The Peebles Company - G Company, numbering 122 men - of the 8th Volunteer Battalion The Royal Scots before they left Peebles to meet up with the rest of the Battalion preparatory to an early embarkation for France. The Battalion arrived in Le Havre on 5th November 1914. Initially serving with 22 Brigade in 7th Division, they were quickly in action. In 1915 took part in a number of battles which eventually took Aubers Ridge, then fought at Neuve Chapelle and at Festubert suffering heavy casualties. As a Unit with a number of miners within its ranks mainly recruited from the Lothians, it became a Pioneer Battalion for the 51st (Highland) Division. They had to strengthen and repair trenches. The Battalion was awarded 1 VC, 19 Military Crosses, 15 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 63 Military Medals. Battalion lost 389 killed and 1,280 wounded. Of those killed in action, 16 belonged to this original G Company. My Father survived but wounded in a gas attack which severely impaired his eyesight.
