Private John Hilson

Private John Hilson, 9th ( Service ) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action in Belgium on 10th July 1917, aged 22, and is buried in Ramscappelle Road Cemetery near Nieupoort, Belgium. He was the son of Richard and Janet Hilson of Sunlaws Mains, Kelso and had been born at Jedburgh. Before enlisting he had been employed at Nisbet, Crailing.  He was a Lewis Gunner and the picture shows a Lewis Gun section in action. On the 10th July the Battalion which was the Pioneer Battalion of the 9th ( Scottish ) Division were repairing and constructing works in front line trenches and suffered 5 Other Ranks killed by shellfire including Private Hilson. His headstone is inscribed ” He Died That We might Live”.