on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.
Also named on the Galashiels East Church memorial.

and his brother (killed a few days earlier)

PTE. ROBERT ROMANIS. Highland Light Infantry
Robert Halliday Romanis – age 19 – Private (55390) 18th (Glasgow Yeomanry) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
Robert was employed by his uncle Archibald at the Station Sawmill in Galashiels when he enlisted.
Born 1899 in St. Bothwells, Roxburghshire. Son of James and Margaret (Halliday) Romanis of 77 Scott Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 25 March 1918 and named on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.
Also named on the Galashiels East Church memorial.

and their cousin – James and Archibald were brothers.

PTE. THOMAS P. ROMANIS. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Thomas Peter Romanis – age 23 – Private (6807) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Thomas was a vice-captain of Gala Harriers' Club and was a tweed warehouseman in Galashiels when he enlisted in September 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 and was wounded but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1892 in Galashiels as Peter Thomas Romanis. Son of Archibald and Jane (Henderson) Romanis of the Station Sawmills and of Stirling Street, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 10:08 am Post subject:

PTE. JOHN M. ROONEY. King's Own Scottish Borderers
John Rooney – age 26 – Private (16423) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
John enlisted in November 1914 and landed with the 6th KOSB at Boulogne in May 1915. At some point he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion.
Born 1891 in Melrose, Roxburghshire as John Mulvay. Son of the late Jane (Mulvay) Rooney (died 1903) and step-son of William Rooney of Woodburn Cottages, Clovenfords, Caddonfoot, Selkirkshire who had married in 1893 in Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 8 November 1917 and named on the Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Caddonfoot Parish War Memorial.

PTE. THOMAS J. ROSEBURGH. Highland Light Infantry
Thomas James Roseburgh – age 19 – Private (53601) 14th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry.
Thomas had served his apprenticeship with his brother John at Channel Street and was working as a hairdresser in his father's shop in Market Street when he enlisted in early 1917. He had been at the front for seven weeks when he was accidentally killed when the roof of his dug-out collapsed.
Born 1898 in Galashiels. Son of John and of Agnes White (Smith) Roseburgh of 139 Scott Street, Galashiels.
Thomas was one of five sons who served.
Died on Active Service on 16 January 1918 and buried in Mory Abbey Military Cemetery, Mory, France.

L-CPL. ALEXANDER RUSSELL. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Alexander Russell – age 18 – Lance Corporal (6532) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Alexander was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB and he was mobilised in August 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1896 in Wilton, Hawick, Roxburghshire. Son of Alexander John and Jessie Elliot (Murray) Russell of 9 Douglas Place, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.
Also named on the Hawick Roll of Honour.

SGT. WILLIAM RUSSELL. King's Own Scottish Borderers
William Russell – age 29 – Sergeant (8844) 2nd Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
In 1891 & 1901 William was living with his grandparents Gilbert and Jane Brownlee at 112 Galapark Road, Galashiels. In 1911 he was serving with the 1st KOSB in India where he spent seven years in total before transferring to the Army Reserve. He was mobilised at the outbreak of war and, since his old battalion were still in India, he landed with the 2nd KOSB at Le Havre on 15 August 1914. He was wounded on the Aisne but was able to re-join his battalion at Ypres.
Born 1885 in Galashiels as William Brownlee or Russell. Son of Helen Brownlee and of George Alexander Russell. Husband of Helen (Tyson) Russell of 236 Scott Street, Galashiels who he married in 1912 in Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 23 April 1915 and named on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.
Also named on the Our Lady and St Andrew R.C. Church memorial in Galashiels.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:52 pm Post subject:

SGT. FRANCIS I. SALTON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Francis Ingles Salton – age 22 – Private (29928) 7th/8th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Francis played for Gala Fairydean Football Club and was employed at Eastland Cemetery.
Born 1895 in Greenock, Renfrewshire. Son of James and Elizabeth Ingles (Logree) Salton of 22 Wilderhaugh, Galashiels. Husband of the late Christina Croal (Gass) Salton (died 1915) who he married in 1913 in Galashiels
Died of Wounds on 27 April 1917 and buried in Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun, France.

