William Henry Hindman

Killed in Action on the 27/09/1915 at Hill 70 on the 3rd day of the Battle of Loos

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 09/07/1915 (William arrived on the 29th) and they were part of the 45th Brigade, 15th (Scottish) Division. William was Killed in Action on the 3rd day of the Battle of Loos. He was 1 of 99 men from the Coatbridge Memorial who fell during and from injuries from the Battle of Loos. His death was not confirmed until September 1916 (William is reported as missing and died on or since 27/09/1915). Overall situation at nightfall on the 26/09/1915 : The shattered units of 15th, 21st and 24th Divisions were in process of relief at Loos and Hulluch, with 3rd Cavalry and Guards Divisions taking their place. This area was relatively safe from attack, although the enemy had moved their advanced positions forward from their second line and they remained in possession of Hill 70 and the Quarries. There was concern about the condition of troops holding Fosse 8, and their ability to withstand further enemy attack. Roads behind the lines remained very congested, with many units struggling to move supplies forward. Parties clearing the houses of Loos village were still finding enemy troops in hiding. First Army issued orders at 11.30pm for consolidation of the line, and the creation of a new general reserve from the 9th and 15th Divisions, now being relieved. The 45th Brigade were withdrawn to billets in Mazingarbe at dawn on the 27/09/1915. On the 28/09/1915 the following message was received by all units : SPECIAL DIVISIONAL ORDER - The following message has been received from Sir Henry Rawlinson - "The Corps Commander is anxious that you should communicate to all ranks of the 15th Division his high appreciation of the admirable fighting spirit which they displayed in the attack and capture of Loos village and Hill 70. Sir Douglas Haig has also desired the Corps Commander to convey his congratulations to the Division. The Major General wishes to say that he is very proud of his Command" Signed - J.T Burnett-Stuart, Lieut-Colonel, General Staff 27/09/1915. SEE PHOTOS FOR THE 11th (SERVICE) BATTALION ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS WAR DIARY. Scottish Regiments lost a huge amount of brave men at Loos. Here is a list of Infantry Battalions who lost more than 500 men at the Battle of Loos from 25/09/1915 to 16/10/1915 - 7th Cameron Highlanders 687, of which 19 Officers, 9th Black Watch 680, of which 20 Officers, 6th King's Own Scottish Borderers 650, of which 20 Officers, 10th Highland Light Infantry 648, of which 20 Officers, 7th King's Own Scottish Borderers 631, of which 20 Officers, 8th Devons 619, of which 19 Officers, 8th Royal West Kents 580, of which 24 Officers, 8th Buffs 558, of which 24 Officers, 12th Highland Light Infantry 553, of which 23 Officers, 8th Black Watch 511, of which 19 Officers, 5th North Staffordshire 505, of which 20 Officers, 8th Seaforth Highlanders 502, of which 23 Officers. William is also remembered on the Coatbridge Technical College Roll of Honour and in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for William's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 3, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his name on the Loos Memorial, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Loos Memorial Panel List, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Cap Badge and William's Pension Records x 4. Finally, SEE PHOTOS x 26 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY 4th JULY 1915 - 1st OCTOBER 1915, the 15th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 13 (the Division he was with when he died), PHOTOS x 17 FOR THE 15th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK 25th - 26th SEPTEMBER 1915, PHOTOS FOR 33 PAGES FROM THE MOST UNFAVOURABLE GROUND BOOK REGARDING THE BATTALION and DIVISION 25/09/1915 (fantastic book on the Battle of Loos kindly signed by the author Niall Cherry), photos x 2 for a wreath placed by myself at Loos Memorial in July 2023 remembering ALL the men who left from the Iron Burgh who are named there, one of myself at the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Panel (William listed middle right) and Newspaper clippings x 4 (Coatbridge Express x 2, Coatbridge Leader x 1 and the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 1).