Patrick and the 11th (Service) Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 13/05/1915. Patrick is listed as 11th BATTALION on the Coatbridge Memorial and his Medal Index Card. He is listed as the 10th (Service) Battalion with the CWGC and as 11th (Service) Battalion then 10th (Service) Battalion on his Service Medal and Award Rolls (see photos). Both Battalions had the same record and the 10th were part of the 28th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division when Patrick fell. From the History of the 9th (Scottish) Division - "On its next visit to the trenches, the Division experienced one of its most enjoyable times in France. 0n the 24/01/1916, it commenced the relief of the 25th Division in the Ploegsteert area, and this was completed by the 31st. Divisional HQ were established at Nieppe, but were transferred on the 13th February to Steenwerck on account of shelling. The front trenches lay east of Ploegsteert Wood; they were in comparatively good condition and reliefs could be carried out in daylight. There were excellent billets for the Battalions and Brigades in reserve, where a considerable amount of training could be carried on In order that Battalions should always occupy the same trenches, and so learn everything about them, the 28th Brigade held always one part of the line, while the 27th and 26th relieved each other in the same trenches. Six days "in" and six days "out" was the rule for each unit. From the end of January till the end of May 1916, the Ninth held the same line, which was one of the most pleasant areas along the British front. There was constant work to be done, but the results of labour were soon apparent. The trenches were firmly rivetted, numerous fire- steps were built, and the communication trenches were kept in good order. In addition, many dug-outs were made and several concrete emplacements for machine-guns constructed, and on leaving the area both Sappers and Infantry could claim that they had handed over model trenches". SEE PHOTOS x 11 FOR THE 10th (SERVICE) BATTALION WAR DIARY DECEMBER 1915 - FEBRUARY 1916. Patrick is listed as being Killed at Le Bizet (near Ploegsteert) which is on the Belgium / France border. Grave photo kindly donated by Mick McCann at the British War Graves website who supply photos FREE OF CHARGE
here. Patrick is also remembered on the St. Patrick's Church Roll of Honour (see Newspaper clipping). See photos for Patrick's Medal Index Card, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his listing in the Ireland Casualties WW1, Gunners Farm Military Cemetery, Patrick's Pension Records x 2 and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge. Patrick's grave inscription reads " R.I.P". Finally, see photos for the 9th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division Patrick was with when he died) and a Newspaper clipping of the St. Patrick's Church Roll of Honour from the Coatbridge Express 13/01/1915.
