WWI Victory. Sutherland. Edinburgh. DOW with KOSB, Gallipoli July 1915. Helles Memorial. One month in country.
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Correctly named 1637 Pte J Sutherland KO Sco Bord
John Downie Sutherland was born on the 18th of of January 1893 to James and Mary.
An address for him is found as Kentland Cottage, Kirkliston, Edinburgh.
He served with the 1/4th and 1/5th Battalions of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers and landed in Gallipoli on the 4th of June 1915 earning himself his 1915 Trio.
A month later, the 12th of July, John died from his wound recieved in battle.
ONE OF THE DARKEST DAYS IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
The Gallipoli Peninsular, 12th July 1915. One final attempt was made by the 52nd (Lowland) Division to breakthrough at Helles. The plan for the 12th July was to attack towards Krithia along Achi Baba Nullah. On the 11th July 1/4th and 1/5th KOSB moved into their allotted attack positions and at 7.35 am the following morning four ‘waves’ charged simultaneously. The first two waves were made up of the 1/4th KOSB and the third and fourth by the 1/5th KOSB, all having to negotiate very difficult terrain. Lt Col William J. Millar, Commanding the 1/5th described the attack in the Battalion war diary:
“Within 150 yards the charge became a walk but there was no wavering. The 1/4th R.S.F. and the French failed to advance beyond the line of the 1st Turkish trench. Hence the 1/4th K.O.S.B. was absolutely in the air, as also was the right of my leading (the third) wave. The first two waves (1/4th K.O.S.B.) failed to find any trace of the objective assigned to them…A certain number returned on my right but about 300 officers and men are still missing and unaccounted for.”
The diary continues:
“The 3rd wave was gradually bombed towards our left until a party of about 40 men under Lieut. Douglas was left. In spite of all efforts to dislodge him, Lieut. Douglas held on until reinforced, when the line was made good. The 1st Turkish trench was captured at once, consolidated and held.”
1/4th KOSB casualties: 535
1/5th KOSB casualties: 270
He is remembered on the Helles Memorial .
