In memory of
Sergeant George Anderson
13th Royal Scots
†April 23rd 1917, age 22
Son of James and Mary Anderson
Halmyre Cottages, West Linton
Remembered with honour at
ARRAS MEMORIAL
Sergeant George Anderson was born at Lyne on 22nd March 1895, the eldest son of James and Mary Anderson. Prior to the war he was employed by the County Council. On 7th September 1914 he enlisted in the Royal Scots and, after a period of training, first saw active service in France in July 1915. In a letter to George’s parents, the chaplain of his battalion wrote “You will doubtless have received from the War Office the sad news of the death of your son, and on behalf of the officers and men of this Battalion I now write to express our sincere sympathy with you in the great sorrow that has entered your home. On the morning of the 23rd April Sergeant Anderson went into action with his Company. The battle was particularly fierce at the time, and the machine gun fire of the enemy was doing great damage to our ranks. I understand that he fell while urging his men forward, and died instantaneously. I was not with the Battalion at that time, and so did not see him, but I know he will be buried on the battlefield, probably quite near to the spot where he fell. He was a man who was much respected by all who knew him here. A good soldier and comrade, he was ever ready to answer the call of duty, and I believe he willingly laid down his life in the great cause in which he was so nobly serving. That God will strengthen and comfort you in your great sorrow is my sincere and earnest prayer.”
