14903 Private
11th Battalion Royal Scots, 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division
Age: 34
Date of Death: 24.10.17
Buried: Tyne Cot Memorial Panel 11 to 14
Family history: Son of James and Jane, Philpstoun Mill, Philpstoun, Blackness. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a forester. He joined the 12th Battalion Royal Scots and landed in France on 11 May 1915. He later transferred to the 11th Battalion.
The action leading to his death
The Battalion was involved in the Third Battle of Ypres and what was known as the Battle of Passchendaele I which opened on 12 October 1917.
On the 23 October they had taken over the their sector of the line from 6 King’s Own Scottish Borderers near Poelcappelle. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies took over the line and ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies remained in support near Winchester Farm with Battalion HQ in Hubner Farm. At 5pm on the 24 October ‘B’ Company was involved in an operation to clear the enemy from Berks Houses and drive them back. The enemy retired on their flanks only to be taken prisoner by a party from 12th Battalion Royal Scots.
The Battalion was relieved later that night by the 1st Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, 63rd Royal Naval Division and the Battalion withdrew to Irish Farm.
(Linesman Map. Berks Houses are located in the top right of the map)
Medals Awarded
1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
