Lance Corporal James Boyle

Lance Corporal James Boyle, 9th (Service) Battalion, Black Watch. He was killed in action in France, aged 20, on the 23rd April 1917 during the Battle of Arras. He had been born in Mertoun, Berwickshire and was the son of John and Mary Boyle of 183 Galapark, Galashiels. Before enlisting in August 1915 he had been employed as an assistant grocer in the Ayrshire Market. He had originally enlisted in the Army Cyclists Corps but transferred to the Black Watch in France. He fell in the attack at Guemappe which was only partly successful at heavy cost. When the Battalion was relieved on the 29th after more severe fighting 9 Officers and 66 Other Ranks had been killed and 19 Officers and 361 Other Ranks wounded. In addition 1 Officer and 39 Other Ranks were posted missing. He is buried in Wancourt British Cemetery, Arras, France where his Headstone is inscribed “Eternal Rest Grant Him O Lord”. The photos show troops during the Battle.