Swinton New Churchyard row – 3 – 2 – Davidson/Skeldon/Ainslie

Transcription

In loving memory of THOMAS DAVIDSON AINSLIE beloved husband of MARY SKELDON who died at Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh on 12th May 1936 in her 69th year. Also their son Capt. GEORGE AINSLIE MC 6th KOSB died in France 16th August 1918 aged 24 years. Also the above MARY SKELDON who died 4th March 1942 aged 73 years. 

There seems to be an anomaly between the date of death of George on the Swinton family headstone and the military account of his death. This is not uncommon given the horrendous circumstances of the Great War.  We have researched further and we think that George was injured on 16th August but did not die until 21st. 

Military record

Captain George Ainslie,M.C. 6th Battalion, Kings Owns Scottish Borderers.He died of wounds in France on 21st August 1918, aged 24. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Ainslie of Earnslaw, Coldstream and is buried in Longuenesse ( St Omer ) Souvenir Cemetery. He was wounded in the successful attack on Hoegenacker Mill in France which resulted in the capture of 297 prisoners. Battalion casualties were 7 Officers and 168 Other Ranks with 25 being killed. His nephew Jock Law lives in Coldstream. He won his M.C. on 25th April during the German attack on Kemmel Hill. A counter attack was organised by 6 K.O.S.B. by Captain Cundle and led with " remarkable dash " by Lt. Ainslie and Second Lt. Capey. This well planned raid captured a Machine Gun and 58 prisoners. His M.C.was gazetted on 26th July 1918 and the Citation reads " For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty durind a retirement. When his company commander became a casualty he assumed command, and by his courageous example steadied his men and collected them repeatedly. Later it was largely through his efforts that the defence was maintained and heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy ".