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Robert Simpson Braidwood

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Robert's Gravemarker (image courtesy of Soilsister, findagrave.com)

Military Information

  • Date of enlistment:
  • Place of enlistment:
  • Service no: N/A
  • Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Service Occupation:
  • Awards: Distinguished Conduct Medal & Mentioned in Dispatches
  • Regiment/Service: Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)
  • Unit/Ship: 1st/2nd and 1st/8th
  • Place of Death: Near Harlebeke, 32km east of Ypres, Belgium.
  • Age at Death: 30
  • Date of Death: 31/10/1918
  • Burial Country: Belgium
  • Cemetery: Harlebeke New British Cemetery
  • Grave/Mem Ref no: III.C.6

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth:
  • Place of Birth:
  • Address:
  • Occupation: Consulting Fire Engineer
  • Mother:

    Janet Sarah Braidwood, 2 Stewart Tce, Broughty Ferry

  • Father:

    John S. Braidwood

  • Siblings:
  • Spouse:
  • Children:

More about Robert Simpson Braidwood

Second Lieutenant Robert Simpson Braidwood joined up on the first day of the war, serving with the Scottish Rifles in Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine, and the Western Front, Belgium.

He was initially Company Quarter Master Sergeant, receving his commission around October 1917 whilst he was in the U.K. He returned to the Western Front in August 1918 as Second Lieutenant.

Braidwood was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M) in Egypt, 1916 but had previously been awarded the Serbian Cross with Swords in Gallipoli. His D.C.M. was awarded 14.11.1916 “For conspicuous gallantry in action. He kept his company supplied with ammunition and water under very heavy fire, displaying great courage and initiative”.

Robert Simpson Braidwood  Scottish Rifles

Lieut. Robert Simpson Braidwood, Scottish Rifles, who was killed in action on 31st Oct., was the last surviving son of Mrs Braidwood, 2 Stewart’s Terrace, Barnhill, Broughty Ferry.  Deceased answered his country’s call on the first day of the war, and during these past four years he has fought with distinction on many fronts.  He served with the Scottish Rifles in Gallipoli, Egypt, and Palestine.  During the Peninsula campaign he was awarded the Serbian (Silver) Star for a bombing expedition of singular daring, while in Egypt he was awarded the D.C.M. for bravery and devotion to duty.  Promotion came quickly to the gallant soldier, and he rose to the rank of quartermaster, while about a year ago he received his commission.  He rejoined his old regiment in France.  In civil life Lieut. Braidwood was a fire engineer with an extensive business in this district.

Dundee Courier 7th November 1918

Information kindly supplied by Christine Johnston, additional information kindly supplied by Michael Caldwell

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