George Cummings

Died of Wounds on the 20/05/1916 at the 33rd Casualty Clearing Station, Bethune

The 12th Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 10/07/1915 and were part of the 46th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. George is listed as 11th BATTALION on the Coatbridge Memorial. This was his previous Regiment. He arrived with the 11th Battalion in France on the 13/05/1915 who were part of the South African Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. On the 14/05/1916 they transferred to the 46th Brigade,15th (Scottish) Division and amalgamated with 10th (Service) Battalion to form the 10/11th Battalion. George transferred to the 12th Battalion and it was with this Battalion that he fell. In spring 1916, the Division was involved in German gas attacks near Hulluch (27th - 29th April 1916) and in the defence of the Kink position (11th May 1916). These are among the engagements officially known as the Actions of Spring 1916. George received his wounds at the defence of the Kink. The casualties here were 11 Officers Killed, 14 Wounded, 2 Missing. 97 Other Ranks Killed, 297 Wounded, 72 Missing. SEE PHOTOS x 9 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY FROM APRIL TO MAY 1916. George's elder brother James was serving with the King's Own Scottish Borderers at the time of his death. See Directory for George's brothers-in-law John and William Cochrane's pages. George is also remembered on the St. John's Episcopal Church Roll of Honour with brother James (see photos). See photos for George's Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, George's Pension Record x 2, a letter sent home by George 2 months before he died, Bethune Town Cemetery and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 5 (Coatbridge Express x 1, Coatbridge Leader x 2 and Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 2), another photo of George's grave, Bethune Town Cemetery taken by myself in July 2023 and 8 Poppy Crosses placed by myself in Bethune Town Cemetery before I left for France in July 2023 (George's Cross bottom 2nd left), PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE 15th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK 24th APRIL - MAY 1916 and the 15th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division he was with when he died). George's main grave photo (Poppy Cross placed by myself in July 2023).