Private John Currie

Private John Currie, 6th (Service) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action in France, aged 35, on the 3rd May 1917 during the Battle of Arras. He had been born in Selkirk and was the son of Thomas and Helen Currie of 85 Magdala Gardens, Galashiels and the husband of Alexi Currie of 202 Galapark, Galashiels. He had studied at the Glasgow School of Art and on the outbreak of War he was teaching art in Edinburgh. he was about to take up a post as Art Master in the Academy and technical School in Galashiels when he was mobilised. He fell in the disastrous unreconnoitred night attack on the German positions on “Greenland Hill” which saw 3 Companies of the Battalion cut off by counter attacks. Only 50 men managed to return to British lines. 11 Officers and 51 Other Ranks were killed and 4 Officers and 152 Other Ranks were wounded. In addition 200 Other Ranks were posted missing. The photos show troops at Arras.