More about William Reid

For reasons unknown William is not listed on the original Dundee Roll of Honour.

William Reid   2670   Black Watch

ARBROATH SOLDIER’S DEATH.

Information has bee received of the death in action of Private William Reid, of the 1st Black Watch.  The sad news was conveyed in a letter written by a comrade, Private H. Boysack, B Company, 1st Black Watch.  Private Boysack states that Private William Reid was killed on Wednesday, 16th June, by a shell falling on top of his trench, which buried him and a comrade in the debris.  Both were dug out, but Private Reid died soon after.  Private Reid, who was 23 years of age, joined the 1st Black Watch fully a year ago.  He was wounded in battle in February last.  After spending two months at home he returned to France about a month ago.  Previous to enlisting he was employed at Dens Iron Works.  His parents reside at 17 Panmure Street, and he has two brothers with the colours—one in the 5th Black Watch, and one in the Royal Navy, while his father is an ex-soldier, of the 42nd Highlanders.

Mrs Wm. Reid, 17 Panmure Street, has received the following letter from Sergeant A. Mercer, of the 1st Black Watch :-“As platoon sergeant, I take very painful and sad duty of writing to you to inform you of your son’s death.  He was killed on the 16th June at 11.30 a.m. whilst in the trenches.  We were shelled very heavily by the Germans that morning, and a whole trench was blown in, and all the men in that part were buried and killed.  We dug them out, and respiration was tried on your son for two hours, but proved of no avail.  The platoon send their deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement.

Arbroath Guide 26th June 1915