58641: Matchbox and contained letter from Sgt Major George Cavan to his family

George Cavan was a sergeant major in the Highland Light Infantry. He lived with his family, wife Jean and 3 daughters, in The Drill Hall in Carluke Scotland. While away at training camp the orders came through to dispatch to France. The train he was on with his troops went through his home station but did not stop there. He threw out onto the station a matchbox containing a note to his family. On one side was the name of his wife and on the other the message to the family. Someone picked up the matchbox and delivered it to the family. George was killed just a few days after arriving at the Front in France. He lies in an unmarked grave near Ypres. His name is on the memorial there.

Editor's Comment:
Company Serjeant Major 7988 George Cavan, 9th (Glasgow Highlanders) Bn. Highland Light Infantry, Killed in Action 13th April 1918, is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. The 9th Bn. formed part of the 33rd Division, heavily engaged on the 12th-15th April resisting the German 'Spring Offensive' of 1918, in what would become known as the battle of Hazebrouck (second phase of the Battle of the Lys).