Private George Black

Private George Wade Black, 16th ( Service ) Battalion, Royal Scots. He died of wounds in the 43rd Casualty Clearing Station in France on 23rd March 1918, aged 26. He was the son of James and Margaret Black of Railway Cottages, Darnick, Melrose and is buried in Bac-Du-Sud British Cemetery, Arras, France. Before enlisting with his brother in November 1914 he had been employed as a gardener in Kinglassie, Fife. He was mortally wounded on the 22nd March on the second day of the German Spring Offensive ( Operation Michael). The Battalion were in positions near Croiselles and under intense pressure were forced back to positions in the third line of defence from where they were relieved on the evening of the 23rd March. Casualties were very heavy with 4 Officers and 11 Other Ranks killed and 3 Officers and 137 Other Ranks wounded. In addition 2 Officers and 68 Other Ranks were missing. Missing usually meant killed although some may have been taken prisoner. His brother had already fallen ( see below for details). The photos show British troops in defences awaiting further German advances.