Corporal John Wilson

Corporal John Wilson, 8 Platoon, “B” Coy.. 14th ( Territorial ) Battalion, London Regiment ( London Scottish ). He was killed by a bursting grenade in France on 13th June 1915, aged 25. He was the son of William and Annie Wilson of Laws Cottage, Duns and is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, Cambrin, France. At that time the Battalion were in trenches in front of Cambrin with their right flank on the Vermelles Road and he was killed when a bomb he was throwing burst in his hand. He was a native of Swinton and was educated at the Berwickshire High School before joining the Royal Bank of Scotland in Duns. He later moved to a branch in London where he joined the London Scottish which was a fashionable Territorial Unit. The Battalion was sent to France in September 1914 and was one of the first Territorial Units to see action at Messines in October 1914.  His Headstone is inscribed ” Of Laws Cottage, Duns Beloved Son & Brother “.