Private Mark Hermiston

Private Mark Hermiston, 6th ( Service ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers .He was killed in action, aged 39, on 3rd May 1917 during the Battle of Arras.  He had been born in Eckford, Roxburghshire and was the son of William and the late Janet of Coldstream. Before enlisting he had been employed as a labourer and was living in 23 Leet Street, Coldstream. In a disastrous night attack and without proper reconnaissance the Battalion attacked “Greenland Hill” and advanced deep into enemy lines with no flank support and a weak and ineffectual barrage. “A”, “B” and “C” companies were cut off. Only a few managed to regain British lines. Ten officers were killed or missing along with  Other Rank casualties of 403 of which 51 were killed 152 wounded and 200 missing. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the missing ,on his parents headstone in Lennel Churchyard and on the K.O.S.B. tablet placed in Coldstream Parish Church. The photographs show troops during the Battle.