This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who died during The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Forrest, Walter Torrie (‘Wattie’) MC played for Scotland Internationals: 8 : 1903 W+ I+ E+ ; 1904 W- I= E+ ; 1905 W- I- (1c) Walter Forest was born on 14 November 1880, the son of George Forrest, a famous fishing tackle maker in the town (the shop is still trading in Kelso Square).and Margaret Forrest of Kelso, Roxburghshire. Played as a Fullback for: Kelso High School, Hawick, Kelso Profession: Not known Remarks: From an early age Wattie demonstrated a high degree of aptitude for sport and was a versatile, gifted all-round sportsman, playing football, golf, fishing and cricket, where being ambidextrous, he was able to bat right-handed and bowl left-handed. He also excelled at rugby and made the difficult decision to devote his talents to Hawick Rugby Club because his native Kelso were in a lower rugby division. Wattie quickly became an established member of the Hawick team playing as a centre. Walter was chosen to play for Scotland against Wales in February, 1903. When news of his call up reached Kelso, a crowd assembled at the station to await his arrival by the last train from Hawick. Forrest became the automatic first choice selection as Scotland’s fullback. His play, for both the Hawick club and his country was cavalier, characterised by boundless energy and vigour with an apparent disregard for safety, it being said that he had an amazing ability to get out of trouble which sometimes seemed of his own making. A contemporary was heard to comment that: ‘Forrest gets into these ‘hats’ for the sake of getting out of ‘em!’ War service: Major, 1/4th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, 155th (South Scottish) Brigade, 52nd (Lowland) Division; Mentioned in Despatches and MC Gazetted 25 November 1916: “For conspicuous gallantry in action. He carried out a daring reconnaissance and obtained most valuable information. He has on many previous occasions done very fine work”. The 1/4th Bn. K.O.S.B. which had been held in reserve at Gaza on 19th April, 1917, were ordered forward, over the blood soaked, corpse strewn hillside, to retake the Turkish redoubt positioned on ‘Outpost Hill’. The officer in command of the attack, Major Walter Forrest, rallied the remaining survivors of the previous attacks and together with his own men, gave the order to fix bayonets and await the command to charge. An observer later wrote: ‘When all was ready, Major Forrest, the Wattie Forrest of the football field, led his men forward for the last time. This charge of men from almost every unit in the 155th Brigade was a most inspiring site. Under a murderous fire, which struck down many, they rushed up the hill. Major Forrest was mortally wounded as he entered the work, and there fell one of the best of soldiers, best of friends and best of sportsmen in the Division.’ He was killed in action on 19 April 1917 at Gaza, in Palestine, on the opening day of the second Battle of Gaza, and is buried in Gaza War Cemetery, Israel [VII. C. 9.].
In Memory of Major WALTER TORRIE FORREST M C 1st/4th Bn., King's Own Scottish Borderers who died age 37 on 19 April 1917 Son of George and Margaret Forrest, of Kelso, Roxburghshire. Former Scottish International Rugby player. Remembered with honour GAZA WAR CEMETERY As it's difficult to get photos from this cemetery ..... as seen on this news article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/wor...569/Israel-shelled-UK-war-graves-in-Gaza.html
I think you've probably got this already Gareth .... but just in case somebody else maybe interested ....
