Private Archibald Scott

Private Archibald Scott, 1st Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was lost at sea, aged 19, on 13th August 1915 when the troopship ” Royal Edward ” was sunk by the German submarine UB-14. He is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey. He had been born in Newcastleton and was the son of William and Margaret Scott of 1 Douglas Square, Newcastleton. The ” Royal Edward ” was built by Fairfields, Govan and was operating as a passenger ship for the Canadian Northern Steamship Company being launched in 1907. She was originally named ” Cairo ” and on the outbreak of war was requisitioned by the Admiralty as a troopship.. On 28th July 1915 she embarked 1367 men as reinforcements for the 29th Division at Gallipoli of which 1st K.O.S.B. were part. On 13th August 1 torpedo from the submarine hit her stern  and she sank in only 6 minutes. 660 were rescued but over 900 were lost. It is contended that the death toll was so high because men had just finished a boat drill and were below stowing their kit when the ship was struck.