In the course of June, 1st/5th KOSB made ‘tours’ to forward trenches, first to Twelve Tree Copse (now the site of a war cemetery), then to the Backhouse Post.

Bullets and shrapnel flew everywhere and daytime temperatures were very high. Germans would make regular forays forward to throw grenades, but it was discovered that there was enough of a delay in explosion for them to be picked up and thrown back.

British grenades were in very short supply and were supplemented by ‘jam tin‘ devices, made by inserting gelignite, metal fragments and a fuse into an empty jam, bully beef or other tin can.

There were a number of casualties, including William Ramage, son of Robert Ramage, a plumber in the Langholm High Street. Back at home, father Robert was embroiled in a controversy about his proposal for cancellation of the Common Riding, a major civic event in Langholm.

Death

Date	Surname	Forenames	Section	Rank/No.	Age	Address	Comments
21st June	Ramage	William	1/5 KOSB	Acting Sergeant 64	24	High Street	Son of Robert Ramage, plumber