Private William Brockie

Private William Russell Brockie, 1st/4th ( Border ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action in Palestine, aged 22, on the 19th April 19147 during the Second Battle of Gaza. He was born in Leith and was the son of the late Jemima and Robert Brockie of of Galashiels. In his will he named his brother Robert and Uncle and Aunt Joseph and Euphemia of Calfshaw, Caddonfoot as his legatees. He had been resident in Morebattle when he enlisted in November 1914.and is commemorated on the Jerusalem War Memorial. He fell in the attack on the Turkish positions on” Outpost Hill” gallantly led by Major Wattie Forrest of Kelso. The Turkish Redoubt was captured but in the face of mounting casualties, shortage of ammunition and fierce Turkish counter attacks the gains had to be given up with a retirement to the British lines. Major Forrest was mortally wounded on the Turkish parapet and a further 5 Officers and 44 Other Ranks were killed with 9 Officers and 152 Other Ranks wounded. The photos show Borderers in Palestine.

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