In memory of

Private William Soutar

Machine Gun Corps

(attached Highland Light Infantry)

†December 2nd 1917, age 19

Son of  William and Anne Soutar

William Soutar (also known as James) was the son of William and Anne Soutar from Forfar.  He was born on 7th January 1898.  Before he enlisted William lived at Boghouses with his sister Nellie and her husband Alexander Niddrie and was employed by Mr Fleming, a blacksmith in West Linton.  He was described as an obliging lad and he was mourned by a large number of friends. After the attack by the Germans on the Cambrai Front on 30th November, Gonnelieu was recovered but the British withdrew from the Masnières salient.  The enemy attacked heavily at Bourlon Wood and claimed 4000 prisoners and 60 guns.  On the day following the enemy tried in vain to recover high ground around La Vacquarie.  There was further fighting north of Passchendaele.  On the 3rd the British gained some ground south-west of Polygon Wood, Ypres.