Private Robert Kerss

Private Robert Kerss, 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action, aged 19, in France on 9th May 1915 and is commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial, Le Touret, France.  He was the son of Margaret and the late Robert of Nisbet Mill, Crailing.  Before enlisting he had been employed as a forester at the Monteviot Eatate. He fell in the Battle of Aubers Ridge which was a complete failure, achieved nothing and cost the Army 11,600 casualties. Artillery work was poor, the German wire unbroken, and the German positions unreconnoitred. 1st Seaforth was part of the Dehra Dun Brigade, was in the first wave of attack and suffered 509 casualties including 19 Officers without getting much farther than the British front line. The photos were taken during the Battle.