Livingstone McKay

Lance Corporal Livingstone McKay attested on 17th December 1914 at Nottingham, standing 5' 3" and weighing 112 lbs , he gave his age as 20 yrs and 1 month, his address as 26 Brushfield Street, Hyson Green and his occupation as that of a coal miner (lamp clerk) his next of kin was his mother Ester of the same address. He was posted to the Gordon Highlanders where he joined them on 19th December 1914 at Aberdeen. He impressed as a 'smart intelligent lad' (Army Service Record). He was promoted lance corporal 21st April 1915. On 17th May 1915 he was wounded in the left eye but was able to resume duties by 9th July 1915 and was given home leave from 14th September 1915 until 21st September 1915. Mckay was one of only three men from his battalion to die 29th November 1915 during a quiet period in the line. However, he was fortunate to have survived the Battle of Loos a few weeks earlier. 2nd Gordons were part of the 7th Div. 20th Bde. They attacked at Hulluch and the Quarries. The Gordons first objective was Breslau Trench. They reached the Lens- La Bassee road where they were joined by the supporting battalions. 20th Bde were successful but the flanking units were not. This left them exposed so the advance ended for the day at the crossing of the Vermelles-Hulluch road crossed the Lens-Le Bassee Road. Later that night, German counter attacks forced the Gordons back. On the opening day of the battle, September 25th, 171 men from 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders were killed. The regiment suffered 731 fatalities in total that day. He is buried at Le Touret Military Cemetery, Grave Reference: III C 15

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