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Hawick Callants Club |
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GALLIPOLI
On 12th July 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula over 300 men were killed and over 200 wounded in a single action that wiped out over half the 1/4th (Border Battalion) of The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Of those who died, over 50 men were from Hawick and surrounding area.
As the years took their toll on the those who fought at Gallipoli, Hawick Callants Club undertook to continue the remembrance of those who give their lives on that terrible day in the Town's history.
At 7.00pm on 12th July, the President, and members of Hawick Callants Club together with the Honorary Provost and representatives from the KOSB Association, Ex-Serviceman's Association, and British Legion, assembly at the "Horse" or 1514 Memorial in the town's High Street. Both the President and Honorary Provost wear their Chains of Office. The President hangs the Callants Club wreath on the Memorial, followed by a recital of the verse.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We shall remember them."
In 2006, this verse was recited by Honorary Life Member Francis Boles who had recently been presented with the Arctic Emblem for Services to the Arctic Convoys during the Second World War. After a short silence, the assembled company disperse.
At 7.20pm, the company re-assemble at the Museum in the town's Wilton Lodge Park. The piper marches the parade, two abreast behind the President and Provost to the War Memorial where the President lays the Gallipoli Comrades Wreath. The piper plays a lament followed by the bugler playing " Last Post". A minutes silence is then observed broken by the piper playing "Reveille". The piper then marches the parade back to the Museum where the Party disperse.
Afterwards, those present adjourn to Hawick Ex-Serviceman's Club for refreshments.