Private John Ford

Private John Ford, 1st/4th ( Border ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in Palestine on 19th April 1917, during the Second Battle of Gaza, aged 19. He was born in Duns and was the son of James and Janet Ford of 11 South Street, Duns and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial. He fell in the attempt to recapture “Outpost Hill” from the Turks.  The main redoubt was indeed captured but heavy casualties and a shortage of ammunition forced a withdrawal in the face of fierce Turkish counter attacks.  6 Officers and 44 Other Ranks were  killed and 9 Officers and 152 Other Ranks wounded. It was here that the gallant Major Wattie Forrest M.C. from Kelso was killed leading the assault along with 5 of his fellow Officers. Lieutenant John Elder from Coldstream was wounded for the second time. The photographs show the Borderers in Palestine in 1917. The three soldiers are Alec Lawrie, Willie Cockburn and Jim Murray all of whom played football for Coldstream F.C.

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