Private John Hilson

Private John Hilson, 9th ( Service ) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. He was killed in action in Belgium, aged 22, on the 10th July 1917. He had been born in Jedburgh and was the son of Richard and Janet Hilson of Riccalton, Jedburgh and Sunlaws Mains, Kelso. Before enlisting he had been employed at Nisbet, Crailing and had landed in France with his Battalion in May 1915. When he died he was part of the Battalion Lewis gun section. His Battalion was a Pioneer Battalion  for the 9th ( Scottish ) Division and on the 10th July had been employed in repairing front line trenches and constructing new observation posts etc. 5 Men were killed that day including John Hilson. He is buried in Ramscapelle Cemetery, Belgium where his Headstone is inscribed ” He Died That We Might Live”.( photograph courtesy of Alan Wilson ). The photo shows a Lewis gun team in action.