Andrew Forrester

Died at Sea on the 18/08/1915 of dysentery aboard S.S. "Georgian

The 2/2nd (Lowland) Field Company were part of the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Andrew arrived in the Balkans (Gallipoli and Aegean Islands) on the 29/06/1915 and died of dysentery at sea aboard the S.S. "Georgian" on the 18/08/1915. He originally enlisted in the Black Watch (S/8079) on the 25/01/1915 but was discharged 6 days later (see Service Records x 2). The reason given for discharge - "not being likely to become an efficient soldier". The 52nd (Lowland) Division fought at the Battle of Achi Baba Nullah, 12th - 13th July 1915 : The order was given to charge the Turkish defences in the late afternoon of the 12th July 1915. As was the case throughout the campaign, the fighting was conducted at close quarters, with some trenches almost within touching distance. The Battle proved to be an overwhelming disaster. On the 12th July, the 52nd Lowland suffered 2427 casualties, of which 1065 were killed. SEE PHOTOS x 15 FOR THE 2/2nd (LOWLAND) FIELD COMPANY WAR DIARY from the 29/06/1915 to the 18/08/1915 (the day Andrew died). Andrew was an ex-champion Scottish Cross-Country runner and a champion runner at 7 miles. He is also remembered in the St Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for Andrew'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, Andrew's Black Watch Service Records x 2, East Mudros Military Cemetery, the Royal Engineers Cap Badge and another Newspaper clipping listing Andrew's Death on Active Service. Andrew's grave inscription reads "HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE". Finally, see photos x 12 for the 52nd (Lowland) Division Order of Battle (the Division he was serving with when he died), PHOTOS x 56 FOR THE 52nd (LOWLAND) DIVISION BOOK 2nd - 13th JULY 1915 and PHOTOS x 5 FOR THE DIVISION BOOK 15th July - 9th AUGUST 1915. The book states - "From the middle of July to the end dysentery, pyrexia, and jaundice, in the order named, steadily wasted the ranks. It was the older and the very young Officers and Other Ranks who suffered most severely. Practically everyone suffered from dysentery in some form, and only the worst cases were sent to hospital. Those who could possibly remain on their feet had to carry on, to work and fight in spite of their disease (Major Black). Brig.-Gen. Hendry had returned to the 157th brigade although still sick, but the fever only gained a firmer grip on him, and on the 26th July the doctors ordered him off the Peninsula, and very reluctantly, and to the 157th Brigade's regret, he had to relinquish his command".