William Thomson

Died on the 10/08/1915 at Dunlop House Hospital in Ayr from suppurative meningitis following wounds received in action

The 2nd Battalion landed at Boulogne on the 23/08/1914 and were part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division. William arrived in France on the 15/09/1914. Before William's death the Division was involved in the Battle of St. Julien, 24th April - 4th May 1915, the Battle of Frezenberg, 8th - 13th May 1915 and the Battle of Bellewaarde, 24th - 25th May 1915. These were phases of the Battles of Ypres (Second Ypres), 22nd April - 25th May 1915 : Often known as the Second Battle of Ypres, this began with surprise German attack using poison gas against French North African forces holding defences near Ypres. Both sides rushed reserves in and the battle developed into the second epic in that area. British Second Army withdraws to a shorter line near Ypres. William also served in the Boer War in South Africa and received the Queen's South Africa Medal and Clasps. He had the same Battalion and Service Number (see photos). See photos for William's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, William's Headstone in Old Monkland Cemetery x 2, Old Monkland Cemetery, his Medal and Award Rolls South Africa 1899-1902 x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, William's Pension Records x 4 and the Seaforth Highlanders Cap Badge.