Military History

Douglas is listed as having died of wounds on 26th January 1917 having been wounded during the relief of the 7th King's Own Scottish Borderers in the front lines at Flers, which took place between the 12th and 14th January 1917. The 10th Battalion war diary entries for the period 12th to 14th January 1917 are transcribed below.

Pioneer Camp - 12 Jan 1917: Preparation for relief tonight. 4pm Bn moved off from camp. 4.45pm Relief commenced.

8.40pm relief complete dispositions of Coys: D right front; C left front; A support on Flers line; B relief Flers switch. Bn HQ at M.22.d.6.0. On completion of relief work was commenced on posts and picquets. Wiring was made impossible by hostile M.G. fire. Wire in front of posts is weak and thin in places.

Flers Line & Switch - 13 Jan 1917: Work carried on in strengthening and deepening. At 6am garrisons of posts of the two front Coys were withdrawn to Support Trench in rear of post prior to a bombardment commencing at 9.30am that morning. Object of bombardment to destroy enemies front trenches from M.17.g.0.4 to M.16.g.9.9. The battalion took ever opportunity of causing loss to enemy by rifle and M.G. fire.

At dusk posts were re-occupied by their garrisons and work & wiring continues.

Flers Line & Switch - 14 Jan 1917: Work continued by two front Coys in improving posts and constructing shelters. Inter Coy relief to take place at dusk. B relieved D in right front. D Coy moved back to reserve line. A Coy relieved C in left front. C moved back to support (Flers line).

Casualties during relief period One officer - 2nd Lt DC Thompson and 9 O.R. wounded.