Private Archibald Waldie

Private Archibald Waldie, 9th ( Service ) Battalion, Black Watch. He died in hospital in France on 28th September 1915 of wounds received on 25th September 1915 on the opening day of the Battle of Loos, aged 20. He was the son of George and Mary Waldie of Ellemford, Duns and is buried in Le Treport Military Cemetery, France. 9th Black Watch was part of the 15th (Scottish) Division. He fell in the attack on that part of the German line known as “the Jew’s Nose” This was captured in five minutes but at a terrible cost. The attack continued together with the Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders and Loos village and Hill 70 were also captured. Casualties were so heavy they were relieved in the early hours of the 26th and marched back to Philosophe where the roll call was taken. Out of the 940 who had began the assault. Only 98 unwounded men remained. 10 Officers and 360 Other Ranks were dead and 11 Officers and 320 Other Ranks were wounded. Other missing men came in over the next day. The photograph shows the village of Loos after its capture and the artist’s illustration depicts the Black Watch during the Battle.