Private Alexander Ponton

Private Alexander Ponton, 1st Battalion, Cameron Highlanders. He was killed in action in Belgium during the First Battle of Ypres on 22nd October 1914, aged 31. He had been born on Spott, East Lothian and was the son of Francis and Mary Ponton of South Renton, Grantshouse and the husband of Elizabeth Renton of South Renton and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium.   He had enlisted in the K.O.S.B. Volunteers and left to become a tailor with his father. He re-enlisted in August 1914 and landed in France in August 1914. He fell during the great German offensive against Ypres which commenced on 22nd October. The Camerons held a weak defensive position near Courtrai but with a gap between them and their neighbours 1st Coldstream Guards. The enemy poured through the gaps and forced the Camerons to retreat with heavy casualties abandoning Courtrai. General Haig’s military skills managed to stabilise the line by his use of Reserves to bolster weak spots in the defences.  The Battalion was part of the 1st Guards Brigade along with 1st Coldstream Guards, 1st Scots Guards, 1st Black Watch and the London Scottish. The photos show British troops during the Battle.