This is the second in a small series based around local war hero Daniel Laidlaw VC - The Piper of Loos
The Piper of Loos #1 - GC8D4RE
The Piper of Loos #3 - GC8DBWW
The Piper of Loos #4 - GC8DEDK
Daniel re-enlisted in 1914, aged 39 years. He was appointed to the 7th Battalion, Kings Own Scottish Borderers and posted to France in July 1915. The attack on the french village of Loos was the first time the British had used poison gas. The gas was released but due to a sudden change in the weather instead of heading towards the enemy the gas came towards the allies. It was described as a savage battle, utilising 140 tonnes of chorine gas.
Piper Laidlaw's VC citation reads:
"For most conspicuous bravery prior to an assault on German trenches near Loos and Hill 70 on 25 September 1915. During the worst of the bombardment, Piper Laidlaw, seeing that his company was badly shaken from the effects of gas, with absolute coolnesss and disregard of danger, mounted the parapet, marched up and down and played the company out of the trench. The effect of his splendid example was immediate and the company dashed out to the assault. Piper Laidlaw continued playing his pipes until he was wounded."
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The co-ordinates for this cache will take you to the Berwick Barracks which was the depot of the King's Own Scottish Borderers until 1963. The barracks now houses a K.O.S.B museum to which the Laidlaw family donated the infamous pipes Daniel played in battle.
You will need to gather some information from the board outside the barracks to lead you to the log book.
Coordinates for the log can be found at N 55° 46.ABC W 2° 0.DEF
A - Open 01 Oct - ? Nov
B - Number of letters in 6th word on sign
C - Closing time 1st April - 30th September
D - Number of photographic images on the sign
E - Number of hours open daily in October
F - Number of symbols next to "shop"
Final location is a short walk away. Stealth may be required.