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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Capt William Forsyth


douglass

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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