2nd Lt William Ballantyne, 1st Bn Black Watch

[Tom Lang]

2^nd Lieut William Ballantyne, 1^st Bn Black Watch, formerly Pte 1455 14^th Bn London Regiment

Born 6 Feb 1890 at Drochil Cottages, Kirkurd & Newlands, Peeblesshire, the son of John Ballantyne and Christina Todd, William was killed at Hohenzollern Redoubt, France, while serving with the 1^st Bn Black Watch, on 13 Oct 1915.

William served his apprenticeship at Biggar, Lanarkshire, and went to London to continue his capacity as a commercial salesman.

William attested on 3 Apr 1911 at the age of 21 and joined the 14^th Bn ‘London Scottish’ as Private 1455 for a term of 4 years.

On 5 Aug 1914 he was mobilized and went to France with his Battalion on 15 Sep 1914.

He was wounded in Nov 1914 and admitted to No 13 General Hospital, Boulogne, France, due to “Deafness”.

On 11 Nov 1914 he was evacuated by Hospital Ship to the UK.

He rejoined his Battalion on 17 Mar 1915.

On 31 Mar 1915 he was appointed to Lance Corporal.

On 14 May 1915 he was appointed Corporal.

On 5 Jul 1915 he was appointed Lance Sergeant.

On 11 Jul 1915 he was promoted Sergeant.

He was Gazetted to the 1^st Bn Black Watch in 18 Sep 1915, and fell in action on 13 Oct 1915, age 25.

Remembered with Honour on Panels 78 - 83, Loos Memorial.

He is commemorated on the Peebles War Memorial and also on the Blythe Bridge War Memorial.

He is also listed in the Book of Remembrance at Peebles Library.

Lest We Forget!

[Moriaty]

Members of the Black Watch were at the Hohenzollern Redoubt on Saturday 10th October for the centenary commemorations of the fight for the redoubt.

[Tom Lang]

Members of the Black Watch were at the Hohenzollern Redoubt on Saturday 10th October for the centenary commemorations of the fight for the redoubt.

Thanks for the info and the photos.

Kindest Regards,

Tom Lang.