douglass Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Hi all, I am currently compiling a booklet about men from the parish of Cockburnspath and need details of Captain William Forsyth who was Killed in Action 1915. Do any of the Gordon enthuisasts have any photograhs or information regarding his service. I believe he first served in Dec 1879 when he joined the Volunteers (University of Edinburgh) the KOSB Then onto Lothian and Borders Horse for 12 years and8 years with the Royal Highlanders and 8 years with the 7th Gordons until KIA. I got the above info from the local paper of the day but need to find a photograph which would complete his details. any help greatly received regards douglass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grantowi Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 From SDGW: Regiment, Corps etc.: Gordon Highlanders Battalion etc.: 7th (Deeside Highland) Battalion (Territorial) Last name: Forsyth First name(s): William Initials: W Decoration: Rank: CAPT Date died: 20 October 1915 How died: Died of wounds From CWGC: Name: FORSYTH, WILLIAM Initials: W Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn. Age: 51 Date of Death: 20/10/1915 Additional information: Son of Ebenezer and Helen Nelson Forsyth, of Blackburn, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire; husband of Mary Rennie Forsyth, of 37, Selsdon Rd., West Norwood, London. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. A. 8. Cemetery: ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglass Posted 17 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Hi Grant, Blimey that was quick!!! many thanks for the details regards douglass From SDGW: Regiment, Corps etc.: Gordon Highlanders Battalion etc.: 7th (Deeside Highland) Battalion (Territorial) Last name: Forsyth First name(s): William Initials: W Decoration: Rank: CAPT Date died: 20 October 1915 How died: Died of wounds From CWGC: Name: FORSYTH, WILLIAM Initials: W Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Captain Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders Unit Text: 1st/7th Bn. Age: 51 Date of Death: 20/10/1915 Additional information: Son of Ebenezer and Helen Nelson Forsyth, of Blackburn, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire; husband of Mary Rennie Forsyth, of 37, Selsdon Rd., West Norwood, London. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. A. 8. Cemetery: ST. PIERRE CEMETERY, AMIENS Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grantowi Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Douglass, I see from the SDGW site that he died of wounds and not KIA, It might pay to ask one of the cleverer ones on here about the Gordons actions during that time to try and pinpoint when he was injured. Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Harland Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Douglass, sadly there is no picture of him in the Edinburgh University Roll of Honour. B 1864, he went to Cockburnspath and then to Wellfield academy, Duns. Student of Law 1887-8, and a Solicitor, so I presume he made his way iup as an articled clerk. 2nd VB KOSB 1879 Lothian and Berwickshire Teo 12 yrs 2nd VB Royal Highlanders eight years 7th Gordons Captain VD 1907, TD 1914. KIA as above Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolann Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Hi Douglass I found a William Forsyth in the 1881 census for Scotland is this your man? William FORSYTH Son Unmarried Age-16 born Coldingham, Berwick, Scotland Lawyers Apprentice Dwelling: Blackburn Farm House Father - Ebenezer FORSYTH Head Married Age-67 born Coldingham, Berwick, Scotland Farmer 2000 Ac 1480 Ar Emp 18 Men 8 Females Mother - Helen FORSYTH Wife Married Age-46 born Chirnside, Berwick, Scotland He also has 3 more brothers and 4 sisters all listed in the 1881 Scottish census for Berwickshire. John 10 years old Even 18 years old George 6 years old Alice 1 year old Anna J 12 years old Helen 4 years old The only thing I am not too sure of is the fact that he is a Lawyers Apprentice. If this is your man, I can find out a bit more with regard to the family history if you wish. Cheers Carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolann Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 Hi Douglass here is a bit more family history information. William Forsyth born on *13th April 1864 Coldingham, Berwick. *It looks like the 13th Ebenezer and Helen mother and father were married on 19th Feb 1862 Coldingham This is the 1891 census for Scotland. Name: William Forsyth Age: 26 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1865 Relationship: Boarder Where born: Coldingham, Berwickshire Kirkcaldy and Abbotshall Civil Parish: Kirkcaldy and Abbotshall County: Fife Address: 4 East Fergus Pl Occupation: Solicitor Cheers Carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky53 Posted 17 March , 2008 Share Posted 17 March , 2008 From War Diary:- Authuille / 14.10.15 3.45 p.m. Our howitzers opened fire on German lines. 3.50 p.m. Germans retaliated with 3 trench mortars which landed in Thiepval Point South causing the following casualties :- Captain W. Forsyth – wounded 2/Lieut. D. A. Simpson – wounded 2 Other Ranks killed 3 Other Ranks wounded. In addition to the above casualties No.3395 Pte. A. Clark wounded by sniper. One shelter was smashed but otherwise no material damage to trench. The direction of the trench mortars was noted and the howitzers were asked to retaliate. 3.55 p.m. The howitzers retaliated. It was too misty to observe their fire. The Germans did not retaliate. 5.45 p.m. Germans shouted over “How did you like that boys. Good Night.” Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglass Posted 18 March , 2008 Author Share Posted 18 March , 2008 Hi Jane, (Sparky) tried sending a P.M but showing error as your inbox is full so I am unable to send my email address. Hope you see this Thanks again douglass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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