Private Thomas Goodsir

Private Thomas Goodsir, 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish), Canadian Infantry. He was killed in action in Belgium, aged 21, on the 22nd April 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. He had been born in Galashiels and was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Goodsir of 37 Bank Street, Galashiels. He had been employed by the Royal Bank of Scotland in Galashiels before emigrating to Canada in 1912 and working for the bank in Vancouver. He enlisted in the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in August 1914 and joined his new Battalion in France in February 1915. From April 22nd till 25th the Canadians fought with great courage and determination to repulse the German Offensive. This was the first time the Germans had used poison gas in the War. Despite this the Canadians held on ant hold the attacks until fresh troops could be rushed to the front. The artist’s impression tries to depict the Canadian’s desperate defence. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium.