William McLaren

Killed in Action on the 16/05/1915 in front of Hill 60 near Ypres

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on t he 14/08/1914 and were part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. William arrived in France on the 07/11/1914. From the Battalion War Diary : "March saw further alternating relief at billets, with trenches near Vierstraat, with casualties from shelling. Later relieved by 1st Royal Scots and Suffolks, with Battalion relieving Camerons 18th March at Vierstraat. Losses of two and three men from snipers and shelling. April continued with occupation of trenches north of Vierstraat; relieved by the Worcestershire Regiment. Back in billets at La Clytte. Mid April, quiet virtually no casualties. Half Battalion in billets and half in trenches, quiet continued until 22nd April, first reports of gas being used. Month ended as before, few casualties. May began quietly, heavy shelling on 6th, killed 3 and wounded 5. By the 11th May, Brigade was ordered to relieve 13th Brigade in front of Hill 60. Battalion relieved South Lancs; many rifles and equipment found, left by West Riding Regt due to gassing, many corpses; cleaning up carried out. By mid-May patrols carried out at Hill 60, with bombing continuing and parapets blown in. Relieved by Dorsets on 20th, marched back to billets at La Clytte. Preparations leading up to 2nd Ypres begin, with Battalion engaged in trench work at Hooge, and quiet conditions at night. Some shelling in mornings". News of William's death was received by his sister-in-law after she sent him a parcel. An Officer told her he had sadly fell before receiving it (see Newspaper clipping). William is listed as 2nd BATTALION on the Coatbridge Memorial (he served in both Battalions). His brother Colin is listed as serving on William's Army Register of Soldiers Effects (2). His Service Number was 24320. William is also remembered on the Gartsherrie Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for William's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects x 2, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, William's Pension Record and the Gordon Highlanders Cap Badge.