Private James Scambler

Private James Scambler, 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was killed in action in France on 25th September 1915 aged 34. He died on the first day of the Battle of Loos along with 79 of his Argyll and Sutherland comrades and is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, France. He had been born in Innerwick, East Lothian and was the son of Richard and Janet Scambler of Branxton, Innerwick, East Lothian and husband of Elizabeth C.M. Scambler of Bilsdean, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire. His Headstone is inscribed ” Father In Thy Gracious Keeping Leave We Now Thy Servant Sleeping”.  He had been employed as a road surfaceman by the North British Railway Company when he, as a Reservist, was mobilised in August 1914. He joined his Battalion in France in August 21st 1914. The first photo shows an actual assault with the troops disappearing into the smoke and gas clouds which the British Army had used for the first time during the War. The second photo shows the village of Loos after its capture. The artist’s illustration depicts a Battalion attack at Loos led by their pipers.

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