First World War 1914-15 Star and War Medal - David Calder, 975 Private, 6th Seaforth Highlanders.
1914-15 Star - 975 PTE. D. CALDER. SEA: HIGHRS.
British War Medal - 975. PTE. D. CALDER. SEA. HIGHRS.
David Calder, 975 Private, 6th Seaforth Highlanders.
David Calder was born at Gollanfield, Petty on 23 August 1894, the son of George and Isabella Calder. He was the second of three children born to the couple and their only son. In the 1901 census the family lived at Rafford, but by the end of the war his parents were living at Hawthorn Cottage, Dyke. In the 1911 census, David was living with John Forbes and was employed as a ploughman on the Fernielea Farm, Rafford.
David enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders as a Territorial in February 1911. He was mobilised with his Battalion and arrived in France on 5th May 1915. The 6th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders was part of the 152nd Brigade, 51st Highland Division (named as such from 11th May 1915). When it arrived in France, the Division was only partially trained, but nevertheless was thrown straight into the line. The 2nd Division attacked at Festubert on the 16th May and advanced about 600 yards. The Highland Division, including the Seaforths, relieved them on the night of 19th May and was given the extremely difficult task of clearing the battlefield and consolidating the position. This was made more difficult because it was only possible to dig in to the depth of a couple of feet because of the water level in Flanders. Breastworks were therefore required to give better protection from enemy fire. But these are easily damaged even by small arms and machine guns and required a great deal of maintenance. In addition there was little protection provided in a newly won position by barbed wire or covered ways. This was a terrifying introduction to life in Flanders for a newly arrived soldier. On 15th June the Brigade was again in the front line at Givenchy, although not part of the main assault. The Battalion was involved in giving covering fire for the 5th Seaforths who were attacking on the right. The attack went in at 6.00pm and was initially successful. But eventually the attacking troops were forced to retire due to lack of ammunition and reserves. The 6th Battalion suffered badly at the hands of the German artillery, which bombarded the trenches for three hours. They suffered 140 casualties that day of which 29 were killed including David.
He died on 15 June 1915, aged 20. He has no known grave and is remembered on the Le Touret Memorial.
Below is from Northern Scot and Moray & Nairn Express - Saturday 10 July 1915 (Photograph appears in this issue but better can be found online)
Private David Calder, 1/6th Seaforths, son of Mr George Calder, Dyke, Forres, killed in action on June 15. His father has received the following letter from the commanding officer of the battalion:
3rd July, 1915.
Dear Mr Calder, — I write to express my deep sympathy in the loss you have sustained by the death of your son, who was killed in action on the 15th of June. You have no doubt heard particulars of the fighting, and how well everyone did, and I have only to add that your son did his duty bravely, and gave his life for his country and for those at home. We lost many gallant comrades from the 14th to the 18th of June, but they are not forgotten, and a memorial cross has been made and inscribed with the names of all who fell. I hope to send you a photograph of the cross as soon as it is erected. Many of the men had to be buried where they fell, and these spots are marked with small wooden crosses, but the large cross is to be erected in the orchard where several are buried. May divine Providence help you and us in the day of trial. — Believe me, yours sincerely,
J. GRANT SMITH, Lieut.-Col.
Commanding 6th Seaforth Highlanders
Private Alexander Littlejohn, a comrade of Private Calder's, writes to Miss Calder as follows from Springburn Red Cross Hospital, Glasgow:
"I have just heard by letter from Mr Anand that David has been killed. Please accept my deepest sympathy for you in your loss of such a brother. Dave was one of the best pals that a fellow could wish to have, and he and I were very, very often in each other's company, and many happy days we spent together. I was looking forward to seeing him when I rejoin my battalion again, but He in whose hands are our destinies has ordained that it wasn't to be. Be proud to remember he died serving his country, and what better honour can one desire than that? Again I ask you to accept the deepest sympathy of his chum."
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