It is intended that this page will contain mini-biographies of soldiers who served with the 5th KOSB during WW1, including those men who served with the 2/5th and 3/5th Battalions. People may send information on their relative (with photo, if available), including family details and any stories relating to their service, and I will insert a brief biography.
If you would like your relative's story included, then please get in touch via the contact form. Thank you.
2nd Lt. Robert Carlyle
2nd Lieutenant Robert Carlyle, 1/5th King's Own Scottish Borderers
- killed in action 12th July 1915, Gallipoli
Born 12th October 1892, Waterbeck, Lockerbie. Elder son of Thomas Robert Carlyle, seed merchant, of Waterbeck, and Jean Graham, daughter of Alexander Miller, of Caithness. Educated at St. Mary's, Melrose, and Edinburgh Academy. Member of the Academy Rugby XV, who were Scottish School Champions for the season 1910-11. Engaged in business with his father. Unmarried.
Enlisted in 5th KOSB immediately on the outbreak of war, and was given a commission as 2nd Lieutenant on 26th August 1914. Landed at Gallipoli on 6th June 1915, and was killed in action five weeks later on 12th July 1915, age 22. Buried in Redoubt Cemetery, plot XI.D.5.
Pte. John Kerr
Private, 1904, John Kerr, 1/5th King's Own Scottish Borderers
- killed in action 12th July 1915, Gallipoli
Born 25th June 1894, Springholm, Kirkcudbrightshire. Only son of John Kerr, boot and shoe maker, of Springholm, and Anne Elizabeth, daughter of John Mason, of Liverpool, publican. Educated at Springholm Public School, and afterwards became a hay presser. Unmarried.
Enlisted in 5th KOSB on 27th September 1914. Landed at Gallipoli on 6th June 1915, and was killed in action there on 12th July 1915, age 21. No known grave, so commemorated on Helles Memorial. Also commemorated on Haugh of Urr War Memorial.