At the end of 1943, the 6th Battalion, Black Watch, was in Egypt for training in amphibious landings. The battalion landed at Naples on 6th March 1944. It held the front line south of Cassino, then relieved a French unit east of Cassino.

From early April to May 17th, Cassino was a heavy and close battle until the Germans pulled back towards Rome.

“L/Cpl GJ Brough was killed in action during the breakout at the Fourth Battle of Cassino which started on 11 May 1944."

"10 Infantry Brigade and 28 Infantry Brigade had crossed the River Gari and secured the far bank on 13 May 1944."

"12 Infantry Brigade, with support from the tanks of 2 Lothian and Borders Horse, of which 6 B/W were part, pushed up the Liri Valley in an attempt to cut the German lines of communication into Cassino town. It was in this advance that L Cpl Brough was killed, on 15 May 1944.”

Perthshire Advertiser 31st May 1944

 “INTIMATIONS - DEATHS "COUNTY AND CITY WAR CASUALTIES"

“BROUGH - Killed in action in Italy, May, 1944, L/Cpl. Gordon James Brough, the Black Watch (R.H.R.), only son of Mr and Mrs Peter S. Brough, Dundee Road, Barnhill, Perth.”

“Mr and Mrs Peter S. Brough, Kerr’s Land, Barnhill, Perth, have received official intimation that their only son, L/Cpl. Gordon James Brough, Black Watch, has been killed in action in the Central Mediterranean. He had only been in the fighting line since March, having been previously in the Middle East."

“Before joining up L/Cpl. Brough was employed by Smith & Son, joiners, Perth."

“L/Cpl. Brough was a keen sportsman. He was a member of the Canoe Club and just after the outbreak of war he rescued a boy from the Tay and was awarded a certificate from the Royal Humane Society. He was aged 22.”