Andrew Brown Cunningham

Private Andrew Brown Cunningham

9505 Private

6th Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers, 28th Infantry Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division

Age: 27

Date of Death: 21.4.16

Buried: Tancrez Farm Cemetery I.F.5

Family history: Son of William & Margaret Cunningham, 85 West Carron, Falkirk. He had four brothers. He was a regular soldier and enlisted age 16 in 1905 joining the 1st Battalion KOSB. He saw service in India and Egypt. He was wounded at Gallipoli in 1915 and after recovering from his wounds rejoined his Regiment being posted to the 6th Battalion.

The action leading to his death

The 6th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers was in, what was considered to be a quiet sector on the Franco-Belgian border at Le Touquet, which was about two miles south east of Ploegsteert Wood, Plugstreet to the Tommies. They spent their time in and out of the front line trenches as well as providing working parties. The War Diary records that they also watched the wind for German gas attacks. The trenches required attention and in places rebuilding. On the 20 April the Germans shelled the village of Nieppe, located in the rear area. On the 21 April they shelled La Bizet church attempting to bring down the church tower and fired some one hundred 8’’ rounds in this attempt with no effect. Although, houses were badly hit. They had their billets in the town. The War Diary indicates a casualty by simply deducting one from the roll. Andrew was that number on 21 April and must have been killed in the shelling of Le Bizet. My Five Cemeteries Walk, South of Ploegsteert covers the area in more detail

War Diary for the 20 April shows 32 and 662 & on 21 April shows 32 and 661 on the Battalion roll.

Medals Awarded

The British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Private Andrew Brown Cunningham, King's Own Scottish Borderers, Medal Roll

Headstone

Private Andrew Brown Cunningham. Authors image