Private Thomas Henderson

Private Thomas Henderson, 7th ( Airborne ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action on 18th September 1944, aged 20, during that part of Operation “Market Garden”, the airborne assault on the Bridge over the River Rhine at Arnhem. He was the son of David and Violet Henderson of “Chester House”, Church Street, Eyemouth and is buried in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Armhem, Holland. 7th K.O.S.B were landed by Horsa gliders ( see photograph) west of the village of Wolfheze near Arnhem  with a total strength of 740 all ranks. At Johannahoeve Farm and later at The White House they were surrounded by a superior force equipped with tanks. After ferocious combat the remnants were withdrawn with their comrades West of the Rhine. A role call showed 4 Officers and 72 Other Ranks. This was the Battalion s first and only battle. Before the War he had worked in the Town Council Office in Eyemouth and before enlisting he was a keen member of the local Home Guard detachment. His brother David was serving with the Royal Engineers in Italy whilst his other brother Willie was with the Army Pay Corps.  ( Willie Kerr from Coldstream, pictured below, was one of the few who made it back over the Rhine ).The photos were taken during the Operation.