The King's Own Scottish Borderers' Minden Day Parade at Berwick Barracks

The King's Own Scottish Borderers' return to Berwick Barracks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, every year to remember those comrades who fought at the battle of Minden.

The Battle of Minden was fought on 1 August 1759, during the Seven Years' War.
It was an important victory for the British troops with help from King George II's German possessions and allies against a larger French and Saxony army.

The 25th Foot (later The King's Own Scottish Borderers - KOSB) was part of that British Army. All ranks wear red roses in their bonnets memory of those original soldiers of the 25th Foot, who while advancing through local gardens, picked roses and stuck them in their coats.

Here is the story of one KOSB. soldier, Sergeant Dougie Scott, told by his widow Cynthia, who attends the parade every year with their family.
Another soldier mentioned is Jock Wallace.

After assembling, the King's Own Scottish Borderers march from Berwick Barracks down Marygate past the Town Hall led by the Royal British Legion pipe band.

Thomas Emond Tait, World War I Soldier

Robina Burgon writes:
My grandfather, Thomas Emond Tait, originally from Selkirk, was in World War I, serving in Gallipoli, Egypt, Palestine and the Western Front.

He re-enlisted with the 4th Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) stationed at Berwick Barracks on 24 June 1919 aged 21. On his enlistment registration his next of kin was stated as Catherine Story, 16 Allars Crescent, Hawick.

His daughter's birth is listed in the Borders Chronicles, a newspaper that was specifically published for the barracks. These are held in the library at the barracks.

He was discharged on 1 October 1936 under section 383 Kings Regulations and became a constable for the War Department based in Irvine, Ayrshire.

He is buried in Berwick Cemetery.