Private George Raeburn

Private George Gillan Raeburn, 12th ( Service ) Battalion, Royal Scots. He was killed in action in Belgium, aged 19, on 13th April 1918 during the German Spring Offensive on the River Lys aged 19. He had been born in Duns and was the son of Robert and Isabella Raeburn of Spylaw, Kelso and of Kirkhill, Earlston, Berwickshire and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. On that date the Battalion was involved in a desperate and disastrous defence near Kemmel against vastly superior numbers of the enemy. Their sacrifice gained time for their comrades in the rear to form a defensive line. This heroic “last stand” cost the Battalion very heavily. One Officer and three Other Ranks were killed and 3 Officers and 54 Other Ranks were wounded. In addition 14 Officers and 502 Other Ranks were posted missing. Most of the missing were dead although some would have been taken prisoner. His Headstone is inscribed ” Jesus Is Our Saviour Wiping Every Tear, Folded In His Bosom, What Have We To Fear”. The photographs show Allie troops in defensive positions awaiting the on coming Germans.

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