Mexborough and Swinton Times December 1, 1917
Mexboro’ Officer Wounded
Second-Lieut, Edgar Laidlaw
York and Lancaster
Second Lt Laidlaw, younger son of Mr and Mrs N.R.Laidlaw, of Bank House, Mexborough was one of several local officers who led brave men to victory in the Cambrai region on November 20, but we regret to learn that this gallant young officer has been rather seriously wounded.
He is now lying in the second Red Cross hospital, Roen, having sustained wounds in the abdomen, face and left leg. He has, successfully, we hope, undergone an operation for the removal of the shrapnel from the abdomen. The serious nature of his wounds notwithstanding, Lt Laidlaw maintains a good heart, and sends a latest message home, compressed into the four words, “Am going on fine,” is characteristic of this 19 year old British soldier.
It transpires that he laid long on the battlefield after been wounded, and was eventually carried back to his lines by his own orders by four Germans who just been captured.
Lt Laidlaw enlisted in the Black Watch before he was 17 years of age. He was commission back to the York and Lancaster Regiment in June this year, proceeding to France shortly afterwards.
We hope you will make a complete and speedy recovery.
His elder brother, Lt Watson Laidlaw, is also serving in France.