Bridge of Weir
Memorial

2^ND L^T GEO J BALFOUR 6^TH H.L.I.

Second Lieutenant George James Balfour

6th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
att 4th Northumberland Fusiliers

killed in action 15th September 1916

aged 19


Delville Wood Cemetery
Ranfurly Church Memorial, Bridge of Weir
The High School of Glasgow Memorial
Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Memorial
Kilbarchan Cemetery

Son of Andrew Balfour and Margaret Newhall Frew
Rostrevor, Bridge of Weir

His Life

George James Balfour was born on 14th July 1897 in 49 Sardinia Street, Hillhead, Glasgow, the third in the family of Andrew Balfour, a well-known Glasgow architect and Margaret Newhall Frew, also from Glasgow, who had married in Govan on 10th June 1890. Andrew Balfour's practice, initially in partnership with Harry Steele, was at 110 Mains Street, (now Blythswood Street) in Glasgow and had a substantial portfolio prior to the war including Largs Parish Church, a number of schools, Pollokshields Congregational Church, and The Quinta, Bridge of Weir (the home of Harry Steele). Their 1899 competition entry for Lintwhite School, Bridge of Weir was, however, unsuccessful.

In 1891 Andrew (28), Maggie (23), and their one month old son Andrew were living in 6 Vinicombe Street, Partick, Glasgow. Agnes McGhie (13) from Dunoon was their domestic servant.

In 1901 the Balfours, now with three children Andrew, Margaret and George (3) were living in 49 Cecil Street, Kelvinside, Glasgow. The family employed a 28 year old English girl, Patricia Dowie as a general servant.

By 1911 the family had moved to Rostrevor, a nine-roomed house in Kilbarchan Road, Bridge of Weir. Andrew was an apprentice chartered accountant. George (13) was of an age when he was most probably attending the High School of Glasgow. Helen MacIlwain (31) from Govan was their domestic servant.

On leaving school he joined Nobel's Ltd. At the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 6th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry in mid-September 1914 and received his commission one year later. Second Lieutenant Balfour was sent to the front line in France in July 1916, attached to the 4th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers which formed part of 149 Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. He was killed in action on 15th September 1916 when the battalion took part in its first large scale attack in the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, within the Somme offensive. It was significant for the first use of the tank in warfare. He was 19.

A senior officer's letter to George's father reads; "Your son fell gallantly leading his men in an attack in which they did magnificently and it will be little consolation to you to know that his life was not sacrificed in vain. He is buried on the battlefield where he fell."

His grave is in Delville Wood Cemetery. Delville Wood was a tract of woodland, nearly 1 kilometre square, the western edge of which touched the village of Longueval. The Battle of Delville Wood was a fierce 3 month engagement in the Somme Offensive in which four Victoria Crosses were awarded for gallantry. It was finally secured for the Allies on 3rd September 1916.

George's older brother Andrew Campbell Balfour saw considerable service with the Highland Light Infantry. He was twice mentioned in despatches and on 2nd June 1917 he was mentioned in the despatches of Sir Douglas Haig. He was awarded the 1914 Mons Star and in June 1918, the Military Cross. He survived the war, married Elspeth Nicholl, was enjoying a successful career as a company secretary but died of acute bronchitis and acute pneumonia on 13th April 1925, just 34 years old. He died in his parents' home in Bridge of Weir.

The parents lived longer but Maggie experienced a double loss in November 1943 when, 8 days after her husband died, her 19 year-old grandson Alistair was killed in action.

