Private Thomas Black Latto

Service Number 10197

Campaign:

World War 1

Died:

15.9.1916

1SG
Aged 23
Buried at London Cemetery and Extension, France. 6, D, 16
Thomas Black Latto was born at Arniston, Midlothian in 1893, the son of William and Isabella Latto of Catcune, Midlothian. He served as a Police Constable prior to the war and enlisted on 5 September 1914 , initially being posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Scots Guards. Here he suffered from the first of his displinary infractions, going absent without leave from 31 December 1914-6 January 1915. Having returned to his unit Latto was transferred to the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards and served in France from 7 February 1915. Here his problems with discipline became more acute with a charge of 'not standing to when ordered'. Latto was twice seconded to Engineering duties, the first time on 8 August 1915 with 7th Entrenching Battalion and the second time on 3 August 1916 with 252 Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers. During the latter secondment he was noted as 'something of a nuisance in the lines'. Rejoining his Battalion on 20 August 1916, Latto joined the attack on 15 September 1916 on the Somme, notably the day in which tanks were first used on the battlefield at Flers-Courcelette. The Battalion War Diary notes that:

'...the armoured creepers which were to head the assault were heard approaching, but unfortunately, the enemy discovered them and opened a heavy machine gun and shell fire which caused them to remain stationary, thus depriving us of their support in the actual attack'

This lack of armoured support didn't stop the 2nd Guards Brigade from taking part in the attack with great success, however it certainly increased casualties to the infantry. One of these was Latto who was killed in action and is buried in the London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval; sold together with copied Commonwealth War Graves details, M.I.C. and an extract from the Battalion War Diary