Private George Riddell

Private George Riddell, 6th ( Service ) Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was killed in action, aged 19, in Normandy, France on the 1st July 1944. He had been born in Selkirk in 1925 and was the son of William and Jessie Riddell of Ivy Lodge, Philliphaugh, Selkirk. Before enlisting he had worked with his father in the gardens at Philliphaugh. He is buried in St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, France. His Battalion had landed in Normandy on the 15th June 1944 and took part in the fierce fighting at Caen and on the River Odon. On 1st July the Battalion were holding positions near the River Odon and were subjected to strong German counter attacks with tanks and Infantry. These attacks were finally repulsed with 140 casualties. This was the Battalion’s first battle and they had stood the test. The photos show Scots troops in Normandy.