Siblings

Sources

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• Scottish National War Memorial
• Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Accessed 22nd January 2014.
• George James Balfour birth certificate, 14th July 1897. Regd. Partick, Lanark 4th August 1897
• Andrew Campbell Balfour death certificate, 13th April 1925. Regd. Bridge of Weir, 14th April 1925
• 1891 UK Census: Parish: Govan; ED:42; Page:44; Line:5; Roll: CSSCT1891_307
• 1901 UK Census: Parish: Govan; Ward: Kelvinside, Page:327; Lines 1-6; 646/3G 007/00 032
• 1911 UK Census: Parish: Kilbarchan; Ward: Bridge of Weir, Page:5; Lines 26-31; 559/0B 004/00 005
• Glasgow Street Names that Changed accessed 24 January 2014.
• War Diary: 4th Northumberland Fusiliers. 1 Aug 1914 - 31 Jul 1918. WO95/2828/1. National Archives.
  • MAMETZ WOOD: 13th September 1916: Between the hours of 5 & 6 a.m. the Batt moved by platoons from MAMETZ WOOD (S.W.). During the whole day and also the following day, the Batt was equipped with all material to complete its full fighting order. At the C.O.'s meetings, all battle formations, artillery arrangements etc were thoroughly gone into amongst officers. Brigadier Gen. OVENS, CMG took over command of the Bde.
  • 14th September 1916: Battle Formation with Batt HQ in CLARK's TRENCH. At 9.30 p.m. the Batt moved from MAMETZ WOOD via the "Quarry" & then overland to its battle position in the right hand sector of the Bde sector, namely from a point S.3.b.6.b. to S.3.b.O.5 1/2. The Battle formations were complete about 3 a.m., Coys running from right to left as follows: C Coy, A Coy, B Coy, D Coy. The following officers went into action.
    Headquarters: Lt. Col. B.D. Gibson, Capt. C.G. Arkwright (Adjt), 2/Lt W.M.C. WIlson (3rd Off), Lt R.W. Cromagh (Sig. Off), 2/Lt N.C. Conochie (Bde Liaison Off), 2/Lt J.A. Bagnall (B.O.) (killed), 2/Lt R.D. Browne 1 G.O.M. (wounded), 2/Lt J.A.J. Mackenzie carrying party (wounded), Capt. J. Mitchell R.A.M.C. (wounded).
    A Coy Capt J.J. Henderson (killed), 2/Lt G.P. Walton (wounded), 2/Lt K. Patrick (killed); B Coy Capt L.D. Plummer (killed), 2/Lt E. McIver (wounded), 2/Lt H.A. Long (killed): C Coy Capt H. Cheesmond (wounded), 2/Lt A.S. Waite (wounded), 2/Lt J.T. Melville (killed): D Coy Capt H.H. Bell (killed), 2/Lt H. Tully (wounded), 2/Lt J. Fleming (killed), 2/Lt G.J. Balfour (killed):
    Attached - Stokes Mortar Lt Arne ? (wounded), M.G> Coy Lt Taylor (killed), Carrying Party Lt Robson (wounded).
  • 15th September 1916: At 3 a.m. the dispositions of the Bde were as follows: Bde H.Q. - The Quarry S.8.b.8.1; Front Line - 4th N.F. - on the right with H.Q. in CLARK's TR at S.3.c.4.9.; 7th N.F. - on the left S.3.a.1.0; Support - 6th N.F. with H.Q. at New Quarry S.8.d.9.9 1/2; Reserve - 5th N.F. with H.Q. at Old Quarry S.8.b.8.1. The 150th Bde occupied the left front & the 149th Bde the right front of the DIV Sector. The 151st Bde was in DIV Reserve.
    The 47th DIV were on the right & the 15th DIV on the left of the 50th DIV. The 18th Bn London Regt (London Irish) were on our immediate right with the 19th Batt in support to them.
    At Zero time 6.20 a.m. the assaulting troops left their jumping off trenches for the first objective. First in front of this assault two of the new tanks went forward on the extreme left of the 149th Inf Bde. This caused the enemy to send up the S.O.S. signals at once, which after 4 minutes brought down the enemy barrage in front of his own front line just before zero time.
    About 7.6 a.m. a message was received from Capt Plummer from the left Coy of the Batt front, that the 1st objective had been gained with not much opposition, & that he was in touch with D Coy and the 7th N.F. Shortly after this wounded men began to come back, but no further messages were received from Coys for some time.
    At 7.20 a.m. the advance to 2nd objective (STARFISH TR) began, under a barrage retreating 50 yds per minute and 1st objective was occupied by a Coy of 6th N.F. under Capt TWEEDY. The Coy of 6th N.F. under Capt COOKE which should have replaced the latter went towards HIGH WOOD & never came under the command of C.O. 4.N.F.
