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'It is reported that several local soldiers have been wounded in the big British offensive, but we are waiting confirmation of the new casualty lists before publishing the same. Relatives will greatly oblige if they will kindly notify us of any district casualties.'
In January, Captain William Allan Young, elder son of Dr Young of Burnvale, who was educated at Addiewell and West Calder schools, was awarded the DSO for services at a collecting station in France, dealing with the wounded whilst under fire.
In the same month, Lance Corporal Roden, who had been awarded the military medal for bravery, returned to the village for a short period of leave. A public presentation was made to him in the Lesser Hall in recognition of his award. This was the last time he was to see his home, family and friends. In May he became another figure on the monthly casualty lists.
In June, in a letter to Mr and Mrs McGowan, Sergeant Stocks of the KOSB told them about the death of their son Private Joseph McGowan.
'I am writing to tell you how your son met his death, and I sympathise with you in your sad bereavement. He was in my platoon, and he was a very good soldier. He carried out his duties well, and all the platoon miss him very much. It will comfort you to know that he was killed outright, and suffered no pain. We buried him in a proper grave, and erected a cross beside it with his number, name and regiment, so that it can be found at any time.'
In July, Private Michael Doyle, who prior to enlistment had been a miner at the West Mains colliery, was awarded a medal for conspicuous bravery on the battlefield.
Casualties were not only restricted to the Western Front. Private William Thornton died of wounds received fighting the Germans in East Africa.
'No pen can describe what our lads came through a they herded the German forces through forests, across rivers and through swamps infested with malaria. It is sad to think that the great task had almost been accomplished, and victory was within site when Private Thornton was called to make the supreme sacrifice.'
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