Regiment: Northumberland Fus.
Died: 01 July 1916 aged 27 in France. Killed in action at the Somme.
Battle: Battle of the Somme. Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial P 10B/11B/12B
Son of Farquhar M. Laing, Farnley Grange, Corbridge-on-Tyne. b. 14th Nov 1889.
Middle V—VI. Minor Scholar.
Shipowner.
Great War, 2nd Lieutenant 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers 1914, Captain.
Killed in action at La Boiselle on the Somme.
'As a boy he was shy and reticent, and did not distinguish himself greatly in the general life of the School. He joined a Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers in November 1914, and at the time of his death he commanded his Company. He was killed in action in July of this year.' (Malvernian, Nov 1916).
Unit War Diary extract:
1st July 1916. 7.30am. The battalion moved forward to the attack on the enemy trenches south of La Boiselle. Heavy enemy gun fire was experienced but the Bn, less heavy casualties suffered, reached enemy 2nd line.
A small party proceeded toward the enemy 3rd line but had to retire owing to heavy enemy fire.
8am. Six separate attempts to rush our flanks were made by the enemy without avail.
12.45pm. Strength 7 officers and 200 other ranks.
10.15pm All ranks greatly in need of water and very much fatigued.
Service record:WO 339/18934
Unit war diary:WO 95/2463/1