Casualty Information

Born in Dumfries in 1911, Private Douglas was a regular soldier who had been with the Battalion in India and France. He was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940.

An article published in the Dumfries & Galloway Standard - 5th July 1944 related the story of Private Douglas braving enemy mortar fire to rescue his Company Commander* who had been wounded. More mortars were incoming and the officer ordered Alexander to get away. He ignored the order and managed to rescue the officer and give him temporary first aid until he could be moved back to an aid post.

*There's a chance this officer was Captain T D Sanderson, Company Commander of Support Coy, wounded by 'shell-fire' between 10th-12th June 44

Extract from War Diary on the date of death:

The attack on enemy positions forward of TROARN was continued.

"C" Coy were to take Station at 158677 and "A" Coy the X roads 161676. Both attacks were met with heavy cross fire from MG's and though supported by tanks had to withdraw with heavy casualties.

Bn resumed former positions and later in day heavy shelling and mortaring caused casualties.

The Commanding Officer (Lt. Col G. D. Renny) having been previously wounded, left under orders from Brigadier and Major TG Coverdale took over command of the Bn.

Casualties in the Bn during these two days fighting were 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks.

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