Private Robert Nichol

Private Robert Nichol, 12th ( Service ) Battalion, Royal Scots. He was killed in action in France on 23rd March 1918, aged 19, on the third day of the German Spring Offensive ( Operation Michael ) He was the son of John and Helen Nichol, 48, North Hermitage Street, Newcastleton and is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.  He had been employed as a postman when he enlisted in February 1917. He was posted to the 15th R.S. in France but injured his ankle and was evacuated to England. Upon recovery he was posted to the 12th Battalion. He fell during a fighting withdrawal near Gouzeaucourt. At one time it seemed the Battalion would be surrounded and cut off but a breakout was accomplished during darkness to the main British line at St. Pierre Vaast Wood where further heavy fighting took place the following day. The photographs show Allied troops preparing to resist the advancing Germans.