The Tragedy that Befell Pte. Hislop and Holland

On researching Pte. James Hislop (I am using this spelling as it is consistent with official government records) I was able to garner some more information from CEF Study group that helps illuminate not just this serving soldier but also 2 more soldiers.

Please note the letter below. Pte. Jame Hislop had named his father who lived in Harwick [probably Hawick], Scotland. In the letter it is interesting to note the following:

• The spelling of the fathers name as Hyslop and not Hislop. Note that the attestation papers have the spelling as Hislop.
• Pte. Hislop was KIA December 29, 1915 and the letter is dated February 18, 1916 and indicates that the father (and family) was not notified by the CEF and had found out about the death in another manner, probably from another soldier.
• The reference of Pte. Holland as “my servant” probably refers to the roll of what would commonly be referred to as batman during the Second World War.
• It is interesting to note the differences of the spelling of not only the place name of Pte. Hislop’s birth place but it also brings to light the possibility that the person typing the attestation papers extrapolated and anglicized the spelling of the Scotsman’s name either in error or deliberately though this is curious as the soldier had to sign the attestation papers and this would have given rise to inform and correct the official record but was Pte. Hislop illiterate and not able to discern the incorrect spelling?
• From viewing the attestation papers please note that the first page was signed by a notary public and the reason the attestation paper was typed is Pte. Hislop was illiterate.

• 

  
• Or did Lieut. Beeson get the spelling wrong?

Letter from Lieut. Beeson to Alex Hislop:

Belgium 18/2/16

To Alex Hyslop Esq.

From Lieut. J Beeson

Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 8th inst to which I take the first opportunity to reply:

No. 54341 Pte James Hyslop belonged to my platoon, he was killed by the explosion of a shell, on the 29th day of December, 1915. I am sorry that you have not been informed by the War Office, for it is their duty to do so.
Pte Hyslop and my servant Pte Holland and several more men of my platoon were standing at street corner talking (the Germans were shelling us pretty heavily). I came up the road and they asked me to stay, however, I told them I thought I would get along, I had not gone 20 yards when I heard a shell coming and looking back saw it had landed at the corner, Privates Hyslop and Holland were both instantly killed, Pte Hyslop’s wounds were mostly to the head and Pte Holland the stomach.

We buried them at 9.30 am the next day. The O.C and all the officers of “B” Coy. (and all the men not on duty) were present. The coffin was covered with the Union Jack and the Regimental Chaplain read the service for the dead.

I visited their graves yesterday and they are well cared for as the men visit them when we are here (rest camp).

I will send you a P.C of the church when I can procure one. If there is anything else that I can do for you, shall only be to pleased to do it.

You will please accept the sympathy of the C.O and Officers and men of No.5 Platoon, for Pte Hyslop was a favourite and liked by all.

Sympathising with you in your great loss but trusting you will be fortified with the knowledge that he did his duty.

I remain yours obediently,

J Beeson, Lieut. No.5 Platoon “B”-Coy, 18th Batt. C.E.F