More about Melville Peebles

Melville was the brother of Sgt Andrew Peebles, 803, 2nd Battalion Black Watch, who also served and returned home safely.

Melville Peebles   721   1st Black Watch

DUNDEE MAN, MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES,

DIES IN HOSPITAL IN FRANCE.

“ALWAYS PLUCKY AND READY WITH SMILE.”

Private Melville Peebles, of the 1st Black Watch, a Dundee man, who was mentioned in Sir John French’s latest despatches, has not lived long to enjoy the honour.

Mrs Peebles, who resides at 7 Mortimer Street, has received official intimation that he died of wounds on 4th inst.  A shell burst quite close to Private Peebles and severely wounded him in the legs, both of which had to be amputated in the hospital.  Mrs Peebles has also received a sympathetic letter from Sister L. P. Deakin, who attended to her son.  Writing from a casualty clearing station she says :–“He was one of the best and gentlest patients that I have ever nursed.  He won everybody’s heart, and many people used to inquire for him every day—the colonel, the chaplain, and the other sisters and nurses and many of the N.C.O.’s and men.  Although he went through so much—he had to have both legs amputated—he was always plucky and ready with a smile.  The doctor was very fond of him, and tried everything he possibly could to get him better.  He often spoke of you.  When we saw that his name was mentioned in dispatches we were all so pleased, and everybody congratulated him.  He was pleased about it, and when I said, ‘Your mother will be pleased,’ he replied with such a happy smile, ‘she will so.’  He came to us on June 15, and although everything possible was done for him he became gradually weaker every day, and passed quietly away on Sunday morning.  The cemetery is a quiet open field, and the dear little French children gather poppies and spread them over the grave.  Your boy, I understand, was mentioned in dispatches for saving wounded.  You gave a great deal to the country when you gave your boy, and he has proved himself worthy of your sacrifice.”

Private Peebles, who was a reservist, was 28 years of age, and served eight years with his battalion.  He was a member of the machine gun section.  His brother, Private Andrew Peebles, is at present at the front with the 2nd Black Watch.

Dundee Courier 28th July 1915