The Battalion are often known by its original title of the Glasgow Boys Brigade Battalion. They were formed in Glasgow on the 02/09/1914 by the Lord Provost and City, with many recruits coming from the Boys Brigade. The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 23/11/1915 and were part of the 97th Brigade, 32nd Division. Edward was initially with the 10/11th Battalion. Mendinghem, like Dozinghem and Bandaghem, were the popular names given by the troops to groups of Casualty Clearing Stations posted to this area during the First World War. In July 1916, the 46th (1st/1st Wessex) Casualty Clearing Station was opened at Proven and this site was chosen for its cemetery. The first burials took place in August 1916. In July 1917, four further Clearing Stations arrived at Proven in readiness for the forthcoming Allied offensive on this front and three of them, the 46th, 12th and 64th, stayed until 1918. Edward's main grave photo kindly donated by Mick McCann at the British War Graves website who supply photos FREE OF CHARGE
here. Edward is also remembered on the Coatbridge Baptist Church Roll of Honour with his brother William (see photos). See photos for Edward's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, Edward's grave photos x 2, Mendinghem Military Cemetery, his Pension Records x 2 and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge. Edward's grave inscription reads "NO MORNING DAWNS NO NIGHT RETURNS BUT WHAT WE THINK OF THEE". Finally, if you would like to see the Battalions History this book is the History of the 17th (Service) Battalion (same record as the 16th) - https://ia800306.us.archive.org/29/items/17thHLI00glasuoft/17thHLI00glasuoft.pdf
