Private Andrew Harvey

Private Alexander Harvey, 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. He was killed in action in France during the Battle of Festubert on 16th May 1915, aged 23. He had been born in Norham and was the son of Andrew and Mary Harvey of Ayton Law, Ayton, Berwickshire and is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery, Bethune, France.  Before enlisting in October 1914 he had been employed as a farm servant at Horseley, Houndwood and joined his Battalion in France in May 1915.The Battle was fought in support of a big French attack in Artois. The Gordons were supposed to be in support but were drawn into the Battle to aid the Border Regiment who were sore pressed by a German counter attack. The attack was not a great success and it cost the Battalion 3 Officers and 63 Other Ranks killed with 10 Officers and 204 Other Ranks wounded. The photographs were taken at Festubert.