Peter Downie

Died on the 01/11/1918 at home from Malaria

Peter joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers (13439) at the outbreak of war and although initially passed as fit he was discharged 90 days later on account of Tuberculosis. However on the 28/08/1916 he enlisted in the King's Own Scottish Borderers (26660) later transferring to the 1st Garrison Battalion Gordon Highlanders. They were formed in 1916 and were known as the 12th Battalion for a short time. They moved to Blairgowrie before going in January 1917 to India. The 1st Garrison Battalion was formed in 1916 of soldiers unfit for front line duties. It was sent to India and served with the 4th (Rawalpindi) Brigade, 2nd (Rawalpindi) Division from March 1917 to June 1918. From June 1918 to November 1918 it was part of the Rawalpindi Additional Brigade and was subsequently on operations during the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Peter was serving in the East and was admitted to hospital in July 1918 with Malaria and shipped home from Le Havre to Southampton on the hospital ship Warilda. The ship was torpedoed on the 03/08/1918 but some 500 of the 600 wounded on board survived. Peter was discharged on the 15/10/1918 but died at the home of his mother a few weeks later. Peter is NOT LISTED with the CWGC. See Directory for Peter's stepbrother Private John Downie's page. Peter is also remembered on the St. Patrick's (book) and St. Mary's Church Rolls of Honour (see photos). See photos for Peter's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Record x 6, his Silver War Badge Record, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, Old Monkland Cemetery, Peter's Pension Records x 2, his former Regiments the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the King's Own Scottish Borderers Cap Badges and the Gordon Highlanders Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 4 (Coatbridge Express x 2 and Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser x 2).