More about David Balfour

For reasons unknown David is not listed on the original Dundee Roll of Honour.

David Balfour  1819   Black Watch

Mrs Balfour, ‘South America,’ Carnoustie, received word from Sergeant A. Lunan that her son, Private David Balfour, B Company, 5th Black Watch, was killed in action on the 9th March.  A letter of sympathy has also been received from Captain John B. McNab, in command of the company.  Previous to the outbreak of war Balfour was employed in Taymouth Engineering Works, Carnoustie.  He was 19 years of age.  Captain J. H. Bruce-Gardyne has written to Mrs Balfour saying :― “I am very, very sorry to have to tell you that your son, David Balfour, was killed on March 10.  It was in the afternoon of the first day of the big battle here that he was hit by a bullet, which, I think, must have killed him at once.  I was not there at the time, but he had just left me.  At the time he came to me six weeks ago I was in need of one more man for my company, and asked who would like to come.  A good number volunteered, and out of this number Private Balfour was chosen as the best man for the work, and I kept him with me afterwards when I had to send half my number back.  Amongst his own companions, too, he had a very high reputation for pluck.  I can only say how sorry I am that he should have been killed, and so is Captain Aubertin.”

Arbroath Guide 27th March 1915