Sergeant Robert Halley

Sergeant Robert Halley, 6th ( Service ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action in France, aged 33, on the 23rd March 1918 during the German March Offensive. He had been born in Jedburgh and was the son of James and Mary Halley of 13 Old Bridge End, Jedburgh and the husband of Hannah Halley of 37 Castlegate, Jedburgh.   ( His brother Joseph also fell – see above ). Before the War he had been employed with Messrs Boyd and Son who were tweed manufacturers. He had been a Territorial with the 4th K.O.S.B. for twelve years but had been posted to the 6th Battalion in France in February 1918. He is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. On the 23rd the Battalion were in positions near the village of Mouslains and fought a spirited rearguard action against great odds. During this period the Battalion lost 2 Officers and 26 Other Ranks killed with 10 Officers and 177 Other Ranks wounded. In addition 1 Officer and 189 Other Ranks were posted missing. Many of the missing would have been Prisoners of War ). The photos show Allied troops in defensive positions.