James Harkness

James arrived at Boulogne with the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots on the 14/08/1914 and they were part of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division. The Royal Scots : the senior line Infantry Regiment of the British Army, it is often referred to as "Pontius Pilate's Bodyguard". James was wounded in July 1916 but returned to the front line in October. He was then with the 12th (Service) Battalion who were part of the 27th Brigade, 9th (Scottish) Division. The Division was formed of volunteers, under the administration of Scottish Command. Having been in training at home since late August 1914, although only gradually were arms and equipment obtained, the recruits were judged to be ready for war by May 1915. The 9th (Scottish) Division served on the Western Front throughout the war, and was regarded by many as one of the best fighting formations of 1914-18. James was taken to Hospital mortally wounded on the evening of the 26/02/1917 and died the following morning at 10.30. The Battalion War Diary on the 26/02/1917 states : "Y HUTMENT, DUISANS - Resting in Y Hutments near DUISANS. Battalion still smartening up their appearance and holding Kit Inspections". SEE PHOTOS x 15 FOR THE 12th (SERVICE) BATTALION ROYAL SCOTS WAR DIARY FROM JANUARY - FEBRUARY 1917. The War Diary states : "Total Casualties for FEBRUARY - Killed 1, Died of Wounds 2, Wounded 8". See Directory for James and Andrew Aitken's pages (James' sister Ellen's husband and brother-in-law). James is also remembered on the Dunbeth Parish Church Roll of Honour (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects x 2, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, James' Pension Records x 2, Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension and the Royal Scots Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 3 (Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 03/03/1917 x 2. Second one contains information in a letter to James' sister from the Matron of the Hospital James died in. Coatbridge Leader 03/03/1917 x 1), PHOTOS x 29 FOR THE 9th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION BOOK NOVEMBER 1916 - APRIL 1917. SEE APPENDIX IV FOR THE CASUALTIES OF THE 9th (SCOTTISH) DIVISION (this states the Approximate Number of Casualties suffered by the Division in Battle and the Approximate Number of Casualties from May 1915 to November 1918) and the 9th (Scottish) Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division he was with when he was wounded).