Private Robert Lough

Private Robert Lough, 1/4th ( Border ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of Gaza on 19th April 1917 aged 24. He was the son of George and Jane Lough of High Street, Ayton and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial. He fell in the attack on the Turkish defences on ” Outpost” Hill. The attack was gallantly led by Major Wattie Forrest of Kelso and managed to capture the Redoubt. However heavy casualties and a shortage of ammunition led to a retirement in the face of increasing Turkish counter attacks. Casualties were 6 Officers and 44 Other Ranks killed and 9 Officers and 152 Other Ranks wounded. ( Major Forrest was mortally wounded on the parapet of the redoubt ).The photos show the Borderers in Palestine.