    At 7.43 a.m. message was received from Bde that the attack of 47th DIV on HIGH WOOD on our right was held up & that 2 more Batts were going forward. This meant our right flank had to be carefully watched as it was subject to enfilade fire and was in the air.
    At 8.20 a.m. a further message was received from Bde, saying left brigade of 47th DIV was trying to work round HIGH WOOD, & ordering the Batt to assist with the Stokes Mortars and Lewis Guns from BETHEL SAP, a trench running at right angles to our jumping off trenches and up our extreme right. Col Gibson having no men in CLARK's TR wired for another Coy to form defensive flank in BETHEL SAP, & sent 2/Lt Wilson to obtain information as to the position on the right of our first objective. 2/Lt Wilson reported that top of BETHEL SAP & right of first objective was swept by M.G. fire from HIGH WOOD. Shortly after CAPT Dunford 6th N.F. & his Coy were placed at the disposal of Col Gibson by O.C. 7th N.F. Half this Coy was sent to BETHEL SAP & half to the left of 1st objective to work along, 1/2 right and form a defensive flank.
    At 9.45 a.m. a message was received from Bde, saying, Division directed that HOOK TR must be made good & strengthened as far right as DIV Boundary. The strengthening of this & BETHEL SAP was completed as far as possible & the flank made secure. Bombing parties of Germans from HIGH WOOD were dispersed by our machine, Lewis Gun and Stokes Mortar fire.
    At 10.35 a.m. a Coy of 5th N.F. under Lt Dalglish arrived & garrisoned CLARK's TR. At 10.40 a.m. 2/Lt Wilson was again sent forward to obtain more information as to position in first objective. Half of Lt Dalglish's Coy was sent up to 1st objective to bomb round HOOK on right and get touch with BETHEL SAP.
    At 11.30 a.m. Heavy Artillery bombarded N.W. corner of HIGH WOOD and as the 47th DIV gradually worked round HIGH WOOD the enemy commenced retiring & were again caught by our M.G. Fire. About 100 Germans, caught by this, surrendered. HIGH WOOD was then cleared step by step. News of our frontal attack on our 2nd and 3rd objectives came in slowly, only disconnected statements from wounded men for some time being received.
    At 11.40 a.m. 2/Lt Wilson returned confirming his previous report. Lt Westrope R.F.A. reported that all officers of C Coy were hit & that he had taken on the Coy till he himself was hit, after which a corporal had led it against the 2nd objective which it appeared to gain.
    At 12 noon the whole of the 6th N.F., supporting Batt, being up in various parts of the attack, Col Spain, O.C. 6th N.F. moved his H.Q. up to CLARK's TR.
    At 3.30 p.m. Col Gibson moved his H.Q. forward to HOOK TR. This was badly knocked about. Men of 4th, 5th, 6th, & a few of 7th N.F. were found all muddled up here. Col Gibson then organised the whole of this objective, getting all the various Battalions together & establishing connection on teh extreme right with Battalion of 47th DIV. At this period there were 100 men of 7th N.F. in SUNKEN RD in front of HOOK TR. All men of the Bde further forward had become casualties, except a handful who withdrew with 2/Lt Browne about 1.30 a.m. (16th inst) on the arrival of part of 47th DIV. This was the situation at dusk & the position of affairs that was reported to Bde.
    About 7.30 p.m. the 151st Bde came through the 1st objective, namely HOOK TR, to attack & consolidate the 2nd & 3rd objectives, about which the situation had been uncertain all day. This attack did not succeed.
  • 16th September 1916: 4.45 a.m. Message was received from Brigade, stating 151st Bde were making every effort to occupy and consolidate STARFISH LINE (2nd objective).
• The History of the Fiftieth Division, 1914-1919. Everard Wyrall. 1939. p151.
  The Divisional Narrative concludes with the following remarks: "Both Brigades lost very heavily and became considerably disorganised, especially the 149th Brigade.
  "However, by their splendid dash and gallantry they enabled High Wood and Martinpuich to be subsequently occupied by the flank divisions. The 47th Division, on our right, lost very heavily in front of High Wood before the enemy finally surrendered, but the 15th Division occupied Martinpuich without difficulty, thanks to the co-operation of the 50th Division."
• Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette
  • 19th September 1914: Roll of Honour George Balfour, Restrevoir, 6th HLI.
  • 23rd September 1916: SECOND-LIEUT. BALFOUR KILLED. Second-Lieutenant George J Balfour, H.L.I., attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action on September 15, was the younger son of Mr. Andrew Balfour F.R.I.B.A., architect, Glasgow, and Rostrevor, Bridge of Weir. He was educated at the Glasgow High School, and on leaving it he entered the service of Nobel's Ltd. On the outbreak of war he joined the H.L.I., and a year later received his commission. In July, 1916, he proceeded to the front on active service, and was attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was 19 years of age. His elder brother, Capt. A. Campbell Balfour, is on active service with the H.L.I.
  • 14th October 1916: The writer says 'I am very sorry that the continuous fighting in which we have been engaged has prevented me writing you sooner to convey to you my own and the deepest sympathy of every officer and men in my regiment in your great loss. Your son fell gallantly leading his men in an attack in which they did magnificently and it will be some little consolation to you to know that his life was not sacrificed in vain. He is buried on the battlefield where he fell. He was an excellent officer and beloved by all of us, and we shall all miss him very much and share your sorrow.'
  • 2nd June 1917: Captain A. Campbell Balfour son of Andrew Balfour, Restrevoir, has been mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's despatches. Captain Balfour has seen considerable service with the HLI and it is gratifying to know that his activities have been recognized in this manner. His many friends throughout the district will be delighted to hear of this honour which has been confirmed on him.
  • 8th June 1918: MILITARY CROSS WINNER Captain Andrew Campbell Balfour, following upon him being twice mentioned is dispatches, has now been awarded The Military Cross. Captain Balfour, who holds the 1914 Mons Star, is a son of Mr & Mrs Andrew Balfour, Restervoir, Bridge of Weir.
• Glasgow Evening Times
  o 21st September 1916: Scottish Officers: MR GEORGE J BALFOUR, H.L.I. Second Lieutenant George J. Balfour, H.L.I., attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers, who was killed in action on September 15, was the younger son of Mr Andrew Balfour, F.R.I.B.A., architect, Glasgow. He was educated at the Glasgow High School, and on leaving it he entered the service of Nobel's (Limited). On the outbreak of war he joined the H.L.I., and a year later received his commission. In July, 1916, he proceeded to the front on active service, and was attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers. He was 19 years of age. His elder brother, Captain A. Campbell Balfour, is on active service with the H.L.I.
• London Gazette: 31st May 1918
  o Supplement: War Office, 3rd June, 1918. His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty's Birthday, to approve of the undermentioned rewards for distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders. Dated 3rd June, 1918:- [list includes] AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS: T. /Capt. Andrew Campbell Balfour, High. L.I.
• Kilbarchan Cemetery Monumental Inscription:
  In loving memory of our dear sons A. CAMPBELL BALFOUR M.C. Capt. 18th H.L.I. who died 13th April 1925 aged 34 years beloved husband of ELSPETH NICHOLL and GEORGE J. BALFOUR 2nd Lieut. 6th H.L.I. who fell in France 15th Sept. 1916 aged 19 years their father ANDREW BALFOUR F.R.I.B.A. who died 2nd Nov. 1943 aged 79 years beloved husband of MAGGIE FREW who died 2nd Oct. 1947 JAMES AITKEN who died 29th April 1957 aged 60 years dear husband of MARGARET BALFOUR who died 9th Feb. 1985. "Until the day dawn". (Rt./side). Their son ALISTAIR lost on active service 10th Nov. 1943 aged 19 years.
• Medals: Victory, British War.

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