Private William Shiel

Private William Shiel, 1st/4th ( Border ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action in Palestine, aged 31, on the 17th April 1917 during the Second Battle of Gaza. He had been born in Megget, Peeblesshire and was the son of Thomas and Margaret Shiel of Singlie, Ettrick, Kirkhope. He is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, Palestine. He had spent his early life at Outerson, Roberton and he was working at Deanburnhaugh, Roberton when he enlisted. He joined the battalion in Egypt and served there and in Palestine. He fell during the attack led by the gallant Major Wat Forrest of Kelso on the Turkish positions on ” Outpost Hill”. the redoubt was captured but with heavy casualties and dwindling stocks of ammunition could not be held in the face of fierce Turkish counter attacks. The photos show Borderers in Palestine in 1917. the three men pictured all played football for Coldstream F.C. and Jim Murray ( right ) , the author’s Great Uncle went on to win a Scottish Amateur Cup Winners medal with them in 1925.