Private Arthur Clazie

Private Arthur Clazie, 1st/4th ( Border ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action in Palestine on 19th April 1917, aged 22. He was the son of Mrs Agnes Clazie of Ladykirkshiels, Coldstream and is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, Gaza, Israel. He fell during the Second Battle of Gaza when the Battalion suffered heavily in the attack on “Outpost Hill”.  The Turkish redoubt on top of the hill was captured in an attack gallantly led by Major Wattie Forrest from Kelso but heavy casualties and lack of ammunition meant the position could not be held amid fierce counter attacks and the survivors were forced to retire to the start lines. Casualties were 6 Officers and 47 Other Ranks killed and 9 Officers and 152 Other Ranks wounded. ( Major Forrest was mortally wounded on the Turkish parapet ). He had been born in Whitsome, enlisted in Duns and resided in Chirnside. The photos show the Battalion in Palestine in 1917.