Captain George Ainslie M.C.

Captain George Ainslie, M.C. 6th ( Service ) Battalion, Kings Owns Scottish Borderers. He died of wounds in France on 21st August 1918 during the ” Advance to Victory ” aged 24. He was the son of Thomas and Mary Ainslie of Earnslaw, Coldstream and is buried in Longuenesse ( St Omer ) Souvenir Cemetery. He was wounded in the successful attack on Hoegenacker Mill in France which resulted in the capture of 297 prisoners. Battalion casualties were 7 Officers and 168 Other Ranks with 25 being killed. His nephew Jock Law lives in Coldstream. He won his Military Cross on 25th April 1918 during the German attack on Kemmel Hill. A counter attack was organised by 6 K.O.S.B. by Captain Cundle and led with ” remarkable dash ” by Lt. Ainslie and Second Lt. Capey. This well planned raid captured a Machine Gun and 58 prisoners. His M.C. was gazetted on 26th July 1918 and the Citation reads ” For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty durind a retirement. When his company commander became a casualty he assumed command, and by his courageous example steadied his men and collected them repeatedly. Later it was largely through his efforts that the defence was maintained and heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy “. His Headstone is inscribed ” In Ever Remembrance”. The photographs show Allied troops advancing after the retreating German army during the final 100 days of the War.

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