Neil Thomson

12647 L/Cpl

11th Battalion, Royal Scots, 27th Infantry Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division

Age: 23

Date of death: 9 December 1915

Buried: Zillebeke Churchyard, J.1

https://www.theypressalient.com/post/zillibeke-churchyard

Family history: Son of Mr Neil Thomson, of Greencraig Cottages, Crosscroes Farm, Avonbridge. He was employed at East Roughrigg Colliery, Avonbridge before he enlisted on the out break of the war. He went to France, landing there on 11 May 1915, and joined his battalion.

The action that lead to his death

The battalion was providing fatigue parties at Dickebusch when he was killed. This could have been digging trenches, erecting and repairing barbed wire, unloading and transporting stores from the many camps in the area. Gunners of both sides were well aware that this type of activity was carried out in the hours of darkness and would target the lines of communication and assembly areas. He was the victim of a random shell.

Linesman Map showing camps and lines of communication around Dickebusch

He is buried in Zillebeke Churchyard Cemetery. https://www.theypressalient.com/post/zillibeke-churchyard

One of the most visited in Ypres Salient it is known to some as 'The Aristocrats' Cemetery', due to the number of landed gentry, titled and aristocrats buried here. Many of those buried here were casualties of First Ypres being Guards and Cavalry officers.

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Medals Awarded

1915 Star, The British War Medal, Victory Medal