Reginald Alexander Forbes's Story.
Reginald Alexander Forbes Downie was born in Scotland in 1899, one of five children born to Robert Manners (an importer) and Elisabeth Henderson Downie who came to reside at Cornbrook, Knutsford.
He enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the Cameron Highland Regiment as a Lieutenant. He was later attached to the 5th Battalion.
He arrived in France on Christmas Eve 1917.
Reginald was killed in action on the 24th March 1918.
On that fateful day:
Neither the 5th Battalion nor the 1st Battalion war diary makes any reference to Reginald's death.
The 5th Battalion states:
˜24.3.18
An inter Company relief was carried out. C Coy from HAALEN and D; Coy from HILLSIDE relieved A and B Companies. In the front line.
During this tour 2 officer patrols were sent out nightly.
Enemy posts were found but no identification were got. Work on the posts were carried out."
He was the brother of Robert Theodore Manners Downie.
Researched and compiled by Tony Davies.