Robert Alexander Forbes

Killed in Action on the 16/05/1915 at Rue de Bois during the Battle of Festubert

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 08/08/1914 and were part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. Robert arrived in France on the 21/09/1914. See Newspaper clipping for letter to Robert's father (who was also serving) from Company Quartermaster G. Robertson. Robert was Killed during heavy fighting at Rue de Bois in an attack on German trenches during the Battle of Festubert, 15th - 25th May 1915 : The Battle was in effect a second phase of the recently failed attack on Aubers Ridge. The strategic context and why this battle took place are explained on that page. Once again, the attack would take the form of a pincer attack with two assault frontages: a northern one along the Rue du Bois near Port Arthur and Richebourg l'Avoue, and a southern one at Festubert. SEE PHOTOS x 9 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY APRIL - MAY 1915. The Battalion War Diary states - "RUE DE BOIS, MAY 16th, 4 A.M. - Battalion formed up in breastworks from which the Brigade had attacked. "A" and "B" Companies in 1st line, "C" and "D" in 2nd with what remains of INNISKILLINGS in 1st line. Very heavily shelled all day, especially in the 2nd line". The War Diary states casualties for the 16/05/1915 were - 1 Officer Killed, 1 Wounded. 15 Other Ranks Killed, 97 Wounded. Robert had not been home since August 1914. He is also remembered on the Maxwell Parish Church Roll of Honour and the Stewarts and Lloyds Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for Robert's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, his Reburial Form, Robert's Pension Records x 3, another photo of his Grave, Rue-des-Bercheaux Military Cemetery and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge. Finally, see photos x 12 for the 2nd Division Order of Battle (the Division Robert was with when he fell) and a Newspaper clipping from the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 29/05/1915.