June 1915
In the course of June, 1st/5th KOSB made ‘tours’ to forward trenches from near V beach, first to Twelve Tree Copse (now the site of a war cemetery), then to Backhouse Post.
Bullets and shrapnel flew around the trenches 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 their 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, condensed milk or other tin can.
Died
| Date | Surname | Forenames | Event | Section | Rank/No. | Age | Address | Memorial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21st June | Ramage | William | Killed in action | 1/5 KOSB | Sergeant 64 | 24 | High Street | Redoubt Cemetery, Türkiye |
William Ramage was the son of Robert Ramage, a plumber in Langholm’s High Street, and was hit by shrapnel while leading his company through a communication trench. His funeral was attended by fellow Langholmites including his younger brother John. Back at home, his father Robert was embroiled in a controversy about his proposal for the cancellation of the Common Riding, a major annual event in Langholm.