Killed in action on October 12th 1917, only son of Mr and Mrs Robert Pringle, Wood Norton, Hawick. At the outbreak of war he joined the Yeomanry, serving with them as dispatch rider until the regiment went to France in September 1915, and from there went to Salonica. Returning in August 1916, he obtained his commission at the Staff College, Camberley, and was gazetted in December. Going to France in the beginning of February he served on the staff of the A.P.M. during the bombardment of Arras, and met his death in action as stated on 12th October, 1917. From numerous letters received from the front it is gratifying to note how much he was loved by his men, and appreciated as an officer. Lieut. Pringle was a great enthusiast in motor cycling, and as captain of the Hawick Club did a great deal to promote its interests. In the letter of sympathy, the secretary said “We have lost our captain, and a truer or better sportsman and friend never lived. We have often longed and hoped that the time would come when we could muster with him at our head, but alas! things have been ordered otherwise, and a young and noble life has been called upon to make the supreme sacrifice.” The O.C. of the K.O.S.B. wrote – “These few lines are to offer you the sincere sympathy of the Battalion in your great loss, which we share with you. Lieutenant Pringle has always been a most gallant officer. He was shot just after taking a Pill Box, which had already held up three Battalions. He led his men most gallantly, and he and another officer were mortally wounded just after his success. They both died in the Pill Box, and were making light of their wounds up to the last. I cannot tell you what a loss these brave officers are to us. God seems to call our bravest and best, yet it is only through such gallant fellows, and their sacrifices, that we will win this war. Please accept our sincere sympathy.” In a letter of sympathy received from the O.C. of A Coy., K.O.S.B., he said – “Your son and I were greater friends than is usual even amongst mess-mates in France, and I share, and feel honoured to share, in a measure your great sorrow. He was loved by his men, and died bravely for a great cause.” In civil life Lieut. Pringle was in the firm of Robert Pringle & Son, hosiery manufacturers.

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