352616 Private
16th Battalion Royal Scots, 101st Infantry Brigade, 34 Division
Age: 20
Date of Death: 16.4.18
Buried: (Royal) Berkshire Corner Memorial Panel 1
Family: Son of James and Elizabeth McLellan, 101 Stewart Road, Falkirk. Prior to being called up in August 1916, he was employed as a clerk at the Callendar Iron Foundry.
The action leading to his death
The 16/Royal Scots became involved in what was to be termed the Battle of the Lys or as the Germans called their offensive Operation Georgette. On the 14 April the battalion had taken up position along the railway at Bailleul Station with forward posts about 200 yards south of the railway.
Due to heavy casualties sustained in the earlier fighting from 8 April, the battalion had been amalgamated with the 15/Royal Scots to form a composite battalion. On the 16 April the Germans made several attempts to break through but these were repulsed by artillery and machine gun fire. The German artillery fire was heavy and concentrated and this resulted in a number of casualties. German sniper fire was also active and resulted in casualties.
Medals Awarded:
The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Kommentare