Private Robert Laidlaw, 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. He was killed in action in France, aged 26, on the 16th May 1915 during the Battle of Festubert. He was killed by a shell burst whilst awaiting the order to advance in support of the Scots Guards who had captured part of the German front line positions. He had been born in Jedburgh and was the son of Thomas and the late Annie Laidlaw of 15 Queen Street, Jedburgh. He is buried in Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy, France. Before enlisting in November 1914 he had been employed as a stone mason and had played rugby for Jed Forest R.F.C. His brother George also fell – see above. The photos were taken during the Battle. ( Photo of Private Laidlaw courtesy of J. D. Smith ).
