The Gallant men of Hawick

[michaeldr]

Remembering the 1/4th (The Border Battalion) Kings Own Scottish Borderers (TF) and the gallant men of Hawick.

Not since Flodden, some 400 years earlier, had Hawick experienced bereavement on such a scale. 
In the 1915-16 Gallipoli campaign, 132 Hawick men died; 84 of them on one day - 12th July 1915

above map from 52nd Divisional history

from Ray Westlake's 'British Regiments at Gallipoli' p.93
“... … Moved forward to Parson's Road (front line) and Trotman Road (support) [11th July 1915]
Attacked 07:35 [12th July 1915] – leading wave charged forward and gained first objectives – trenches E10 and E11. Advanced on enemy's third line trench E12, which records indicate did not exist, but heavy fire and casualties forced to withdraw to E11. Gaines held during enemy counter attack [13th July 1915] … … …”

4th KOSB casualties:-
Killed - 12 officers & 319 other ranks
Wounded – 6 officers & 203 other ranks
[Most of the wounded of the 4th KOSB were those hit early in the charge and accordingly close to the captured trenches. Most of their dead lay well behind the new lines which the Turks speedily dug to cover up the gap in their front.]
Taken prisoner – 13 other ranks [of these men, 12 were wounded when captured, 3 died in captivity and 1 immediately after his release.] 

Total 155th Brigade casualties:- 48 officers & 1268 other ranks
Total 52nd Division casualties:- 92 officers & 2427 other ranks
(details from the 52nd Divisional history)

The Hawick plaque which is to be seen at the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli

listen to

 

[Open Bolt]

Michael, thank you for this (and of course the essential inclusion of a map).