Lieutenant Robert Sinclair

Lieutenant Robert Sinclair, 2nd Battalion, Black Watch. He was killed in action, aged 33, on the 9th May 1915 and is buried in Cabaret Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France. He had been born inEdinburgh and was the son of William and the late Ann Sinclair of Manse Lodge, Linton, Roxburghshire. He was a Regular soldier and had spent 15 years in India. By August 1914 he was a sergeant and was commissioned in April 1915. He fell during the Battle of Aubers Ridge which was designed to aid a French offensive in Artois. The artillery ammunition was limited and so bombardment was very weak helping to ensure the Battle was a complete failure which cost the British Army 11,000 casualties for no gain. The 2nd Black Watch had 3 Officers and 69 Other Ranks killed with 5 Officers and 157 Other Ranks wounded. In addition 36 Other Ranks were posted missing.  A total of 270 out of the 450 involved in the attack. The Battalion history says of Lt. Sinclair ” he gave a magnificent example of gallant leading and was killed close to the German parapet to which his determined valour had carried him. None died with greater glory that day”. He had postponed leave to take part in the Battle. His body was later found with 8 of his platoon beside him.  The photos show troops before and during the Battle.

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