WW1 7th Bn Border Regiment Officer’s Memorial Plaque and Writing Case.

WW1 7th Bn Border Regiment Officer’s Memorial Plaque and Writing Case.

I find this a rather emotive group of items pertaining to Lieutenant Louis Amrhein Rusack who was Killed in Action on the 4th July 1916, whilst serving with the 7th Bn Border Regiment.
Comprising:
Memorial Plaque: LOUIS AMRHEIN RUSACK. Contained in Card Cover.
Leather Brief / Writing case. This tailored in polished brown leather which opens to reveal a wringing service, pocket for paper and envelops. Also loops for pens and pouch for inkwell. The quality lock is engraved “L.A.RUSACK 7TH BORDER REGT”. This was presumably given to him on being commissioned and carried at the front.
Original Telegram from the King & Queen sent to the next of Kin on his death.
Old typed copy of a letter sent by his CO Major R.S. Irwin dated 5th July 1916 (Day after his death), describes his death inflicted by shrapnel.
Overall GC the case leather retains a good rich colour and remains supple.

Second Lieutenant  Louis Amrhein Rusack parents lived at the Marine Hotel St.Andrews Fife, in the pre war years he worked for the Straits Trading Company, serving with the Straits Settlement Volunteers as a Lance Corporal in 1915 he returned to the UK on leave and was commissioned into the Border Regiment. Serving in France with the 7th Bn he was responsible for the Battalion Snipers. His Captain Capt. Thomas Latymer Crosse was Killed on the 4th July 1916 and 2Lt Rusack was ordered to form a burial party, along with The Bn Doctor and one of his snipers, the group was struck by a shell, Rusack and the sniper Private Bean were killed., the Doctor injured. The bodies of Rusack, Bean and Captain Crosse on the evening of the 4th were all buried in the same grave 200 yards east of Fricourt Church, under the eye of Major Irwin. This information is taken by the accompanying letter from Major Irwin.