Family Information
Son of Andrew Ramsay (1861 - 20/01/1931) and Flora Stewart Ramsay (abt 1856 - 01/05/1893). Andrew remarried Jane W Ramsay. Andrew's younger half-brother Sergeant William Robert Ramsay (242275) of the 1/5th (Buchan and Formartin) Battalion Gordon Highlanders was Killed in Action on the 31/05/1917 aged 22. William was married to Margaret Ramsay born 30/12/1895 of 58 Jamieson Terrace, Newmilns, Ayrshire. They had a son called Andrew born 02/03/1915. From the 1901 Census - Address - Station Buildings, Dunbartonshire - Jane Ramsay aged 34, Andrew Ramsay aged 14, Flora Ramsay aged 12 (born 1889-16/05/1909), Janet Ramsay aged 10, William Ramsay aged 5, Charles Ramsay aged 4, Jeanie Ramsay aged 2. Andrew's Pension was awarded to his mother (stepmother) Jane W Ramsay of Woodside Place, Bowling, Dunbartonshire on the 13/06/1916. Younger half-brother Private Charles Ramsay (6496) of the 3/2 Scottish Horse is listed on Andrew's Pension Record.
Additional Information
James and the Battalion arrived at Le Havre on the 20/03/1915 and were part of the 154th Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division when Andrew was Killed in Action at the Second Action of Givenchy, 15th - 16th June 1915 : The 7th Division moved into the Givenchy sector shortly after their costly involvement in the Aubers Ridge and Festubert assaults. It proved to be a very difficult line to hold, being subject to constant mining, sniping and trench mortar activity. A decision was taken to make a large-scale attack on the German front between a point East of Givenchy to just South of Rue d'Ouvert, to capture some key points. 21st Brigade was selected to lead the attack, with two Battalions in the front wave. On their right, the Canadians were to attack a strong point called "Dorchester" and forming a defensive flank near the Canal; on their left, the 51st (Highland) Division would move on Rue d'Ouvert from the north. To maintain contact between the main thrusts, the 1st Grenadier Guards of 20th Brigade would advance over the flat ground towards the village. After several postponements, the attack was fixed for the evening of 15th June 1915. This was part of the Actions in the Spring and Summer (Western Front), 15th June - 9th August 1915 : Localised operations seeking tactical advantage. After the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, the French high command came to believe that the British could undertake an offensive action, not just fight a dogged defence. The prestige of the British in that operation, which was judged by all to have been a success even though it fell far short of the strategic goal of breaking through to Lille, rose considerably. It led to increased French pressure for the British army, still small and woefully under-gunned, to play an increasing part in offensive warfare. The Battles of Aubers and Festubert in May 1915 came as a result of this pressure, with woeful results. For details on Andrew and the family see photo of the Family Plot in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire (William also mentioned). Andrew 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 x 2, the Family Plot in Auld Aisle Cemetery, Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch, his name on the Le Touret Memorial, Andrew's Pension Records x 3 and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) Cap Badge. Finally, Andrew's half-brother William's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, his Pension Record, William's name on the Menin Gate Memorial and the Gordon Highlanders Cap Badge.