PTE. ANDREW SANDERSON. Seaforths
Andrew Sanderson – age 32 – Private (8930) 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.
Andrew was a labourer when he enlisted in October 1904. He was a reservist at the outbreak of war, living in Edinburgh when he was recalled, and he landed with his battalion at Boulogne on 23 August 1914. Andrew was buried in Ferme Phillipeaux but was re-interred in Houplines in 1925.
Born 1882 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] as Andrew Sanderson Romanes. Son of Andrew and Jane Ann (Romanes) Sanderson of 13 Gordon Street, Clydebank and of 6 Buchan Street, South Side, Glasgow who married in 1884 in Galashiels. [Ladhope]
Killed in Action on 20 October 1914 and buried in Houplines Communal Cemetery Extension, Armentiers, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:58 pm Post subject:

PTE. ANDREW SANDERSON. Seaforths
Andrew Sanderson – age 26 – Private (2835) 8th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.
Andrew resided in lodgings with Mr John Miller at New Hunterfield, Gorebridge in Midlothian. He enlisted from there and landed with his battalion at Boulogne in July 1915 but he was fatally wounded in the chest three months later and died in the 2nd Stationary Hospital at Abbeville.
Born 1890 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] Son of the late Jane Sanderson (died 1909).
Died of Wounds on 15 October 1915. and buried in Abbeville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France.
Also named on the Gorebridge and Stobhill War Memorial.

MAJ. HARRY SANDERSON. Royal Field Artillery
Harry Sanderson – age 46 – Major, "A" Battery, 65th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.
Harry was educated at Galashiels Academy, at Leeds University and in Bremen, Germany and was a partner in the firm of P&R Sanderson, Tweed Manufacturers in Galashiels. He enlisted in the Inverness-shire Royal Horse Artillery as Acting Bombardier (368) in September 1914 and was commissioned in May 1915. Promoted to Captain in August, he went to France in May 1916. He was wounded on the Somme in 1916 but returned to France at the end of that year. Harry was promoted to Major in February 1917 but he was killed at Monchy during the battle at Arras.
Born 1871 in Galashiels. Son of the late Robert Sanderson (died 1903) and of the late Elizabeth (Cochrane) Sanderson (died 1894) formerly of Knowe Park, Galashiels. Husband of Veronica (Rutherford) Sanderson of Eastmount, Galashiels who he married in 1900 at Hoebridge, Melrose, Roxburghshire.
Killed in Action on 23 April 1917 and buried in Faubourg D'amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 4:04 pm Post subject:

CAPT. HUGH SANDERSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Hugh Sanderson – age 32 – Captain, 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Hugh was educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh before becoming an apprentice manufacturer and a partner with his father at the Comely Bank Mill in Galashiels. He gained a commission in the 1st Roxburgh & Selkirk Volunteer Rifles in July 1902 and as a Lieutenant joined the Territorial 4th KOSB when it was formed in April 1908. He was promoted to Captain in January 1912 and landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1883 in Galashiels. Son of James Sanderson (died August 1915) and of Annie Elizabeth (Crabb) Sanderson of Woodlands, Galashiels. Husband of Christian St. Clair (MacKenzie) Sanderson, of Bylands, Galashiels who he married in 1912 in Edinburgh.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.

PTE. JOHN SANDERSON. Seaforths
John Sanderson – age 20 – Private (S/24591) 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.
John enlisted as Private (1/1035) in the 40th Training Reserve Battalion in March 1917 and joined his battalion in France in March 1918 but he was badly wounded and evacuated to the Edinburgh War Hospital at Bangour, West Lothian where he died.
Born 1899 in Galashiels. Son of William and Lucy or Louisa (McKay) Sanderson of 19 Magdala Terrace, Galashiels.
Died of Wounds on 30 January 1919 and buried in Galashiels (Eastlands) Cemetery. (CWG)

CPL. THOMAS SANDERSON. King's Own Scottish Borderers
Thomas Sanderson – age 28 – Corporal (6703) 1/4th (Border) Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers.
Thomas was a member of the Territorial 4th KOSB and he was mobilised in August 1914. He landed with his battalion at Gallipoli in June 1915 but he was killed a month later during the battle at Achi Baba Nullah.
Born 1887 in Galashiels. [Ladhope] Son of Robert and Margaret (McLeish) Sanderson of 61 High Street, Galashiels and of 13 High Buckholmside, Galashiels.
Missing in Action on 12 July 1915 and named on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey.