Robert Gordon`s College Roll of Honour.

Transcription

ROLL OF HONOUR
World War 1
1914-1918
The Roll of Honour is a record of the 289 pupils and staff of Robert Gordon’s
College who gave their lives in the First World War.
Before the introduction of conscription in 1916, many boys volunteered to serve
their country, some entering the forces straight from school. Some entries have
more details than others but each tells a personal and often touching story.
We are aware that some entries are incomplete or may contain errors: if you
have any information on any of the names on this Roll, please contact us by
clicking on this link: [email protected]
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank in particular the University of Aberdeen for permission to
quote from the University Roll of Honour and to reproduce their photographs.
Anne Park’s generous sharing of all her research on the fallen of World War 1 has
been invaluable and much appreciated.
Former pupil and historian, Colin Johnston, has provided information and
photographs for a number of entries.
Judy Mackie and Diane Morgan of the Leopard Magazine have given permission
to reproduce the photograph of Frank Shepherd.
Ian McKerrow, Archivist, Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh for information on
the Kemp brothers.
We have also consulted the following:
University of Aberdeen, Roll of Service, [Ed. Mabel Allardyce] A.U.P 1921
Roll of Honour by the Marquis de Ruvigny [5 Volumes]
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website: www.cwgc.org
Find My Past website: www.findmypast.co.uk
Imperial War Museum’s website: www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org
Scotland’s People: www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
War Memorial
Dedicated 11 November 2015
The original memorial to the fallen of World War 1 was Seafield Playing Field,
partially funded by a collection of £1000 raised by the Former Pupils Association.
The memorial playing field and the pavilion were formally opened on 18 May
1925 by Sir Francis Ogilvie, son of the late Dr Alexander Ogilvie, former
Headmaster of the College.
To remember those who gave their lives in both world wars, a carved oak plaque
was also installed in the Auld Hoose in 1951 where wreaths continue to be laid
every year on Remembrance Day.
ADAM, Alexander T.
RGC: 1894 – 1899 [1812]
Rank: Pioneer
Regiment: Special Gas Section, Royal
Engineers
Biography: Born Alford, 1 August 1881; son of
James Adam, cattle dealer; educated at
Inverurie and Robert Gordon's College;
graduated from Aberdeen University with an
M.A. in 1903; took honours in Mathematics
1904 ; graduated B.Sc. in 1905. After teaching
Mathematics and Science at Glenurquhart,
Stirling and Nairn, he went to America where he stayed for some years. On his
return he was appointed Science Master at the Royal Academy, Inverness. In July
1916 Adam joined the Special Gas Section of the R.E. and served from the
following September with the Expeditionary Force in France. He was gassed while
on duty on 2 December 1917 and died in hospital at Arras the same day. Adam
was a valuable member of the teaching profession and his ability, sound
scholarship and strength of character were recognized also by those with whom
Army life brought him in contact. An officer wrote: "Life under Army conditions
he seemed to detest, but, being the man he was, he rose superior to every
difficulty and did his duty ungrudgingly and manfully ".
Date of Death: 2 December 1917
Burial Details: Buried at Faubourg d' Amiens Cemetery, Arras, Plot 6, Row A,
Grave 30.
ADAMS, James H.
RGC: Member of Staff 1913 - 1915
Rank: Private
Regiment: 6th Battalion Cameron
Highlanders
Biography: Born Edinburgh on 6 March
1890, the son of John Adams, a compositor.
He graduated from the University of
Glasgow with a first class M.A. in Modern
Languages and subsequently enrolled in the
Faculty of Law at the University of Aberdeen
[1913-15].
He joined the staff of the Modern Languages
Department at Robert Gordon’s College in 1913 and replaced Herr Emil Trüe as
Principal Teacher of German in September 1914. He took a keen interest in the
Gordonian Association and was always present at the whist drives held in the
spring and autumn of 1914.
James Adams joined the 6th Cameron Highlanders in March 1915, was trained at
Basingstoke, and then crossed to fight in France in July. After only a few months'
service, he fell in action on the first day of the Battle of Loos on 26 September
1915, aged 25.
Date of Death: 26 September 1915
Burial Details: Name inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Panel 38,
Column 5.
ALEXANDER, John Tough Martin
RGC: 1908-1909 [1576]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born on 13 October 1896, son of a
stone-cutter James Westland Alexander and his
wife Jane Milne Alexander, of 96 Rosemount
Place, Aberdeen, later 36 Stafford St. He entered
RGC from Skene Square Public School. Attached to
the 51st Cyclist Company of the Army Cyclist Corps.
Killed in action aged 18.
Date of Death: 27 May 1915
Burial Details: Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez XVII E 11
ALLAN, John, M.C.
RGC: 1905-1911 [22]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 6th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps
(Heavy Branch)
Biography: He was born on 16 September 1893
at Cluny, Aberdeenshire, 4th son of James
George Allan, Farmer, and his wife Jessie Cross
Allan of Cluny, Sauchen; he entered RGC from
U.F.C. School, Sauchen; On the Aberdeen City
Roll of Honour his address is given as Eastbank,
Oldmill. Rose through the ranks to Acting
Captain at the time of his death in France, aged 24.
Honours: Military Cross
Date of Death: 9 June 1917
Burial Details: Bailleul Communal Cemetery
III C 100
ALLARDYCE, Alexander
RGC: 1898 – 1901 [3151]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born in Rothiemay, Banffshire,
second son of the Reverend Allardyce and his
wife Jamima, of the Manse, Rothiemay; he
entered RGC on 18 August 1898 aged 13
from Rothiemay Primary School. He boarded
at 84 Leslie Terrace while at RGC.
He was promoted Acting Sergeant shortly
before his death at Hooge in Belgium.
From Bedfordshire Times, 6 August 1915:
“Throughout the battle he had shown the greatest coolness and courage,
bombing and building a barricade and he was killed after he had been standing
on the top of the parapet for twenty minutes under heavy fire. He has shown a
grand example of coolness and gallantry.”
It is needless to add that by the members of the firm for whom he worked in civil
life he was highly respected, being an able and trusted assistant.
Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
ANDERSON, Alexander K.
RGC: 1899- 1905 [3476]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: Royal Engineers
Biography: He entered RGC on a bursary from
Skene Square Primary School on 28 August 1899,
aged 9. He lived at 98 Great Northern Road. He was
attached to the 48th Brigade of the Honourable
Artillery Company, when he died in Belgium.
Date of Death: 14 February 1919
Burial Details: Mons (Bergen) Communal Cemetery
X B 43
ANDERSON, Alexander Stewart
RGC:
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: Royal Engineers, Highland Field Company
Biography: He was an apprentice engineer with
Messrs. McKinnon and Co., Aberdeen, before
enlisting. Sgt. Anderson was the eldest son of the
late Mr William Anderson, Singapore. His two
brothers, James and John also served in the war.
Killed in action in France, aged 24.
Date of Death: 15 August 1917
Burial details: I. F. 14.
GWALIA CEMETERY
Although this man’s name appears on the Roll of Honour which was compiled just
after the war, no entry has been found in the College registers.
ANDERSON, David
RGC: 1905-1910 [28]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born 17 October 1893, third son of
William Anderson OBE JP, Chief Constable of
Aberdeen, and his wife Annie, née Carrie, of 135
Hamilton Place; brother of James S [Admission No.
32], William A [37] and Cecil [1131]; he held a bursary
from 1906–1909. His younger brother Henry [1579]
was also killed in WW1. A law student, he died in
France aged 23.
Date of Death: 23 April 1917
Burial details: Roeux British Cemetery
B 14
ANDERSON, Henry A.
RGC: 1908 - 1915 [1579]
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders
Biography: He was born on 13 March 1898; fifth son
of William Anderson OBE JP, Chief Constable of
Aberdeen, and his wife Annie, née Carrie, of 135
Hamilton Place; younger brother of David
[Admission No. 28] who was also killed in action. His
brothers James S [32], William A [ 37] and Cecil
[1131] also attended RGC. He was killed in France,
aged 20.
Date of Death: 21 July 1918
Burial details: Terlincthun British Cemetery, Wimille
XVI AA 18
ANDERSON, Hugh C.
RGC: 1899 – 1900 [3275]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Canadian Contingent Expeditionary Force
Biography: Elder son of John D Anderson,
Headmaster, Ferryhill School, Aberdeen. After
serving an apprenticeship with Messrs. Henderson,
Engineers, King Street, Aberdeen, he went to
Remoulds Works in Manchester, and, when war
broke out was with J Miller & Co. of Toronto. He
joined the Canadian Railway Troops as Lieutenant in
1915 and went to France in January 1917 where he had been actively engaged in
engineering work. His death at the early age of 33 ended what gave indications of
being a promising career.
Burial details: Poperinghe New Military Cemetery
II H 20
ANDERSON, William B., MC
RGC: 1900 – 1902 [3810]
Regiment: 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born 17 June 1888 in Aberdeen; son
of William N. Anderson, mason, of 4 Claremont
Place, Aberdeen; entered RGC from Ashley Road
Primary School; graduated M.A. in Arts and
Agricultural Science from Aberdeen University in
1911. Before finishing his B.Sc. (Agr.) he went to
Canada with his family. He was engaged in
teaching and was studying Science at Toronto up
till 1914 when he returned to Aberdeen
University and completed a winter session in Honours Classics course, as he
found Classics would lead to a better future for him in Canada. Anderson enlisted
in the 4th Gordons, 16 April 1915, and was commissioned 2nd. Lieutenant, 5th
Gordon Highlanders, 11 September 1915, with which Battalion he saw much
service and distinguished himself. He received the Military Cross, 13 November
1916, for great bravery in leading his men after all the other officers were either
killed or wounded, and in capturing 170 Germans. He was killed near Arras when
a German shell hit the hut where he and several other officers were sitting,
including G.A.C. Moir, another former Gordonian. His loss was a very severe one
to his Battalion, for he had the soldiering instincts in a marked degree and was
certain of promotion.
Burial Details: Buried at Marœuil British Cemetery, Plot 4, Row D, Grave 7.
ANGUS, George Quinton
RGC: 1905 – 1907 [39]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards.
Biography: Born in Aberdeen, on 4 Oct. 1891, the
3rd son of William Angus Merchant and his wife,
Isabella of 7 Burns Road, Aberdeen; entered RGC
from Ashley Road Public School. Subsequently, he
joined his father in business and enlisted in June
1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France
and Flanders from Aug. 1917 and was killed in action
at Houthulst Forest on 13 October 1917, aged 26. Buried where he fell. He was
unmarried.
Date of Death: 13 October 1917
Burial Details: Houthulst Forest. Tyne Cot, Memorial Panel 10
ANGUS, Norman John
RGC: 1906 – 1910 [861]
Biography: Born on 20 March 1895, son of John
Angus, Railway Guard, and his wife Anne of 107
Berryden Road, Aberdeen. Later 115 Clifton Road;
Entered RGC from Kittybrewster Public School.
Enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders, attached to 9th
Battalion. Died of his wounds, aged 22.
Burial Details: Etaples Military Cemetery
XXIII A 10
ANGUS, William
RGC: 1893- 1901 [1506]
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 10 December
1884, son of Peter Angus, joiner, and his wife
Jessie Ann of 59 Balmoral Place, Aberdeen;
entered RGC from St Paul Street Public School
on a bursary; graduated from Aberdeen
University M.B., 1907; M.D. (Hons.), 1909 ; D.
P. H. (Cambridge), 1910. He became House
Physician in the Children's Hospital, Great
Ormond Street, London, and later Senior Assistant to the Medical Superintendent
of St. Pancras Infirmary. Afterwards he served as Assistant M.O.H. at Ipswich and
for Herefordshire, and at the time of his enlistment was Medical Officer of Health
for Leeds, and Professor of Public Health in the University of that city. Dr. Angus
was refused release for war service until June 1917, when he was detailed for
work in Egypt and subsequently in Palestine. In 1918 he was made A.D.M.S.
(Sanitation) with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was charged with the
special duty of investigation into the causes and treatment of malaria, his treatise
on that subject being published by the War Office. He was mentioned in
dispatches, September 1918, and awarded the Order of the Nile, 1919. Dr. Angus
was released from the Army in 1919. He died suddenly at St. Cyrus on 23 August
1919 of disease contracted during war service.
Honours: Order of the Nile
Burial Details: Buried at Nellfield Cemetery, Aberdeen, Section 1, Grave 1321.
ANNANDALE, CHARLES JAMES
RGC: 1900 – 1901 [3538]
Rank: Bombardier
Regiment: 3rd Battery, New Zealand Field Artillery,
New Zealand Expeditionary Force
Biography: Born in Stonehaven, 11 Sept 1885,
son of Arthur Burnett Annandale, of Forest Hill,
Stonehaven, Bank Agent, and his wife, Martha,
daughter of the late James Napier, of Mill of
Allardice; educated at Fetteresso Public School and entered RGC from Mackie
Academy, Stonehaven,; went to New Zealand in 1903, and settled in Awanui, to
learn farming, but later gave this up and contracted for road making, bush felling,
etc.: volunteered for Imperial Service, and joined the New Zealand Field Artillery
on the outbreak of war in August 1914. Left for Egypt soon after; served with the
Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli from April, 1915, where he was
twice slightly wounded; returned to Egypt after the evacuation in Jan. 1916;
proceeded to France in April, and was killed in action at Montauban 16 Sept.
1916. Aged 31.
Sergeant. Turner wrote: "He was a white man, clean in mind and body, and a
staunch friend whom you could rely upon under all circumstances. I do not think
he understood the meaning of the word danger, and no matter what was doing,
he would work his gun as coolly and correctly as on a drill parade."
He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval. XIV F 21
BAIN, Malcolm R.
RGC: 1914 – 1915 [3001]
Rank: Lance-Corporal
Regiment: 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
Biography: born on 18 March 1897, son Robert and
Elizabeth Jane Bain of Homefield, Grantown-on-Spey,
Morayshire. He lodged at 30 Wallfield Crescent,
Aberdeen, while a pupil at RGC. He entered the sixth
form on 25 August 1914 and was killed in action just
two years later, at the age of 19.
Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial
Pier & Face 15 C
BARNET, James Knox
RGC: 1905 – 1909 [51]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Scots & Royal Army Service Corps
(M.T., School of Inst.)
Biography: born on 26 July 1892, son of James
Barnet, Engineer Surveyor Board of Trade and his
wife Annie Grace of 36 Desswood Place, Aberdeen;
entered RGC from Ashley Road Public School. His
parents later moved to Ugiebrae, Old Deer,
Aberdeenshire. He died in Egypt at the age of 26.
Date of Death: 2 November 1918
Burial Details: Cairo War Memorial
Q 58
BAXTER, Alexander W.
RGC: 1895 – 1901 [2274]
Rank: Private
Regiment: Seaforth Highlanders and
Northumberland Fusiliers
Biography: Born 8 February 1885, son of John, a
tailor; entered RGC from Holburn Primary School on
27 August 1895, aged 10. He was awarded a
Foundation. He lived at 39 Nellfield Place, and later
353 Holburn Street, Aberdeen; worked as a typewriter mechanic; enlisted in Seaforth Highlanders on
27 June 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 1
August 1916; transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers in September 1017; saw
much fighting, being employed in the Lewis Gun Section and died a prisoner of
war at Berlin of wounds received in action near Lens on 21 March 1918; he was
unmarried.
Burial Details: Berlin South-Western Cemetery
VI E 6
BEGG, John Alexander
RGC: 1903 – 1905 [4430]
Rank: Pioneer
Regiment: “J” Special Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: He entered RGC from King Street
Primary School on a Bursary on 24 August 1903,
aged 9. Son of James and Jane Begg, of 5 Urquhart
Road, later 2 Boddie Place, Aberdeen. His father was
a salmon fisher/commercial traveller. He later
became manager of King Street Drug Department of
the Northern Co-operative Company, Aberdeen.
Aged 23, he died of wounds received in action in France.
Burial details: Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux
IL4
HENDERSON-BEGG, John
RGC: 1907 - 1909 [869]
Rank: Captain
Biography: born in Greenock on 19 October 1890, son of
Sherriff John Henderson-Begg; he lived at 15 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen; educated
at Greenock Academy and entered RGC from Aberdeen Grammar School in
March 1907. After leaving RGC, he entered the Glasgow Technical College, later
securing an appointment in the Luther Engineering Co., London, at their agency in
Russia; obtained a commission in 4th Gordon Highlanders in 1910 but resigned it
in 1914 when he went to Russia; returned to UK at outbreak of European War
and was gazetted Lieutenant, 4th Gordon Highlanders on 12 September 1914 and
promoted to rank of Captain on 9 February 1915; served with the Expeditionary
force in France and Flanders from February 1915 and was killed in action, aged 25
years of age. He was survived by his wife, Dorothy and daughter, Joya.
A brother officer wrote to his wife:
“Your husband was cool and stuck to his job until he absolutely could not do so
any more and his loss is greatly regretted by all his battalion, and especially by
the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of his company.”
His brother, Robert, born 1878, was killed at Kut-el-Amara on 24 December 1915.
Burial Details: Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux
IL4
BELL, Clifford Thornton.
RGC: 1884 – 1887 [801]
Rank: Captain (T.F.)
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps, 1st
Scottish General Hospital
Biography: born Madras, 31 October 1870,
son of Rev. Augustus Clifford Bell, Chaplain,
Church of Scotland, Madras Presidency; lived
at 61 Bon Accord Street and Albert Street,
Aberdeen; entered RGC from Aberdeen
Grammar School; graduated M. B. from
Aberdeen University in 1896. He was Resident
Surgeon and Physician at Gray's Hospital, Elgin, for about a year, and afterwards
took up private practice in Aberdeen, and was Assistant Medical Electrician at the
Royal Infirmary from 1905 to 1911 ; he was then appointed Senior Medical
Officer, Oldmill Poorhouse. On 21 May 1915 Dr. Bell joined the R.A.M.C. with
rank of Captain and did duty with the 1st Scottish General Hospital (X-ray
Department) till within ten days of his death. He died in the 1st Scottish General
Hospital, Aberdeen, on 2 February 1919.
Burial Details: Buried at Allenvale Cemetery, C. 104
BENSON, John
RGC: 1888 – 1892 [153]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 26th Squadron, R.F.C.
Biography: He entered RGC aged 13, third son of
William Henry Benson, goods agent, and his wife
Isabella Speid of 69 Abergeldie Road. He died in
Tanzania at the age of 39.
Burial Details: Dar es Salaam War Cemetery
5G3
BEVERIDGE, Bernard Gordon, M.C.
RGC: 1897 – 1905 [2917]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 2/1st Battalion, Highland Field Ambulance,
R.A.M.C.
Biography: Born 29th June 1888 in Aberdeen, son of Dr
A.T. Gordon Beveridge. He entered RGC on 30 August
1897 aged 9, having been privately tutored by a certain
Miss Ferrier. He graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen in 1912 and thereafter
assisted his father at 13 Bon-Accord Crescent until December 1914 when he
joined the R.A.M.C. While at university he acted as a Private, Scottish Horse
(University Company) from 1908. He served in France with the 2/1st Highland
Field Ambulance until his death on 21 March 1918 near Bapaume. He died aged
29, leaving a widow Sarah Gertrude Beveridge whom he had married in 1915. He
was superintending the disposal of the men of his unit in a sunken road for
shelter as their hutments were being shelled, when he was mortally wounded
and died some hours afterwards at the 51st Divisional Main Dressing Station at
Beugny. On 20 October 1917 Beveridge had been awarded the M.C. for gallantry
during the action in front of the Canal near Essex Farm north of Ypres. The official
notice in the "London Gazette" said : "He was in charge of a Divisional Collecting
and Relay Bearer Post, and organized and carried out the evacuation of the
wounded over the open under continuous fire. It was only by his unfailing
courage and energy that the work was accomplished". He was a man of
remarkable sweetness of disposition and charm of manner, with a quaint humour
all his own. He was rightly both respected and beloved by those who served with
and under him.
Date of Death: 21 March 1918
Burial Details: Bancourt British Cemetery
I F 12
BEVERIDGE, Walter Joseph Patterson
RGC: 1886 – 1888 [1308]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: D Company, 1st Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born in 1875 in Woodside, the son of
Robert Beveridge, postman and his wife Jane.
Entered RGC from Woodside Public School; lived at
13 Station Street, later Gladstone Place, Woodside,
Aberdeen. Husband of Rosamund Beveridge (née
Willett). Killed in action, aged 43.
Burial Details: ROMERIES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION Plot 1 Row “D”
Grave 23.
BEVERLEY, George Alexander
RGC: 1912 – 1914 [2794]
Rank: Private
Biography: born 9 January 1897 in Keith, Banffshire;
eldest son of George Beverley, a Chemist, and
Isabella Beverley of Elrick Villa, Keith; entered RGC
from Keith Grammar School. Killed in France towards
the end of the Somme offensive, aged 19.
Burial Details: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet
I B 23
BIRNIE, William John Gordon
RGC: 1893 - 1899
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders and Royal Tank Corps
Biography: born 1883 in West Derby, Liverpool as
William John Birnie; at some point he appears to
have added Gordon to his name; son of John
Cruickshank Birnie, Railway Shunter, originally from
Logie Buchan and Helen Marr McConnachie; his
mother died in childbirth and his father in 1888;
orphaned, he came north to live with his
grandmother, Jane Birnie, dressmaker, in Old Machar parish, and held a
Foundation from 1893 – 1898; served with Edinburgh City Police; married Helen
Taylor in August 1917 in Fetteresso Church, Stonehaven, and was killed in the
November of that year, aged 34.
The following quote entitled "Things that ought to be remembered" comes from Lt.
Frank Vans Agnew, who was a Tank Section Commander with No.5 Coy, "B" Battalion. He
was writing in the 1920s:
"On Nov 23rd (1917), after travelling all night, we found ourselves in a trench at
Anneux and our tanks in a sunken road nearby, preparatory to going over very
soon into the Bourlon Wood sector. It was cold at dawn and drizzling a fine rain.
Someone had sent by post some cold grouse and we were breakfasting. As I
remember Birnie was standing up, a positively noble figure of a man.
Entered on the scene his Sergeant whose usual composure was replaced by most
evident nervous embarrassment. He shifted from one leg to the other, tonguetied. Birnie said, "What is it, Sergeant?" in his friendly manner. The Sergeant said,
"I've come to a ask a question, Sir", and stopped as if shot. "All right, Sergeant, go
ahead." "Well, Sir, the men want to know if you ever feels any different when you
goes into action because you don't show it," all said in one breath as if in a hurry
to get rid of it.
Birnie stood there looking down on the Sergeant from his much greater height
with a kindly but puzzled expression born of a great simplicity, and he said, "But Sergeant, you're only going to get killed." The Sergeant, speechless, tottered away
in amazement. Birnie was killed that day. He and his Tank crew were never heard
of again. They disappeared. No doubt in a great blaze. The Gordons ought to
remember this, the Tank Corps does."
Burial Details: Cambrai Memorial, Louverval
Panel 10
BIRSS, Norman
RGC: 1908 – 1912 [1587]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: Born Kirktown of Skene, 13 July
1893; 3rd son of James Birss, police constable,
Skene ; educated Gordon's College ; student at
Aberdeen University in Arts, 1912-14. He
joined the Territorials in 1911, and was
mobilized on 5 August 1914, with the 7th
Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Birss went with
his Battalion to Bedford, where he remained
till May 1915, then proceeded to France, where he was killed in action at
Beaumont-Hamel, on the Somme Front, 13 November 1916. His Company officer
wrote of him : ''He was an efficient and intelligent soldier, and one likely to rise in
rank rapidly, had he been spared''. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15 B and
15 C.
BISSET, David P.
RGC: 1900 – 1905 [3720]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 57th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force
Biography: He entered RGC from Ferryhill Primary
School on a Foundation on 28 August 1900, aged 10.
Son of William and Elizabeth Jane Bisset. He originally
lived at 54 St. Swithin Street, Aberdeen and later
moved to Blackhall Cottage, Pitmuxton [Broomhill
area of Aberdeen]. His father was a clerk. Died of his
wounds, aged 28.
Date of Death: 19 Sept 1918
Burial Details: Le Cateau Military Cemetery
I B 115
BLACK, John
RGC: 1887 – 1894 [82]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: King’s Own Royal Lancaster
Biography: Second son of Rev. Dr. Black, Professor of
Humanity, University of Aberdeen. After leaving
RGC, he entered the firm of R G Shaw & CO. of
London and held, during the 13 years he was with
that firm, the posts of Manager at their branches in
Mohammerab, Colombo and Madras. During the
South African War, He had a commission with the
above regiment and, in 1914, again volunteered for active service. He received a
responsible post at the War Office, being later transferred to GHQ Staff abroad,
from whence he went to Alexandria. At the time of his death, which occurred in
Rouen, he was D.A.A.G. on the staff of the Royal Artillery. His Colonel wrote:
“I have lost a most valued lieutenant. He never spared himself and was the very
greatest help to me and I owe him a heavy debt of gratitude for the efficient way
in which he organized and ran his branch of my office”
Burial details: St Sever Cemetery, Rouen
Officers B I 25
BLAKE, Charles Farquharson
RGC: 1909 – 1913 [2050]
Rank: Lance- Corporal
Regiment: 12th Battalion, Royal Scots
Biography: born 9 September 1899,son of James
Blake, a Butcher, and his wife Maggie, of 8 Loanhead
Terrace, Aberdeen; twin brother of Alexander G S
Blake [2049]; the brothers were in the same class all
through years at RGC; entered RGC from Mile-End
Public School. He was killed, aged 19.
Date of Death: around 10 October 1918
Burial Details: Dadizeele New British Cemetery
I D 13
BOOTH, James, M.C.
RGC: 1906-1908 [1396]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: C Company, 56th Battalion, Machine Gun
Corps (Infantry)
Biography: Born 4th June 1894, eldest son of James
Booth, stonecutter, working in USA and Helen
Booth; lived at 13 Fraser Street, Aberdeen; entered
RGC from Causewayend Public School and held a
bursary; Husband of Lena Hendrie, 4 Hart Street,
Edinburgh; also recorded on memorial in
Causewayend UF Church. He was killed in Belgium.
Burial Details: Angreau Community Cemetery
I A 12
BOOTH, Victor A.
RGC: 1897 – 1901 [2871]
Rank: Driver
Regiment: 2nd Div. Ammunition Col., Royal Field
Artillery
Biography: Born in 1887 in Bury St Edmunds, 4th son
of Alexander F Booth, a piano tuner, and his wife
Isabella. He entered RGC on 30 August 1897 from
Skene Street Primary School on a Bursary, aged 10.
He lived first at 98 Rosemount Viaduct and then at
93 Union Grove, Aberdeen. After leaving school he
worked as a solicitor’s office boy.
Burial Details: Bethune Town Cemetery
IV A 22
BOOTH, William J.
RGC: 1904 – 1905 [4730]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 66th Field Ambulance, Salonika
Forces, Royal Army Medical Corps
Biography: Born Kintore, 25 February 1890,
son of Thomas Tait Booth, manager of the Port
Elphinstone paper-works, Inverurie; entered
RGC from Inverurie Public School; graduated
M.A. (III Eng.), 1914; studied at Aberdeen U.F.
College 1914-16, where he had a distinguished
career, gaining the Foote Scholarship in
Hebrew and the Eadie Prize in New Testament Greek. He enlisted in April 1916,
and after training at Aldershot went out in August with his unit to form the 42nd
General Hospital at Salonika, being afterwards transferred to the 66th Field
Ambulance, Salonika forces. He saw a good deal of service during the two years
he spent on the Balkan front, and died of malaria 28 September 1918. Booth had
a singularly amiable and attractive disposition, and showed exceptional ability as
a student. He was well versed in English literature, and had rare gifts of style and
expression, combined with a generosity and bigness of nature which made him
wish to share with others the richness of his own wide reading.
Burial Details: Buried at Sarigol Military Cemetery, Greece, Plot D, Grave 693
BOTHWELL, Adam Nicol
RGC: 1904 – 1910 [78]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: born 6 January 1893 in Inverurie, son of
William Bothwell, Auctioneer and Farmer &
Margaret (née Nicol) , Milton of Thainstone, Kintore,
Aberdeenshire; entered RGC from Port Elphinstone
Public School.
IF5
BOWIE, John
RGC: 1904 – 1913 [4951]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Special Brigade, Royal Engineers
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 1 April 1895; Son
of John Bowie, labourer; he entered RGC on 29
August 1904 from Skene Square Primary
School on a bursary; student at Aberdeen
University in Arts, 1913-15; in Science, 191415. Bowie enlisted in the R.G.A. (T.F.),
Aberdeen, on 16 November 1914, and after
doing garrison duty in this country for some
months, was transferred to the 1st Battalion Special Brigade, R.E., where his
scientific training stood him in good stead. He died of wounds received in action
near Albert on 27 June 1916. At the University he is remembered as a keen
"soccer" player, while his unfailing good humour gained him universal popularity.
Burial Details: Buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Méricourt-l'Abbé, Plot 1, Row F,
Grave 6.
BOYD, John Bain
RGC: 1890 – 1895 [440]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born in 1880 in Glenbervie,
Kincardineshire, the second son of Rev. Robert
Masson Boyd of the Free Church Manse at
Glenbervie, Fordoun. His mother was Mary
Falconer Boyd, who on her husband’s death moved
to 57 Blenheim Place in Aberdeen. He entered RGC
from Drumlithie Primary School, aged 12.
After leaving Gordon’s he went abroad and when war broke out was in the
employment of the Standard Oil Company in Shanghai. Like so many more, Boyd
came home in 1915 and enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders. He saw service in
France and was wounded at Beaumont Hamel in November 1915. Obtaining a
commission after convalescence he returned to France in 1918 as a 2 nd
Lieutenant and had only been out there about two months when he was killed in
action. He was 38 years old. His younger brother Robert, another Gordonian,
also appears on the Roll of Honour.
Burial Details: Arras Memorial
Bay 8 & 9
BOYD, Robert M.
Capt., R.A.M.C., d. 13 December, 1918
RGC: 1905 – 1907 [83] SEB
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Glenbervie, Kincardineshire, 7
January 1889; fourth son of Rev. Robert
Masson Boyd and Mary Falconer Boyd of the
Free Church Manse in Glenbervie. From
Robert Gordon's College he passed to
Aberdeen University as 3rd Bursar in 1907,
graduating M.A., 1910; M.B., 1913. After
graduation he acted as House Surgeon in the
Royal Hospital, Plymouth, and later in Birmingham. In September 1914 Boyd
joined the R.A.M.C. and was promoted Captain in September 1915. Early in that
year he saw service in France, but unfortunately his health broke down; he was
invalided home, and in 1916 resigned his commission. Later with improving
health, and indomitable as ever, he set up in practice in Braemar, but succumbed
to pneumonia following influenza on 13 December 1918. His older brother John,
also a Gordonian, was killed in action in March 1918.
While a student Boyd, although of a retiring disposition, was well known in the
University Societies, but “Robin“ was known only to a small circle of friends, who
alone had the privilege of knowing his wide knowledge of men and books and of
enjoying his quiet humour and the companionship of his kindly nature. But Boyd
at his best was seen in that Highland glen where he chose to work, and where his
memory still lingers as the country doctor ''The Lone Man in the Gig'' who ''brings
air and cheer into the sick room, and often enough, though not so often as he
wishes, brings healing''.
Burial Details: Buried at Braemar Churchyard.
BROOKE, H. Brian
RGC: 1905-1907 [90]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born on 9th December 1889 at Lichleyhead
Castle, Aberdeenshire, Captain Brian Brooke was the
third son of Captain HV Brooke of Fairley,
Countesswells, Aberdeenshire (formerly of the Gordon
Highlanders). His mother was descended from an old
Jacobite family and his grandfather had been Sir Arthur Brooke MP of
Colebrooke, County Fermanagh. His environment in his early life was such as to
inspire in him a love for the wildnesses in nature; for Bennachie and the Gaudie
and the wild heather were the background to his home. In a short biographical
sketch which MP Willcocks prefaces to a volume of Captain Brooke’s poems,
recently published by John Lane, we read: “To him the fascinating person who
lives in a daffodil bell was at this time as real as the birds and beasts whom he
dearly loved.” This love of animate and inanimate nature never seemed to leave
him. Many years afterwards he was to write a touching lament for the death of a
dog which had been his comrade in East Africa, and pen stanzas full of remorse at
having shot a huge bull elephant.
His earliest serious ambition was to become a soldier and while quite a youngster
had been a promising young boxer at Clifton College. It was thought, however,
that his eyesight would interfere with a military career, but determined on a life
which permitted of some real practical achievement, he begged to be allowed to
prepare himself for a colonial life. With this aim in view he asked to leave Clifton
College at the age of 16 and attended classes at RGC between 1905 and 1907. He
was in Class VI 2, a “special” class, which meant he attended for 7, then later just
3 hours per week and studied English and Art (in both of which he excelled),
Geography, History, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Technology, French,
Elementary Science, Applied & Theoretical Mechanics and Ironwork. He also
entered upon the most rigorous training. For two years he refused to sleep
indoors, choosing the open air life of the woods, sleeping in a tent, or often
merely rolling himself in rugs on the ground, even when it was covered with
snow. His food for the most part consisted of what he shot.
He served in East Africa, where he was wounded and in France where he was
killed, aged 27.
Burial Details: Springbank Cemetery, Aberdeen
N 19
BROWN, George A.
RGC: 1906 – 1914 [1436]
Rank: Private
Biography: born on 27 September 1897, son of
Alexander Brown, Tinsmith and Christina Brown;
lived at 28 Hardgate and later 50 Hardgate,
Aberdeen; he entered RGC from Ferryhill Public
School on a Foundation. Private Brown won the Gold
Medal in the Classical School of the College and was
just entering the University. He enlisted when he
was only 16. He fought in the Machine Gun Section of the Gordon Highlanders
and was killed in action, aged 18.
Burial Details: Louez Military Cemetery Duisans I D 7
BROWN, Thomas B.
RGC: 1911 – 1914 [2317]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: "D" Battery, 64th Brigade, R.F.A
Biography: He was born on 18 July 1898 in
Aberdeen, son of Son of Alfred James and Mary
Brown, of "Maiville", Primrose Hill, Cults,
Aberdeenshire. His father, Alfred Brown, was a
Commercial Traveller. He entered RGC in August
1911 from Broomhill Public School and left on 27
March 1914. While at school, he lived at 29 Cranford
Road and later at 45 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. He was killed in action in
Belgium, aged 18.
Burial Details: Bedford House Cemetery
Enc 4 I I 62
BRUCE. William, M.C.
RGC: 1907 -1913 [1459]
Regiment:
Engineers
2nd
Highland
Field
Company,
Royal
Biography: born on 5 June 1895, son of William Bruce,
Ironmoulder and his wife Helen of 101 Menzies Road
Aberdeen; entered RGC from Causewayend Public
School on a bursary. He was killed, along with 5 of his
men, by the explosion of German ammunition they
were dealing with. He was aged 23.
Burial Details: Soumoy Commual Cemetery
I
CALDER, George M.
RGC: 1905 – 1910 [106]
Biography: Born 29 May 1891 at Edinkillie,
Morayshire. Son of George M. Calder,
inspector of poor, Edinkillie. After an
elementary education at Logie School, Forres,
he attended Gordon's College, Aberdeen,
where he distinguished himself both as a
student and as an athlete. Entering Aberdeen
University in 1910, he not only completed an
Arts course in which he showed special aptitude for languages, both Classical and
Modern, but also studied Medicine, 1912-14. He was a well-known figure in the
social life of the University, and his popularity is evidenced by the fact that each
year of his University course he was elected a Member of the S.R.C. In 1911 he
joined "U" Company, 4th Gordons, and was shortly afterwards promoted to the
rank of Sergeant. Mobilized at the outbreak of war, after training at Bedford, he
proceeded overseas with his regiment in February 1915. In March 1915 he was
commissioned to the 8th Seaforths, and embarked again for France in July 1915.
His death, on 25 September 1915 at the battle of Loos, cut short a life marked by
rare ability and rich promise.
Burial Details: Dud Comer Cemetery, Loos, Plot 5, Row H, Grave 1.
CALLUM, George
RGC:
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Stepney, Middlesex; Killed in the
attack at The Chemical Works, Roeux, a village 13
kilometres east of Arras. Roeux was built over a system
of caves which helped to make its capture in 1917
exceptionally difficult. It was attacked by the 9th
(Scottish) Division without success on 12 April. The
chemical works close to the railway station were taken
by the 51st (Highland) Division on 22 April, and after
incessant fighting the village was cleared by the same Division on 14 May. The chemical
works were lost on 16 May, and it was finally taken by the 51st Division on the following
26 August.
Bay 8 & 9
CAMPBELL, Archibald James Forbes
RGC: 1909 – 1910 [1798]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born on 12 August 1896 in Perth, the son
of Thomas Campbell, grocer, and his wife Isabella, of
20 West Mount Street, Aberdeen, later 84A, Skene
Square. He was admitted to RGC from Rosemount
School in 1909. Died of his wounds in Belgium, aged
21.
Burial Details: Dozinghem Military Cemetery
VII C 11
CARSTAIRS William B
RGC:
Rank: Private
Regiment: No. 34791. 9th (Service) Battallion. The
Prince of Wales's (North Statfordshire Regt.)
Biography: Born in Buckie, co. Banff. 2 May, 1886;
eldest son of the late William Innes Carstairs,
Theatrical Manager, by his wife, Ann, daughter of
William Bonnyman (13. Powis Place, Aberdeen);
educated at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen;
enlisted 14 Aug. 1907 and in 1911 was at Aldershot
Barracks with the 3rd Dragoon Guards; served three years with the Colours, and
joined the Reserve; was called up on the outbreak of war in Aug. 1914; joined the
Black Watch 5 Sept. 1914; was seriously wounded and discharged; re-joined in
the Royal Engineers in Aug. 1915, and finally transferred to the Prince of Wales's
Own; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 6 Jan.
1917, and was killed in action at Arras 26 April following. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Lonely House British Cemetery, Gavrelle
CHAPMAN, Alexander C.
RGC: 1910-1913 [2060]
Rank: Private
Biography: born 29 August 1898, third son of Robert
Chapman, a Commercial Traveller in the drapery
business and his wife Annie, of 8 Wallfield Place,
Aberdeen. He entered RGC from Rosemount School
on a scholarship.
Pan 38
CHRISTIE, Robert Erskine
RGC: 1894-1899 [1986]
Rank: Lieutenant Corporal
Regiment: South African Scottish Rifles
Biography: The third son of Dougall Christie M.A.
[deceased], schoolmaster, and his wife Mary of 35 Mileend Avenue, Aberdeen. He entered RGC from Ferryhill
School in 1894, aged 11. He was awarded a Foundation
for the four years he attended the College. He went to
South Africa in 1900, took part in the South African War [1899-1902] and he won
Queen’s Medal with three clasps. He served in German West Africa from 19141915 and came to England in March 1916. He served with the Expeditionary
Force in France from March and was killed in action on the Messines Ridge. He
was unmarried.
Pan 15-16 16A
CHRYSTALL, William
RGC: 1910-1915
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1/6th Battalion Black Watch
Biography: Born Banchory, 23 May 1899; Son
of James L. Chrystall, house-painter ; attended
Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen where his
four brothers, George (1899-1901), Frank
(1901-1902), James (1910) and John (19131919) were also educated; student at
Aberdeen University in Arts, 1915-17. He was
a brilliant student, and in his short University
career gave promise of the "great offices"
which might have fallen to his "'full-grown
energies". To take one first place, one second, two third and one fourth in two
sessions is a record not often surpassed. Chrystall enlisted 24 May 1917 as a
Private in the 40th T.R.B. Cameron Highlanders, and was attached to the 4th
Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and to the 1/6th, The Black Watch.
He served at home from 24 May 1917 till 31 March 1918, and in France from that
date till 10 April 1918, when he was killed in action at Lestrem.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Loos Memorial, Panel 80, Column 3.
CLARK, James MacFarlane
RGC: 1903-1905 [4484]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: Royal Engineers 66 Field Company
Biography: The son of David Clark, a stonecutter and
Maggie Clark, he entered RGC aged 13 from Tough
School. His home address was at Ordinessle Cottage,
Tillyfourie, but while at school, he lived at 57 Elmfield
Avenue, Aberdeen. He was killed in Greece aged 27.
Burial Details: Struma Military Cemetery, Greece. III. G. 12
COCKBURN, Douglas B.
RGC: 1910 [1804]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 31 October 1895, grandson of
James Cockburn, Tailor, and his wife Jessie of
Monquitter; parent/guardian listed as J. Esson,
sawyer; lived at Cuminestown and entered class VC
at RGC from Monquhitter Public School on 10
January 1910, aged 14 years; Aberdeen address was
given as 79 Walker Road, Torry. A tailor after leaving
school, he enlisted in Peterhead and served in Scotland and France from
November 1914; he was killed in action at Arras, aged 21.
Date of Death: 11 April, 1917
Burial Details: Arras Memorial, Bays 8 and 9
COLLIE, James K.
RGC: 1911-1912 [2570]
Rank: Private
Biography: born Kincardine O'Neil, 20 March
1893, son of James Collie, wood-turner; he
entered RGC from the Central Higher Grade
Public School; matriculated at Aberdeen
University in 1913 and graduated M.A. in
1916. Collie enlisted in the 1/7th Gordon
Highlanders 5 April 1916, and was attached
later to the 5th Battalion. After training at
Ripon, and Rugeley (where he qualified as a Scout) he crossed to France early in
November, and had served for only a few weeks when he was killed by an enemy
shell at Courcelles, 16 December 1916.
15 C.
CONNON, Ferguson
RGC: 1909 – 1915 [1806]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: “D” Company, 9th Battalion,
Cameronians [Scottish Rifles]
Biography: born on 5 October 1895, the
son of Ferguson Anderson Connon, a
hairdresser, and his wife Helen; he entered
RGC from Mile End Public School. He was
awarded a scholarship for six years. He
lived at 58 Watson Street, Aberdeen. He
enlisted in Highland Light Infantry and
later transferred to the Cameron Highlanders. He died in Belgium aged 19.
Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial
Pan 68-70/162
CORBETT, Francis A.
RGC: 1909-1911 [1807]
Rank: Bombardier
Regiment: R.F.A.
Biography: Born on 7 January 1896, the only son of
Joseph Corbett, a builder, he entered RGC from
Ashley Road School. He lived with his family at 13
King’s Gate, Aberdeen. He was a Law Apprentice and
joined the 1st City of Aberdeen Royal Field Artillery
(T.F.) in March. 1914; served with the Expeditionary
Force in France and Flanders from May. 1915, and
died of wounds 2 April, 1917, after being hit by a machine gun bullet near Arras.
Buried at Maroenil. His Commanding Officer wrote :
"He was a signaller who could always be trusted with a dangerous piece of work,
as he was the bravest of the brave.'* He was mentioned in Dispatches [London
Gazette, 15 June, 1916] by General (now F.M.) Sir Douglas Haig for gallant and
distinguished service in the Held ; he was unmarried.
Burial Details: Maroeuil British Cemetery
IV B 6
COUTTS, John M.
RGC: 1898 – 1905 [2999]
Rank: Private
Regiment: Australian Imperial Forces [Infantry]
Biography: born 19 December 1887, the son of William Coutts, an aerated water
manufacturer, he entered RGC from Ferryhill School on 31 August 1898, aged 10.
He lived first at 10 Strawberry Bank and later at 393 Great Western Road
Aberdeen; entered the University in 1905 to study Agriculture. After two years he
took up a rubber planting appointment in the Federated Malay States. Seven
years later, having meantime become an under-manager, he left Malay to take
up agricultural work in Western Australia. On the outbreak of war Coutts joined
the colours and served in Egypt and France as a Private in the 48th Australian
Infantry. About the end of 1916 he was invalided home and in September 1917
he returned to France. He was reported missing, and later presumed killed in
action on 11 October 1917.
Pan 7-17-23-2527-29
COUTTS, William
RGC: 1896-1898 [2486]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, London Regiment
(London Scottish)
Biography: born in Glasgow in 1883, the son of
Francis Coutts, mechanical engineer, and his wife
Elizabeth. He entered RGC on 24 August 1896 from
Church of Scotland Normal School, aged 13. He lived
with his family at 25 Roslin Terrace, Aberdeen. After
leaving school he became a mechanical engineer
apprentice. He died in France during the Battle of the Somme, aged 34.
Pier & Face 9C &
13 C
CRUDEN, Alexander
RGC: 1910 – 1915 [2073]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born New Pitsligo, 12 December
1897; son of Alexander Cruden, blacksmith;
educated Gordon's College, he lived at
Cookstone, Portlethen; student at Aberdeen
University in Arts, 1915-16. In July 1916 he
enlisted in the 4th Battalion Gordon
Highlanders, and after training at Ripon went
to France, February 1917. He was killed in
action at Roeux, 23 May 1917.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Arras Memorial, Panel 8, Column 26.
CRUICKSHANK, Alexander T.
RGC: 1897 – 1899 [2714]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: 217th Army Troops Company, Royal
Engineers
Biography: born in 1884, the only child of Alexander
N Cruickshank, an engine fitter, and his wife
Georgina of 43 Mount Street, Aberdeen; he
entered RGC on 30 August 1897 from the Free
Church Normal School, aged 13. After leaving school
he became an architect’s apprentice. He joined the
Royal Engineers and died in Belgium, aged 35.
Burial Details: Mons (Bergen) Communal Cemetery
XB5
CRUICKSHANK, Harold Arthur
RGC: 1907 – 1911 [1180]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Biography: The son of a chemist, he was born on 30
Sept 1892 and entered RGC aged 14. He was the son
of Mary Cruickshank of Kimberley, South Africa. He
lived with and was supported by his uncle
Alexander, a pharmacist, of 9 Millburn Street,
Aberdeen. [It is interesting to note that the
pharmacy still operates today and is owned by FP
Stuart Notman]. Harold had previously attended the Christian Brothers’ College
at Kimberley, South Africa but was sent to Aberdeen because his father was
unable to support his family. He was a student at Glasgow University. He died of
wounds received at Halluch, France, aged 23.
Date of Death: 28 September, 1915
Burial Details: Bethune Town Cemetery
II K 1
CRUICKSHANK, William Sinclair
RGC: 1907 – 1909 [1181]
Rank: Private
Biography: The son of a tailor, he was born on 25
April 1893 in Culter and entered RGC from Church
of Scotland Normal School, aged 14. He lived with
his mother Williamina Geddes (formerly
Cruickshank) & James Geddes (stepfather) at 30
Charlotte Street, and later at 60 Skene Street West,
Aberdeen. He died in France, aged 22.
Burial Details: St Sever Cemetery, Rouen Fr 0145 Plot A Row 10 Grave 29
CUMMING, Marianus R.
RGC: 1907 – 1908 [1175]
Biography: Born Strichen, 9 December 1891;
Son of Marianus Cumming, baker. Educated
first at Maud H.G. School and, aged 15, he
entered Robert Gordon's College; took a high
place in the Bursary competition; graduated
M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1912;
Assistant Master at Kemnay. He was
considered, by those who came in contact
with him professionally, as a teacher of promise much above the average. As a
student, Cumming was an enthusiastic volunteer, enlisted in "U" Company in
1910, remaining a member after he left the University. He was called up at the
outbreak of war. After training at Bedford he served in Flanders with the Machine
Gun Section, 4th Gordon Highlanders, till 13 June 1915, when he fell in action.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Panel 38,
Column 5.
DAVIDSON, Alfred J.
RGC: 1907-1911 [1182]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born on 21 July 1895, son of
Andrew Davidson, Ship Steward, and his wife
Elizabeth of 132 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen;
he entered RGC from Ashley Road Public
School; His brother was John Hall Davidson,
a pupil at the college from 1900 to 1906 who
left a sum of money via his son, Ian, to the
Gordonian Association indicating that this was to be used to fund a prize at
Robert Gordon’s College in Art, [in memory of Hall], and one in Music, [in
memory of Alfred]. Had Alfred survived the conflict, it is believed that he would
have been organist of Ripon Cathedral. He died in France during the Somme
campaign, aged 21.
Burial Details: Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz
I A 45
Davidson, James R
RGC: 1912-1913 [2582]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: 100th Siege Battery Royal Garrison
Artillery
Biography: Born in Aberdeen, 9 May 1897, son of
James Davidson, Bank Agent; lived at 296 Great
Western Road, Aberdeen; entered RGC from
Aberdeen Grammar School; apprenticed to Messrs.
J & W Bisset, Wholesalers; enlisted February 1914
and was mobilized in August of that year; served
with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from September 1916; killed
in action at Berles-au-Bois, aged 19;
Major Minto wrote:
“A great loss to his battery; he always did much good work when under me at ….”
Capt. McBain wrote:
“Gunner Davidson was in our battery. He was one of the nicest and most
gentlemanly men we had.”
He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Berles New Military Cemetery GR1
DAVIDSON, Peter F.
RGC: 1905 – 1907 [185]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 6th Battalion, Black Watch
Biography: born 24 April 1891 in Buckie, Banffshire,
second son of Charles Davidson, Railway Signalman,
& Agnes (nee Ferris), of Rothiemay, Ballater; entered
RGC from Ballater Public School. He was killed in
France, aged 26.
Burial Details: Athies Communal Cemetery
Fr 0451 Row K Grave 13
DAVIDSON, William A.
RGC: 1906 – 1911 [914]
Regiment: 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders
1894; Eldest son of solicitor Alexander
Davidson, Blythewood, Inverurie; entered RGC
from Aberdeen Grammar School and later
educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond ; he
commenced the study of Medicine at
Aberdeen University in 1912. In January 1915
he entered the R.M.C., Sandhurst, and after a
few months of training was gazetted to the Gordon Highlanders, 2nd Battalion,
with which he served in France till the following September, when, having been
wounded in action near Hulluch, he was invalided home. On recovery, and after a
short period of home service (at Stoneywood Wireless Station) he rejoined his
regiment in France; three months later he was mortally wounded in action near
Mametz, and died on 2 July 1916. Officers and men alike testify to the bravery
with which Davidson led his men in the face of terrible odds; his gallantry and
pluck are praised by all who knew him under the difficult conditions of active
service.
Burial Details: Buried at Morlancourt British Cemetery, No. 1, Row A, Grave 30
DAVIE, Henry George
RGC: 1899 – 1904 [3286]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 54th Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces
Biography: Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Son of
George Davie, grain merchant, and his wife Jessie
Carroll of 58 Huntly Street, Aberdeen, later 73,
Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. He entered RGC from
Rosemount Public School, aged 10. He died of his
wounds in France, aged 29.
Burial Details: Grevillers British Cemetery
V E 12
DAWSON, James
RGC: 1900-1906 [3570/189]
Regiment: Durham Light Infantry
Biography: born 31 December 1889, son of George,
a granite merchant and lived in the Ferryhill district
of Aberdeen: first at 3 Brunswick Place, then at 17
Deemount Road and lastly at 21 Fonthill Terrace. He
entered RGC aged 10 from Ferryhill School on a
bursary. He had an older brother, Daniel, also a pupil
at the College; was in business with his father;
volunteered for active service and enlisted in 3rd Gordon Highlanders in 1916;
appointed Assistant Bombing Instructor to the battalion; recommended for a
commission and gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd Border Regiment in September
1917; served in Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from October 1917,
being attached to Durham Light Infantry and was later appointed to signalling
officer to his battalion; took part in much severe fighting during the enemy
advance of March and April 1918 and was killed in action at Pivy, near Reims; He
was an enthusiastic officer in the local Boys’ Brigade and for many years a
gymnastic instructor to his company; he was also a keen cricket and football
player; he was unmarried.
Burial Details: buried where he fell at Pivy.
DEWAR, George
RGC: 1905-1909 [195]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born Peterculter 4 January 1893;
Son of David Dewar, draper; educated at
Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen; and at
Aberdeen University where he graduated M.B.
(with distinction) in 1915, distinguishing
himself alike in his classes, and on the playing
fields. Throughout his University career he was
conspicuous in the rugby team and in the
cricket eleven but remained untouched by his more than ordinary popularity and
was genuinely beloved by a wide circle of friends. On the outbreak of war he was
mobilized as a private in the R.A.M.C., but in October 1914 returned to Aberdeen
to complete his medical studies. After his graduation he rejoined as a Lieutenant
in the same corps and proceeded in November 1915 to France, where he was
killed by a shell on 3 February 1916. Short though his period of service in France
was, he had already won the affectionate regard of the officers and men with
whom he was associated, while his friends at home and abroad felt it hard that
he, who had exulted so openly in the joyousness of life and had exemplified so
attractively the vigour of youth, should die so young.
Burial Details: Buried at Humbercamps Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 2,
Row A, Grave2
DIACK, William
RGC: 1909-1914 [1820]
Regiment: “C” Company, 4th
Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born 23 November 1896,
son of William Diack, journalist, and
his wife Elizabeth of 108 High Street,
Old Aberdeen; he entered RGC from
Old Aberdeen Public School. William
enlisted as a private and
subsequently obtained his
commission. Before the War, he was on the reporting staff of the Aberdeen Free
Press, and had shown great promise and ability. In France, he was greatly
esteemed by his fellow officers and men; writing of him after he had fallen, one
of his comrades said:
“I need not tell you that we all miss him very deeply indeed. His men were all
devoted to him and we all feel we have lost a friend, whom we respected and
loved. … He laid down his life in a great and also victorious fight”
He died aged 20.
Burial details: Tyne Cot Memorial
Pan 135-136
DONALD, Robert
RGC: 1908-1913 [1522]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: Born on 5 May 1895, son of William
Donald, labourer. He lived at Lochinch Cottage,
Nigg. He was third in the open competition for a
Foundation, tenable for three years; entered RGC
from the Central Higher Grade School, Aberdeen;
he needed to work particularly hard, even through
the school vacations, to rectify his lack of Latin
which was required for his chosen career of teaching. He reveled in competing
with his fellows but the abounding frankness of his nature crowded out the spirit
of jealousy which sometimes found a fleeting place in the minds of his
classmates. He held the esteem of his teachers and the affection of his fellow
pupils. He matriculated in Arts at the University of Aberdeen, 1913 where he was
known for his enthusiasm for work. Donald joined “U” Company in March 1913
and was called up on 4 August 1914, trained at Perth and Bedford and went to
France with the Battalion. On the field, as a member of the Intelligence Section,
he proved himself a reliable and daring soldier, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He
became a Sniper, a member of the one of the most exclusive bodies in the army.
At the beginning of 1916 he was recommended for a commission for gallantry in
the field. He fell in action at Vimy Ridge on 9 June 1916. By his depth of thought,
sincerity of belief, and trustworthy character, he had already shown himself well
fitted for his chosen profession — the Church.
“Greater love, indeed, is not that which, pro patria, sacrifices not merely the life
but its promise.” The Gordonian, December, 1916
Date of Death: 9 June, 1916
Burial Details: Louez Military Cemetery, Duisans
ID5
DONALD, William
RGC: 1908 – 1912 [1611]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Marnoch, Banffshire, 2 July
1893; Son of John Donald, carpenter,
Rothiemay. He entered RGC from Rothiemay
Public School; he was a student in Arts at
University of Aberdeen, 1912-14. He joined
the Gordon Highlanders in 1911, and became
a member of the University Company of the
4th Gordons just prior to the war. After doing
the annual camp training, he was mobilized with his unit in August 1914,
volunteering at once for Foreign Service. In Bedford he was trained for active
service and went to France with the Battalion in February 1915. He served
efficiently during that spring and summer while the Battalion were in Flanders,
was twice wounded, and during the severe fighting in autumn 1915 was killed in
action at Loos between 25 and 29 September 1915.
Column 6.
DONALDSON, William Skene Duncan
RGC: 1907 – 1913 [1192]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/2nd (Highland) Field Ambulance,
R.A.M.C.
Biography: Born on 27 June 1897, son of George
Donaldson, Insurance Clerk. He entered RGC from
Mile-end Public School, aged 10. He lived at 212
Midstocket Road, Aberdeen, later at 63, Gray St.,
Aberdeen. He died in France aged 19.
Burial Details: Dartmoor Cemetery, Becordel-Becourt
I E 63
DOUGALL, William, M.C.
RGC: 1906-1909 [1405]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Canadian Expeditionary Force:
Regimental Depot, (Saskatchewan) and Royal Air
Force (Canada).
Biography: Born on 20 January 1897, son of
Margaret Dougall [father John B Dougall deceased].
He was awarded a bursary for the three years of his
study at RGC. He entered RGC from Causewayend
Public School. He lived at 65 Powis Terrace,
Aberdeen. He was killed in France, aged 21.
Date of Death: 21 July, 1918
Burial Details: Jonchery-sur-Vesle British Cemetery
I H 28
DUFFUS, William
RGC: 1905 – 1907 [204]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born on 24 May 1897, son of William
Duffus, Farmer, and his wife Janet. He lived at
Minnonie, Gamrie and while at the College lodged
at 7 Dee Place Aberdeen. He entered RGC from
Clinterty School, Gamrie. He died of wounds
received fighting in France, aged 21
Date of Death: 1 December, 1917
Burial Details: Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt V B 19
DUGUID, James
RGC: 1908 – 1912 [1614]
Regiment: 7th Battalion North Staffordshire
Regiment
Biography: Born Old Deer, 13 December 1893;
Son of Frank Duguid, blacksmith; educated at
Banchory and Robert Gordon's College;
entered Aberdeen University in October 1912 ;
student in Arts and Agriculture, 1912-14. By
nature quiet and reserved, he was a very
capable student, deeply interested in scientific
agriculture. He enlisted in the R.A.M.C. previous to the war, and was called up in
August 1914, later he was transferred to the R.A. Veterinary Corps. In spring 1915
he was sent to Egypt and later in that year obtained a commission in the North
Staffordshire Regiment. He went to the Dardanelles with his Regiment in the
summer of 1915, and, on returning to Cairo, sailed in March for Mesopotamia
where he was killed in action on 9 April 1916.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Basra Memorial, Panel 34, Column 1.
DUNCAN, Alexander D.
RGC: 1907-1911 [1500]
Rank: Lance Sergeant
Biography: Born on 23 September 1894, son
of Alexander Duncan, Farmer. He lived at
Burnend, Ellon. In the open competition he
scored 85.2% and was awarded an open
Foundation tenable for two years. He
graduated M.A., from the University of Aberdeen
in 1914. He was well known and highly esteemed
among his fellow-students for his sterling
character, his sound clear thinking and his spirit
of good comradeship. It is certain that by his death his prospective profession, the
Ministry, lost one who would have carried on most worthily its best traditions. He joined
the 4th Gordons in his school days, entering the newly formed school section of "E"
Company, and later, after matriculating, he transferred to the University Company. On
the outbreak of the war he was mobilized with his fellow students and Territorials, and
while under training at Bedford he became attached to the Machine Gun Section. On the
Battalion's proceeding to France in February 1915, he proved himself a very efficient and
level-headed member of his section and was soon appointed a Lance-Sergeant. In the
heavy fighting in which the Battalion took its full share on 17 June on the Menin Road
near Ypres, Duncan was mortally wounded, and died a few days later at Wimereux, 25
June 1915.
Burial Details: Wimereux Commual Cemetery
IJ4
DUNCAN, Henry C.
RGC: 1909 - 1914 [2268]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: 50th Division, Ammunition Company,
Royal Field Artillery
Biography: Born on 13 June 1898, second son of
Douglas D Duncan, a lamplighter, and his wife Jane.
He lived at 4 Castle Terrace and later 11 Summerfield
Place, Aberdeen. He entered RGC on a free place
from King Street Public School. He died in Germany,
aged 20
Date of Death: 22 October, 1918
Burial Details: Worms (Hochheim Hill) Cemetery
Screen Wall
EDWARD, Andrew F.
RGC: 1904 – 1907 [4764/219]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: “D” Battery, 276th Brigade, Royal Field
Artillery
Biography: Born on 9 February 1892, son of Thomas
Edward, a grocer, and his wife Helen. He lived
initially at 25 Cairnfield Place and then at 20
Hosefield Avenue, Aberdeen; His parents later
moved to Harbour Street, Hopeman, Morayshire.
Andrew entered RGC from Mile-end School. He died
of wounds (gas) in France, aged 26.
Burial Details: Fouquieres Churchyard
II F 2
ELMSLIE, Ernest George
RGC: 1906-1914 [928]
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots
Biography: Born on 10 April 1897,
son of George Emslie, Brassfinisher. He lived at 44 Nelson
Street, Aberdeen. He joined the
Royal Engineers in 1914, having
served an apprenticeship as a Civil
Engineer in the Harbour Office,
Aberdeen. In May 1917, he received
his commission in the Royal Scots
and was sent to France in June. He was only 20 years of age when he died. His
cheeriness of disposition had made him a great favourite with his comrades.
Burial details: Tyne Cot Memorial
Pan 11-14 & 162
EWEN, Edgar H.
RGC: 1898 – 1900 [3017]
Rank: Lieutenant (Acting Captain)
Regiment: 5th Battalion Scots Fusiliers
Biography: Born Methlick, 27 December 1880;
Son of George Ewen, Slater, Tangland;
educated at Methlick Public School, Robert
Gordon's College and Aberdeen University;
graduated M.A. in 1904; taught at Invergordon
Academy and was Science Master at Troon
Academy when war broke out. He was a
member of the University Company as an
undergraduate and re-enlisted in the Gordons in 1915. Ewen, like the rest of his
family, was an expert shot and was sent to a musketry school to qualify as an
instructor. After gaining his certificate he was transferred to the 5th (Res.) Royal
Scots Fusiliers with commissioned rank and was appointed Battalion Instructor of
Musketry. After the 5th Reserve was amalgamated with the 4th Reserve R.S.F.,
Ewen assumed command of one of the training companies. He was accidentally
killed in Catterick Camp on 1 May 1917. How highly Lieutenant Ewen's services
were esteemed may be gathered from the following letter from his Commanding
Officer: "I well remember when he came to me at Ayr Race Course. He had been
highly spoken of by his former Commanding Officer and I was much in need of
effective help. I at once saw that I had got it, and during the all too short time we
were together my regard for him steadily increased. I could not have had a more
faithful officer, or one who was more concerned to do his very best for the
regiment."
Burial Details: Buried at Dundoland (Troon) Cemetery, Ayrshire, Class B (Old
Part), Grave 178
EWEN, John B.
RGC: 1903 -1911 [4414/227]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 21 February 1893;
Son of James Ewen, nurseryman; he entered
RGC on an open Foundation; matriculated in
Arts, 1910, entering Aberdeen University as
13th Bursar; he graduated M.A., 1914, with
Second Class Honours in Classics. He
represented the University in Association
football and in tennis, being awarded his "fullblue” in the latter.
He had secured a fine position with Insurance Act Commissioners. In October
1914, after a previous medical rejection, he joined the 4th Battalion Gordon
Highlanders and trained with them in Aberdeen until March 1915, when he had
the hard experience of being drafted straight from his own home to the Battalion
in France. It was his strong sense of duty that took him to France, for he had just
gained in open competition a post under the National Health Insurance
Commission and only with much difficulty was he allowed to continue on service.
He remained with the 2/4th Gordons until his death on that black 25 September
1915 when the Battalion gained such costly distinction at Hooge. Though modest
and self-effacing in disposition, Ewen had a strong trait of sympathy and
helpfulness that is gratefully remembered by many.
Column 6
FALCONER, John Mackintosh
RGC: 1903 – 1904 [4506]
Rank: Private
Regiment: "C" Coy. 17th Battalion, Highland Light
Infantry
Biography: Born in Edinburgh. Second son of John
M Falconer, a Commercial Traveller, and his wife
Agnes, he entered RGC, aged 14, from Ashley Road
Public School. He lived at 15 Braemar Place, then 55
Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. He was killed in France
during the Battle of the Somme, aged 27.
Pier & Face 15C
FALCONER, Robert
RGC: 1907 – 1908 [1205]
Rank: Sergeant-Major
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 8 December 1890,
son of James G. Falconer, commission agent;
he lived at 11 Stirling Street; was educated at
the Grammar School and at Gordon's College.
On leaving school he entered the firm of
Messrs. Stephen & Smith, advocates,
Aberdeen, to whom he was later apprenticed
as a law clerk. During his apprenticeship he
studied Law at Aberdeen University, 1912 - 15. He joined the 4th Battalion
Gordon Highlanders (T.F.) as a Private in 1911, and took a great interest in the
Territorials. He was mobilized as a Lance-Sergeant, and crossed to France with
the 4th Gordons in the spring of 1915; there he was soon promoted Company
Sergeant-Major. Early in 1916 he was home on leave. He rejoined the Battalion in
May, and returned to France with a draft in the beginning of July to take part in
the Battle of the Somme. During this engagement he was reported wounded and
missing on 23 July 1916, and was later believed killed on that date. Falconer was
keenly interested in the welfare of his Company and was popular with both
officers and men. He proved himself a reliable soldier, and showed courage and
fearlessness in the fulfilment of his duties.
Burial Details: Buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval, Plot 12, Row E,
Grave 27.
FARQUHAR, George
RGC:
Rank: Private
Biography: born 12 December 1896 in Peterculter,
the 4th Son of David Arthur Farquhar, Schoolmaster,
MA JP & Elizabeth Jane Farquhar; entered RGC from
Craigton Higher Grade School, Culter; brother of
Alfred, David and Alexander; lived at Schoolhouse,
Peterculter; An apprentice engineer, he joined the
Army in May 1915. He died in France aged 20 years.
Date of Death: 14 November, 1916
I L 12
Possible confusion because his brothers attended the College:
Alfred S. [Pupil no. 232], David A. [233] and Alexander [1208]
There was a pupil George Y Farquhar who attended RGC around this time [190612, no. 1423]. No relation.
FARQUHAR, James
RGC: 1887 – 1896 [68]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 25 May 1877; Son
of James Farquhar, house contractor; he lived
at 34 Braemar Place, Aberdeen and entered
RGC from Ferryhill Public School; graduated
M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1897 ; M.B.
in 1904. He became a general practitioner in
Oldham, Lancs., in November 1904. He joined
the 10th Battalion Manchester Regiment in
1907, and was attached to the same regiment on the outbreak of war, being
transferred in July 1915 to the R.A.M.C. He was found unfit for foreign service,
but continued in the Army until January 1918, when on being invalided out he
returned to private practice. Farquhar never regained his health, but died in
January 1920 of heart disease, which had been considerably aggravated by
military service.
Date of Death: 16 January 1920
Burial Details: Buried at Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen, Section D, Grave 35.
FARQUHARSON, Ian
RGC: 1908 – 1912 [1620]
Biography: Born Kinneff, Kincardineshire, 14
April 1896, son of a Framer. He entered RGC
from Broomhill Public School and lived at 346
Holburn Street, Aberdeen. He entered the
University where he took a Diploma in
Agriculture in March 1915. Immediately
afterwards he enlisted in the 4th Gordon
Highlanders. After serving some time he was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant and acted as an instructor in physical training
and bayonet-fighting, until he was granted a commission in April 1917. He went
to France in April 1918, becoming attached to the 1st Gordon Highlanders. In
August of that year he was wounded in an engagement at Achiet-le-Grand, and
died the following day, 22 August 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at St. Hilaire Cemetery Extension, Frévent, Plot 1, Row M,
Grave 28
FARQUHARSON, Joseph Davidson
RGC: 1899 – 1901 [3482]
Rank: Corporal
Biography: Second son of Sarah
Farquharson, housekeeper, of 23
Watson Street, Aberdeen, he
entered RGC aged 11 from
Rosemount Public School and
was awarded a bursary for one
year after the death of his father,
Robert Farquharson, stonecutter.
After leaving RGC, he became an
office boy.
His 3 brothers also held
foundations at RGC: Robert [1991], Walter [4958] and William [4958]. William
was also killed.
Pan 135-136
FARQUHARSON, William Booth
RGC: 1904 – 1906 [4958/240]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 8th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
Biography: born on 10 December 1894, fourth son
of Sarah Farquharson [father Robert, stonecutter,
deceased]. He lived at 21 Richmond Terrace,
Aberdeen. He entered RGC from Mile End Public
School and was awarded a Bursary, tenable for two
years. He died in France, aged 24.
His 3 brothers also held foundations to attend RGC: Robert [1991], Joseph D
[3482] and Walter [4958]. Joseph was also killed.
Burial Details: Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery, Arras
VII G 16
FERGUSON, William Bruce
RGC: 1912 – 1915 [2604]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
Biography: Born on 21 December 1897, 4th son of
Andrew Bruce Fergsuon, butcher, and his wife Jane
Norrie. He lived at 49 Burnett Place, Aberdeen. He
entered RGC from Kittybrewster Public School.
Killed in an enemy air raid in France, aged 19.
Burial Details: Gonnehem British Cemetery
F7
FINDLAY, James
RGC: 1905 - 1912
Regiment: 12th Battalion, Northumberland
Fusiliers
Biography: Born Loirston, Nigg, 10 September
1895; Son of John Findlay, farmer; educated at
Robert Gordon's College; student at Aberdeen
University in Agriculture, 1912-14; Medicine,
1915-16. Coming from a family well known in
agricultural circles, Findlay soon became
popular in the University, in all the activities of
which he took a very keen interest. He gained
the University Diploma in Agriculture in 1914 and then commenced the study of
Medicine. In January 1916 he enlisted in the Royal Fusiliers and was later
commissioned in the Northumberlands. He went to France in June 1916, and, just
after receiving the command of his company, he was killed on 16 June 1917.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Arras Memorial, Panel 2, Column 19
FORBES, Ian Grant
RGC: 1900 – 1906 [3782/251]
Rank: Cadet
Regiment: Royal Air Force (Canada)
Biography: Born Chorlton, Manchester, 30 May
1888, the eldest son of John Grant Forbes and his
wife Amy K Urquhart/Forbes; his father was a
Shipper for East India and China; he lived c/o Miss
Burns, 12 Belmont Road, Aberdeen and later at The
Cottage, Marston Green, near Birmingham; entered
RGC [medallist] from Hulme Grammar School,
Manchester; went to Canada in 1907 and settled at Cranbrook and Vancouver
and was employed on the staff of the Canadian Bank of Commerce; was anxious
to join up at outbreak of war but the bank was unwilling to release him; joined
R.A.F. on 15 August 1918 and died, while training, at Toronto from pneumonia
following influenza; he was unmarried.
Burial Details: Toronto
FRASER, Henry G.
RGC: 1899 – 1903 [3484]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C
Biography: Third son of James Fraser, a seaman,
and his wife Betsy, he entered RGC from King Street
Public School at the age of 11 and was awarded a
Bursary, tenable for four years. He lived at various
addresses in Aberdeen, the last being 10 Seaforth
Road. He died in France during the Battle of the
Somme.
Date of Death: 20 August, 1916
Burial Details: Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval
X E 14
FRASER, Ian C.
RGC: 1910 – 1913 [2104]
Regiment: 2nd Battalion,
Sutherland Highlanders
Argyll
and
Biography: Born Petty East, Inverness-shire, 8
December 1895; son of John T. Fraser,
schoolmaster. He entered RGC from Methlick
H.G. School and represented the College at
Rugby ; he was a student in Arts at Aberdeen
University, 1913-14. He was a very fine allround athlete, a good student at the College
and an exceptionally gentlemanly fellow. He joined the Territorials in 1912, and
enlisted in the Gordon's College Company of the 1/4th Gordons on the outbreak
of war. After six months' training at Bedford he went to the Front as a Corporal;
commissioned on the field for distinguished service, he was transferred to the
2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, July 1915, and fought with them
in the heavy fighting at Loos where he was killed, 25 September 1915. Of Fraser it
could be truly said that he lived his life in short measures, two sessions at the
University, 6 months of training, 7 months of active service, and he was only 19
when he fell; already he had shown that he had the rare gift of infectious
enthusiasm, which inspired others to do and dare along with him, alike in the
playing field at King's and in the battle-fields of Flanders.
Burial Details: Buried at Cambrin Churchyard Extendion, Plot 1, Row B, Grave 18.
FRASER, Ronald H.B.
RGC: 1910 – 1916 [2105]
Rank: Private
Regiment: “B” Company, 17th Battalion, Royal
Fusiliers
Biography: Born 28 August 1898, son of a Cashier;
he entered RGC from Broomhill Public School on a
scholarship. He lived at 15 Chattan Place,
Aberdeen; after school he became a civil servant in
the Revenue Department; enlisted in Royal Fusiliers on 23 February 1917 and
trained at Watford and Carburton Camp, Co. Nottingham; served with
expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from October 1917; took part I
advance on Cambrai in the same year; reported wounded and missing while
fighting rearguard action during the retreat from Cambrai on 25 March 1918;
assumed to have been killed on or about that date;
A comrade wrote:
“He died facing the foe, as a soldier and a man, that others might be saved”
Another comrade wrote:
“I can only say how sorry we all are to lose so good a comrade. “Jock”, as he was
called, by his friends, was a great favourite with all the boys.”
He was unmarried.
Date of Death: 25 March, 1918
Burial Details:
Arras Memorial
Bay 3
FYFE, George
RGC: 1908 – 1910 [1631]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born on 30 June 1895,
eldest son of George Fyfe, a
foreman steam engine maker, and
his wife Jeannie, he entered RGC
from Rosemount Public School. He
lived at 6 Cotton Street, later 14
Mile-End Avenue, Aberdeen. He
died in France aged 19.
Pan 38
FYFE, Leslie
RGC: 1906 – 1911 [939]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Culter, 24 May 1892; Son of
James Fyfe, commercial traveller of Moreseat,
Aberdeen; he was educated at Robert Gordon's
College; he was a student in Arts at Aberdeen
University, 1911-12. Both at College and at the
University his retiring disposition kept him
practically unknown to all but a few, but by those
few he was greatly esteemed. After one session at
the University he was appointed manager on a
tobacco-growing estate in Nyasaland, and during his three years there saw some
service with native troops. In 1915 he returned home and enlisted in the Gordon
Highlanders, and after the usual training at Ripon went to France, where he died on 23
July 1916 of wounds received in action at High Wood.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15 B and 15 C.
FYFE, Robert J
RGC: 1912- 1914 [2541]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 84th Squadron, R.F.C
Biography: Born on 22 June 1899,
eldest son of Robert Fyfe, grocer
shopkeeper, and his wife Isabella, he
entered RGC from Walker Road Public
School. He lived at 85 Menzies Road,
Aberdeen. He died in France, aged 19.
Burial Details: Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, XV. D. 7.
FYFE, William Q
RGC: 1908-1911 [1633]
Rank: Lieutenant
Highlanders
Biography: Born in Aberdeen on 3 June
1896, son of William Fyfe, Headmaster,
Woodside School; lived at 434 Clifton Road,
Aberdeen; entered RGC from Woodside
Public School; served apprenticeship as a
Mechanical Engineer; volunteered for
active service and enlisted in 4th Gordon Highlanders on 8 August 1914;
received a commission and was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Gordon
Highlanders on 16 August 1915; promoted to Lieutenant in February
1917; served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from
February 1915; wounded at Kemmel and died of wounds on the field at
Fresnoy-le-Petit on 21 March 1918; he was unmarried.
Burial Details: buried where he fell at Fresnoy-le-Petit
GALLOWAY, John
RGC: 1898 – 1900 [2940]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment:
40th
Battalion
Australians
(Tasmanian Contingent, British Expeditionary
Force)
Biography: Born Dumfries November 1881;
Son of John Galloway, H.M.I.S.; entered RGC
from Dumfries Academy; he lived at 23
Cranford Road, Aberdeen and studied Arts and
Science at Aberdeen University, 1904-06. For a
short time he was on the staff of the
“Aberdeen Free Press” and then went to London. Some time later he emigrated
to Tasmania, where he became a successful fruit farmer. In May 1916 Galloway
enlisted in the 40th Battalion Australians (Tasmanian Contingent) and landed at
Plymouth, December 1916, but on the voyage he contracted a bad cold which
had fatal results. He died in hospital at Salisbury, 17 January 1917, his comrades
testifying to their respect for his personal character and his work.
Burial Details: Buried at Springbank Cemetery, Aberdeen, Section N, Grave 89.
GARBUTT, James R.G.
RGC: 1900 – 1905 [3591]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps,
attached to King's Own Scottish Borderers
Biography: Born Portsoy, 28 March 1889; Son
of William Garbutt, banker; he entered RGC
from Ashley Road Public School on a bursary
and lived at 145 Duthie Terrace Aberdeen ;
graduated M.B. from Aberdeen University in
1911. After graduation, with a view to
specializing, he worked in a Sheffield hospital
until war broke out. In December 1914 Garbutt received a commission in the
R.A.M.C., and served for a few months at Preston and St. Omer Military Hospitals.
He wished, however, to get to the fighting line and became attached to the King's
Own Scottish Borderers. Only ten days after joining the regiment, on 1 December
1915, he was killed by a shell while on duty.
Burial Details: Buried at Vermelles British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row F, Grave 5.
GERRIE, Harry Copland
RGC: 1909-1911 [1851]
Rank: Lance Corporal
Biography: Born 11 March 1896, Aberdeen, eldest
son of Alexander Bothwell Gerrie, Marine Engineer,
and his wife Kate, née Robertson, of 5 Marine Place,
Aberdeen; entered RGC from Kittybrewster Public
School; He was a good all-round sportsman, excelling
at swimming. He became a bank clerk in the North Of Scotland Town and County
Bank in Aberdeen, but enlisted in September 1914 after the outbreak of the war;
served with the Expeditionary Force in France. Was reported wounded and
missing after the Battle of Loos on 25th September 1915 and is now assumed to
have been killed in action on that day.
Burial Details: XII.A.10 Perth Cemetery, China Wall, Leper, Belgium
GILMOUR, Williejohn 0.
RGC: 1900 – 1903 [3592]
Regiment: Scottish Horse, attached to South
Nottinghamshire Hussars
Biography: Born at Armadale, Sutherland, 30
May 1884; Son of William Gilmour, B.A.,
headmaster of Cookney School; received his
earlier education at various schools under his
father. Eventually as a First Bursar for the
County of Aberdeen, he proceeded to Robert
Gordon's College and then to Aberdeen
University where he graduated M.A. in 1911. He was Assistant Master in Paisley
Grammar School for a time, and then obtained an appointment in Leith Academy
where he was employed on the outbreak of war. He enlisted as a trooper in the
Scottish Horse on 7 August 1914, though offered a commission in the Gordon
Highlanders. His old connection with the Scottish Horse, as a member of the
University troop in his student days, was the deciding factor in this choice. He
served with the Scottish Horse at home, was sent to Gallipoli as QuartermasterSergeant with the 1st Brigade, and rendered such valuable service that he was
recommended for a commission. On the evacuation of Gallipoli he proceeded
with his regiment to Egypt, where, as 2nd Lieutenant he was for some time
attached to the Lanarkshire Yeomanry. Rejoining his regiment, he went to
Salonika in October 1916, acting as Adjutant on one of the transports. Later he
was attached to the South Notts Hussars for cavalry work, and served with this
regiment until he was killed on patrol duty, near Kakaraska, on the Struma Front,
5 May 1917. Lieutenant Gilmour's death was a great blow to his numerous
friends and comrades-in-arms, as his cheerful and obliging disposition had made
him a general favourite both in school and on service.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Doiran Memorial
GLEGG, Robert
RGC: 1907 – 1911 [1225]
Regiment: 2nd Field Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: born 19 May 1895, son of James
Copland Glegg, Iron Merchant, and his wife
Agnes , he lived at 60 Kings Gate, Aberdeen;
his brothers William and James also attended
RGC; on leaving school, he entered his father’s
business; joined R.E. as 2nd Lieutenant on 25
June, 1912, and was promoted Lieutenant on
7 September 1914; volunteered for foreign
service at outbreak of war; went to France in
1915 and took part in battles of Neuve
Chapelle and Festubert while attached to 7th
Division; mentioned in Dispatches [London
Gazette 1 January 1916] by Lord French for
gallant and distinguished service in the field.
His Commander wrote:
“He was a most fearless and gallant officer,
and after the battle of Festubert, I had the
pleasure of bringing his name to the notice of
the General.”
A brother officer wrote:
“When his corporal was wounded, Glegg took him on his back and dragged him
along under heavy fire to a place of safety. This was only one of the many heroic
things he did and thought no more of it than a hard game at rugger.”
He was killed in action at La Quinque Rue, near Festubert; he and his brother
William were serving in neighbouring trenches on the front line and when Robert
was injured, William was summoned and was with him when he died, aged 20. To
read the letter which William wrote to his parents, telling them of his brother’s
death, follow this link:
http://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/assets/0004/0684/Robert_Clegg.pdf
He was a keen sportsman, a member of the motor cycle Club and of the
Aberdeen and District Cycle Club. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez
XVII C 26
GORDON, Charles
RGC: 1902 – 1908 [4341/286]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 31st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary
Force (Alberta Regiment)
Biography: Born 10 November 1892, son of James T
Gordon, a joiner. He entered RGC from Ferryhill
public School aged 9 and was awarded a bursary
which he held for six years. He lived initially at 21
Ferryhill Terrace and then at 22 Bank Street,
Aberdeen.
Burial Details: Vimy Memorial
GORDON, George Gauld
RGC: 1901 – 1903 [3867]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: “D” Company, 4th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Son of George Gauld Gordon, Registrar
Shipping Foundation, and his wife Mary Home
Gordon. He entered RGC aged 12 from Rosemount
Public School. He lived at 41 View Terrace,
Aberdeen. He was killed in Belgium, aged 26.
Burial Details: Bedford House Cemetery
Enc. No. 2 V B 35
GORDON, James Thom
RGC: 1901 – 1905 [4038]
Rank: Engineer
Regiment: Mercantile Marine
Biography: Born in Aberdeen on 22 January 1890, son of
John and Mary Gordon, he entered RGC from Ashley Road
Public School on a Foundation. He lived at 95 Union Grove, Aberdeen;
apprenticed to Hall Russell & Co., Engineers and was engaged later in Glasgow;
served with the Grace Line between New York and Pacific ports, being
subsequently employed on war service between USA and Italy; lost at sea on 20
August 1917 when S.S. Edernian was torpedoed in the North Sea by enemy
submarine. He was unmarried.
Date of Death: Torpedoed 20 August, 1917
Burial Details: Tower Hill Memorial
GRANT, Alexander
RGC: 1896-1898 [2462]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 6th battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born in Alford, Aberdeenshire, the son of
Alexander Grant, mason and crofter, and his wife
Christina of Burnbank, Alford. He entered RGC aged
14 from the village school in Alford. Husband of A.
Grant, of Wellheads, Alford, Aberdeen. Killed in
France.
I A 23
GRANT, John S., M.C.
RGC: 1906 – 1908 [946]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born at Cairnie, 28 March 1890; Son
of George Grant, farmer, of Leslie,
Aberdeenshire ; educated at Gordon's College
and Aberdeen University; M.A., 1911; B.D.,
1915. He took a very distinguished place in the
University Divinity Hall, being Prizeman in every
Department, and gaining First Prize in three
classes. He was deservedly popular in and
beyond College, and notably exhibited the qualities of leadership among his
fellow-students. After licence in May 1914 he became Assistant Minister at
Broughty Ferry where his work was much appreciated. In 1915 he received a
commission as Lieutenant in the 6th Gordon Highlanders. He went through the
entire Somme offensive, was promoted to a Captaincy and received the Military
Cross in recognition of his conspicuous service on 22 September 1916, the official
record stating : ''He showed great courage and skill in reconnaissance work. Later
he carried out a daring raid on an enemy trench, with great courage and
determination until relieved, and rendered great assistance in getting back the
wounded men.'' He was a trusted and beloved leader,'' so a fellow-officer
testifies, ''ever showing a fearless example to his men.'' He was killed in action at
Arras on 9 April 1917.
Burial Details: Buried at Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 47.
GRAY, David A.
RGC: 1898 – 1900 [2930]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 51st Battery, Signals Division, Royal
Engineers
Biography: Born in Aberdeen in 1886. Son of
Thomas Gray, Grocer and his wife Jane of 50
Springbank Terrace, Aberdeen; entered RGC from
Ferryhill Public School aged 12. After leaving school
he became an Assistant Grocer with his father. A
member of the Executive Committee of the
Gordonian Association, he was a despatch rider with
the Royal Engineers. He had been at the front for 18 months before he was
killed in action.
Extract from the Gordonian, Dec 1916:
“David Gray is now a despatch rider in France which seems to mean riding a
motor bicycle behind the firing line, over fields and roads in the sleet and the dark,
with no lamps, and shell holes every few yards – ammunition wagons going in the
opposite direction at the same pace, and also with no lights. Certainly a dispatch
rider’s life cannot be uneventful. Gray is looking very fit”
Date of Death: 24 May, 1917
Burial Details: Level Cross Cemetery, Fampoux Fr 0545 Plot I Row C Grave 7
GRAY, George Harold
RGC: 1903 -1907 [4519/299]
Regiment: 4th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers
Biography: Born 23 February 1892, son of Alexander
Gray and his wife Helen Ross Gray of Newcastle upon
Tyne. He entered RGC from Mile-End Public School,
aged 11 and lived with his grandmother Margaret
Ross at 1 Belgrave Terrace, Aberdeen. He became a
dental student. He joined the 4th Battalion of the
Royal Dublin Fusiliers, a training unit, which had
been called up to Sittingbourne, England in 1914, but returned to Ireland at the
end of 1915. He was killed during the Easter Rising in 1916, fighting the rebels
along the railway line from the Broadstone station up to the Cabra Bridge. Aged
22, he was the only man from his battalion killed in the action.
Burial Details: Grangegorman Military cemetery, Dublin, C of E Officers Plot 46
GRAY, Herbert Strachan
RGC: 1907 -1911 [1232]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 232nd Siege Battery, Royal Garrison
Artillery
Biography: Born 19 June 1895. Eldest son of George
Gray, drapery warehouseman of Messrs. Gray,
Kennedy and Dickie; Herbert lived at 52 Gray Street,
Aberdeen and arrived at RGC from Ashley Road
School. He worked for the family firm in civilian life.
Corporal Gray joined up in November 1915. His
commanding officer, in writing to his relatives said:
“Although he had only been a few days attached to the battery, his loss was a
great grief to all. They would be glad to hear that he died as he lived, a gallant
soldier.”
He was killed in Belgium, aged 23.
Burial details: Bleuet Farm Cemetery
ID4
GUTHRIE, Alexander
RGC: 1910 – 19013 [2123]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 1st Highland Brigade, Royal Field
Artillery
Biography: born at Corse Schoolhouse,
Leochel-Cushnie, 8 October 1893, son of Rev.
W. G. Guthrie, of Glass, Aberdeenshire;
entered RGC from Ellon Higher Grade School;
matriculated at the University of Aberdeen in
1913; student in Arts, 1913-5. He enlisted at
the close of his second winter session, March
1915, and received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Highland Brigade
R.F.A., in May of the same year. After nine months' training in this country he
proceeded to France and took part in the defensive fighting on the Ypres and
Arras Fronts during the summer of 1916. He was slightly wounded at the Battle of
the Somme and was invalided home for a few months. He returned to France in
the end of the year, followed up the German retreat from the Somme, fought at
the capture of Messines ridge in the spring of 1917, and was killed at Nieuport in
Belgium on 12 July 1917, while trying to save a comrade who had been entombed
by the explosion of a German shell. He was promoted Lieutenant a few days
before his death and was mentioned in dispatches of 7 November 1917 for
distinguished and gallant conduct. Possessed of a fund of real common sense and
a staunchness on which his friends could and did place infinite reliance, Guthrie's
influence was great and always for the highest. If he had been permitted to carry
out his intention of proceeding to the ministry, some parish would have had the
inestimable benefit of a minister whose advice and assistance could, as a friend
has said, "put confidence into the waverer, and restraint upon the impetuous".
Burial Details: Buried at Ramscapelle Road Military Cemetery, St. Georges,
Special Memorial.
HAIG, William S.
RGC: 1909 – 1911 [1860]
Rank: Corporal
Biography: Born Lonmay, 6 November 1892;
Son of William Haig, permanent way inspector,
Dunshillock, Mintlaw. Educated at Old Deer
Public School and Gordon's College, Aberdeen;
matriculated in Arts in 1911; graduated M.A.
from Aberdeen University in 1914. He was a
member of the original Robert Gordon's
College section of the 4th Gordons, enlisting in
1910, and on entering the University he transferred to "U" Company. After being
trained from August 1914 to February 1915 at Bedford, he went abroad with his
unit. He served with his Battalion till 25 September 1915 when he was reported
missing, and later was presumed killed on that date at Hooge, where the 4th
Gordons covered themselves with glory.
Column 5.
HALL, John McRobb
RGC: 1910 – 1914 [2124]
Regiment: 21st (Tyneside Scottish) Battalion,
Northumberland Fusiliers
Biography: Born 11 June 1896; son of John Hall,
Marine Superintendent, of 28 Malvern Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne, and grandson of John
McRobb of the Aberdeen Lime Company. Educated
at Rutherford College, Newcastle and Robert
Gordon’s College. Lived with his grandfather at 79
Murray Terrace while at the College. He was a Gordon Highlander Territorial and
obtained a commission in the Northumberland Fusiliers in January 1916. He was
killed in France.
Pier & Face 10B
11B
HAY, Andrew Peter
RGC:
Regiment: “D” Company, 1st Battalion, King’s Own
Scottish Borderers
Biography:
Eldest son of Mr James Hay,
coachbuilder, of 274 Hardgate, Aberdeen. Lt Hay
was at Edinburgh University when the war broke
out. He joined the Officers’ Training Corps and was
gazetted to the K.O.S.B. Lt Hay intended to be a
teacher, and had studied at Glasgow and Edinburgh.
He fell in France aged 21.
Burial Details: Auchonvillers Military Cemetery II D 18
HAY, Edward Hutton
RGC: 1906 – 1909 [952]
Rank: 2nd. Lieutenant
Biography: born 20 October 1892 in Aberdeen.
Third son of George Hay, manufacturer of hosiery
and tweed, and his wife Jessie of 258 Great Western
Road, Aberdeen. He entered RGC from Central
School, aged 13. His parents later moved to 70,
Westbourne Terrace, Hyde Park London. He died in
France, aged 24.
Burial Details: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun
IV J 17
HAY, William L.
RGC: 1907-1915 [1487]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 2nd Highland Field Ambulance, Royal
Army Medical Corps
Biography: Born 20 July 1897, son of Alexander &
Flora Hay of 65 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen. He
entered RGC on a Foundation in 1907, having
scored 88.5% in the examination. He was placed
3rd in the order of merit. His father was a manual
instructor earning £120 + £19 from heritable
property per annum. When William entered the
College, there were 3 children in the family aged
between 3 and 10 years. His father was a Burgess
of Trade. He died of his wounds in Aberdeen, aged
21.
Burial Details: Springbank Cemetery G88
.
HENDERSON, Alexander R.
RGC: 1898 – 1907 [3147/316]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 8 November 1888;
son of Alexander R. Henderson, teacher of
Technical Subjects at RGC, and brother of
James (born 1894). Entered Robert Gordon's
College at 9 years of age from Ashely Road
Public School; held RGC bursary in session
1901-2. Graduated M.A. from Aberdeen
University in 1911. After graduation he was
appointed a teacher at Aboyne Higher Grade School. Henderson was a wellknown Association football and cricket player and, having joined "U Company in
1907, became Colour-Sergeant in 1910. He resigned in 1912 but volunteered on
the outbreak of war, and in September 1914 was gazetted to the 4th Gordons
with whom he went to France in February 1915. He led his platoon into action at
Hooge on 25 September 1915 and had reached the third line of German trenches
when he was wounded. He was later reported wounded and missing on that
date. His Commanding Officer wrote; "The courage and pluck shown by him and
his men that day are beyond words of mine."
Column 3.
HENDERSON, George A.F.
RGC: 1912-1913 [2629]
Rank: Flight-Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Air Force
Biography: Born at the Manse of Maryton,
Forfarshire, 19 March 1895; Son of Rev.
Richard Henderson, parish minister, Longside,
Aberdeenshire; educated at the Public School
Longside, Peterhead Academy, and Robert
Gordon's College. He entered Aberdeen
University in 1913, and at once became a
member of "U" Company, 4th Gordons. On the
outbreak of war he volunteered for foreign service, but owing to ill-health he was
unable, to his great regret, to proceed with his Company to France. In August 195
he was commissioned to the 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and in July 1916
was attached to the 2nd Battalion. With this Battalion he served in France until
November 1917, when he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. In February
1918 Henderson graduated as Pilot, and thereafter was appointed Flying
Instructor. He received a commission in the Royal Air Force, and at his death had
attained the rank of Flight-Lieutenant. While acting as Flying Instructor he
received fatal injuries through an aeroplane collision on 2 July. He died in the
Military Hospital, Grantham, on 4 July 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at Longside New Parish Churchyard, Aberdeenshire, Grave
508.
HENDERSON, James M., M.C. & Bar
RGC: 1907-1908 [1241]
Rank: Acting-Major
Regiment: 3/4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders,
attached to 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
Biography: Born Rosskeen, 6 January 1891; Son of
James M. Henderson, farmer; educated Invergordon
Academy and Gordon's College; entered Aberdeen
University in 1908, as 9th bursar. He graduated in 1912
with 1st Class Honours in English, carrying off the
Seafield Medal and Minto Prize. All his work was excellent, and he showed himself an
enthusiastic but discriminating student of the work of living poets and prose writers. He
was praised as modest and conscientious, with a pure and genuine zeal for literature.
The year before the outbreak of war, Professor Grierson appointed him his assistant at
Aberdeen University.
He enlisted in 1914, almost immediately after the opening of the session, which seemed
a great act of moral courage on the part of a retired student bound to feel acutely out of
harmony with his environment. It proved quite otherwise. As a Private in the 2/4th
Gordons he found points of contact and sympathy with men of traditions and experience
the most remote from his own. He became an ardent and persuasive recruiter. In May
1915 he received a commission in the 3/4th Gordons and soon went abroad. On active
service he proved not only a conscientious but a courageous and able soldier,
intellectually interested in the career he had embraced as an act of duty, as loyally
devoted to the officers under whom he served as he had been to the teachers under
whom he studied. In 1916 he received the Military Cross for his courage and enterprise
in raiding trenches, and in April 1917 a bar to the Cross for his conduct in the attack on
Vimy Ridge. A man of his fine and sensitive character necessarily felt the cruel and
terrible strain of the war, but in a single letter only did he sound a despondent note.
Each return showed an advance in self-confidence and power to accept responsibility. He
was at home on leave from the 7th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (to which he had
been attached as Acting-Major) when the great German offensive began in March 1918.
Without waiting for his recall he hurried back, and was killed in action at Locon, 11 April
1918. In a few years he had lived a full life, had developed from the shy, absorbed
student to the brave and enterprising soldier, to the experienced and able and trusted
officer who, at the moment he fell, was Acting-Commander of his Battalion.
Honours: Military Cross with Bar
HENDRY, Gordon
RGC: 1906-1909 [1443]
Biography: born 29 April 1894; Third son of John S.
Hendry, gardener, and his wife Georgina of
Thorngrove cottage, Seafield Road, Aberdeen, later
29, Duthie Terrace. Entered RGC on a Foundation
aged 12 years. He died in France, aged 24.
Burial Details: Vis-en-Artois Memorial
Pan 10
HENRY, Douglas John Luther Martin
RGC: 1911 – 1912 [2399]
Highlanders
Biography: Born 4 April 1897 in Holloway,
London; son of John Henry, draper, and
his wife Maria, of 13 King's Crescent,
Aberdeen. He entered RGC from Central
Higher Grade School. Died of his wounds
in Belgium, aged 20.
V F 17
HIGH, Robert F.D.
RGC: 1896 – 1900 [2521]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born Monymusk, 20 October 1880.
Son of James High, stone-cutter, Fernibank,
Monymusk; He was a pupil at Monymusk
Public School and then at Robert Gordon’s
College. After taking an Arts course at
Aberdeen University, 1900-07, he became
Assistant Master in Moffat Academy, and at
the outbreak of war was Headmaster in
Ladykirk Public School, Berwickshire. He enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders
at the beginning of 1916, and in December of that year was transferred to the
10th Battalion Cadet Corps at Gailes, where, after a short time of training, he
received commissioned rank, and was again attached to the 4th Gordon
Highlanders. At the great German offensive in March 1918 he was reported
"missing", and a year later was officially reported as having been killed in action
at Hermies, between Bapaume and Cambrai, on 22 March 1918.
HORNE, Alexander Robertson
RGC: 1900-1906 [3607/327]
Biography: Born 22 June 1887 in Aberdeen; son of
Alexander B .Horne, pharmacist and his wife Annie
Lyall; elder brother of Joseph L Horne [RGC 19021904] who also died in the war; lived at 70
Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen. Educated at Ashley
Road Public School and Robert Gordon's College,
Aberdeen; Bronze Medallist, Gordon's College, 1901 ; graduated M.A. from
Aberdeen University in 1909. For five and a half years he taught as an assistant
master in Peterhead Academy, then at the Middle School, Aberdeen, and later at
Bishopbriggs and Chryston Schools, Glasgow. During his University days, Home
was an enthusiastic member of the Gordons. In July 1916 he rejoined his old
regiment, and in October of that year went to France. Towards the end of
December he was wounded and sent to England, where he died in Duston
Military Hospital on 22 January 1917, aged 29. There are few men whose place in
their profession would be more difficult to fill. To Home teaching was something
more than a profession, education was a high ideal and the study of child nature
a worthy life's work. From his schooldays onwards he was thorough, painstaking
and methodical to a most unusual degree, whilst his cheery wit and his unfailing
good nature and kindliness endeared him to a large circle.
Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen
Grave C69
HORNE, Joseph Lyall
RGC: 1902 -1904 [4174]
Rank: Bombardier
Regiment: 3rd Lowland Brigade, R.F.A.
Biography: Born 14th July 1889 in Aberdeen; son of
Alexander B .Horne, pharmacist and his wife Annie
Lyall; younger brother of Alexander R Horne, [RGC
1900 – 1906] who also died in the war; lived at 70
Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen; Educated at Ashley
Road Public School and Robert Gordon's College,
Aberdeen; Married to Mary Arnot Rennie Horne of
180 Crown Street, Aberdeen. Died age 29.
Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen C. 69
HOWITT, Adam Gordon, M.C.
RGC: 1894 – 1900 [2096]
Rank: Captain
Regiment:
Regiment
12th
Battalion,
East
Surrey
Biography: Son of Adam Howitt, factor at
Hazlehead; born Ellon, 11 June 1884; educated
at Bourtie Public School and Robert Gordon’s
College; held RGC bursary 1899-1900;
graduated B.Sc. (Agr.) from Aberdeen
University in 1910. He entered the service of
the Potash Syndicate, and after spending a
time in their offices in Germany went in 1912 to South Africa as their Director of
Propaganda. Howitt joined the Cape Town Highlanders on the outbreak of war,
and took part in 1914-15 in General Botha's Campaign in German West Africa,
rising from Private to Lieutenant. On the conclusion of that campaign he came to
England, and in October 1915 obtained a commission in the East Surrey
Regiment. He served in Ireland during the rebellion, proceeded to France in May
1916, and was wounded on the Somme. After a period at home he returned to
France in March 1917, was awarded the Military Cross, and promoted Captain for
his services in the Field, June 1917. ''The success of the raid,'' runs the official
note, ''was due to his good leadership and cool judgment''. He was killed at
Hollebeke in the repulse of a sudden counter-attack, 5 August 1917. His Colonel
wrote: ''Although outnumbered, and under climatic conditions impossible to
adequately describe, Captain Howitt and his men beat the enemy back in the
fierce hand-to-hand fighting. 'Jock' Howitt died fighting to the last, one of the
bravest of the brave. . . . Had he survived he would have secured another wellearned decoration.''
Column 13.
HUNTER, William A
RGC: 1895-1899 [2180]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 15th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers/London Regt
(Prince of Wales’ Own Civil Service Rifles)
Biography: Born in Aberdeen, youngest son of James
Hunter, granite merchant and stone-cutter, and his
wife Isabella Connon of 45 Stanley Street, Aberdeen;
he entered RGC from private education in 1895, aged
10; he died of his wounds at Stobhill Military Hospital.
Grave D1880
HUSTWICK, Alexander George
RGC: 1907-1909 [1244]
Highlanders
Biography: born 29 December 1894 in
Aberdeen; Second son of William
Hustwick, Lithographer, and his wife
Jessie, of 35, View Terrace, Aberdeen.
Died in Belgium, aged 20.
Pan 38
INGRAM, John William
RGC: 1904-05 [4788]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 15th Battalion, 1st Central
Ontario Regiment, Canadian
Expeditionary Force
Biography: Born 24 June 1889, son of
Alexander Ingram , farmer, and his
wife Christina of Craibstone Mains,
Bucksburn, later Laurencekirk,
Kincardineshire; entered RGC from
Bucksburn Public School, aged 15.
Husband of Isabel Allan Ingram, of 67,
King St., Peterhead. He was killed,
aged 25.
Pan 18-24-26-30
INNES, James Ian
RGC: 1906-1910 [959]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/14th Battalion, London
Scottish
Biography: Born at Tibbermore,
Perth on 12 August 1893. Third son
of William and Christina Innes of
Clinterty, Kinellar. Entered RGC from
Ashley Road Public School. Served his
apprenticeship at Royal Bank in
Aberdeen and was appointed to the
London office of the Chartered Bank
of India, Australia and China in Sept
1913. Joined London Scottish on 2
March 1914 and was mobilized in August 1914, having volunteered for Foreign
Service. Went into the trenches on 22 December and was killed in action at
Givenchy, aged 21. He was buried there in the vicinity of a farm outside the
trenches. His company commander, Capt. Claude Low. D.S.O. wrote of him:
“I was sorry to lose such a fine soldier and I will ever bear in mind the calm way in
which he and his comrades kept their ground with no sign of fear and earned for
us the thanks of those higher in authority.”
He was a keen sportsman, a member of the bank’s football teams. The secretary
of the cricket club wrote that he was highly esteemed by all who knew him
adding that “he always played a straight bat in everything that he did.”
Burial Details: Le Touret Memorial
Pan 45
IRONSIDE, James Dickie
RGC: 1906-1913 [962]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: 2nd/1st Highland Field Company, Royal
Engineers
Biography: Born 21 June 1896, son of Alexander H
Ironside, Warehouseman, and his wife Mary, of 85
Claremont Place, later 15 Pitstruan Place; he
entered RGC from Ashley Road School and scored
88% in the Bursary examination, coming 5th in the
order of merit. He held a bursary in session 19081909. He died aged 20.
Burial Details: St Peter's Cemetery, Aberdeen
Grave WD18.43
JENKINS, Donald F., M.C.
RGC: 1907 – 1913 [1250]
Biography: Born in Burghead, 17 December
1896; Second son of William D. Jenkins, fish
curer, Aberdeen and his wife Jeannie;
educated at Elgin Academy and Gordon's
College, Aberdeen; lived at 408 Great Western
Road, Aberdeen. He represented the College
at Rugby 1912-13. He spent nearly two years
gaining experience of practical agriculture in
Easter Ross and matriculated as an Agricultural student at Aberdeen University in
1914. Jenkins enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders in August 1915. Early in the
following year he received a commission in the 6th Seaforth Highlanders and
proceeded to France with his unit in June 1916. He was awarded the M.C., 15
September 1916, for services in connection with a very successful raid on the
German trenches near Armentières, and was killed in action at Beaumont-Hamel
on 13 November 1916.
Burial Details: Buried at Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly - Maillet, Plot 1, Row B,
Grave 27.
JOHNSTON, John
RGC: 1907 – 1913 [1253]
Regiment: 81st Field Company,
Royal Engineers
Biography: born 27 August
1893. Fifth son of William
Johnston, blacksmith and
farmer and his wife Isabella, of
Hatton of Fintry. Entered RGC
aged 13 from Hatton of Fintray
Public School. Died in
Belgium, aged 24
Pan 8 & 162
JOLLY, Robert
RGC: 1909-1913 [2271]
Biography: born 18 May 1897 in Dundee, second
son of Robert Jolly, Customs Officer and his wife
Jessie. Lived at 31 Elmfield Ave, Aberdeen; entered
RGC from Rosemount Public School, aged 12.
Brother Eric also attended RGC [1875]
Burial Details: St Cyrus Upper (Parish) Churchyard Grave 2.4
JOSS, Alexander W.
RGC: 1901 – 1904 [3892]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 9th Battalion, Highland Infantry
Biography: Born 14 June 1888 at Disblair, New
Machar, Aberdeenshire, second son of
Alexander C Joss, farmer and grandson of the
late Mr Francis Gammie; entered Robert
Gordon's College from Newmachar Public
School; entered the law office of Messrs. A. &
W. Robertson, solicitors, Aberdeen, and
attended Law classes at Aberdeen University,
1907-09. After graduating in Law from Edinburgh University, Joss qualified as a
solicitor in 1911 and took up a position in the law office of Messrs. Mackay,
Murray & Spens, of Glasgow. He joined the Glasgow Highlanders (9th H.L.I.) in
September 1914 as a private, and, feeling he could do most good in the ranks,
refused promotion. He saw much active service in France at Bethune, La Bassée,
and High Wood, and was reported ''missing'' in the advance on 15 July 1916. He
was last seen assisting a wounded man in No Man's Land, and was later reported
as ''presumed died on that date''.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Thiepval Memorial, Pier and Face 15 C.
KELLY, Terence Neal William
RGC: 1904 – 1910 [360]
Biography: Born 20 August 1893; entered RGC aged
11 years from
St. Joseph’s College, Naini Tâl, India; son of William
Kelly, Accountant, Calcutta, India and his wife Ellen
Mary; lived with guardian Barbara Hay at 13 and
later at 68 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Husband of
Vaurie Ross Fraser Kelly, of Aberdeen. Died of his
wounds in France, aged 24.
XVII C 13
KEMP, Charles John
RGC:
Regiment: 5th Battalion, Royal Scots (Queen’s
Edinburgh Rifles)
Biography: Son of James O Kemp, Advocate of 22
India Street, Edinburgh and brother of A J Oglivie
Kemp and Edwin Kemp; educated at Daniel Stewart’s
College, Edinburgh in whose Roll of Honour Charles
appears; there is a further entry which states that his
father died from injuries sustained during the War.
Charles was killed in action in Gallipoli. When the family moved to Aberdeen,
they lived at Belmont House, Kittybrewster, Aberdeen.
Burial Details: Helles Memorial Turkey
Pan 26-30
It would appear that Charles J Kemps’s 2 brothers both attended RGC from 1907-1908.
However, there is no entry for CJK in the register.
1225 – Alexander J Ogilvie Kemp b. 22 6 1891
1256 – Edwin M Kemp b. 31 7 1896
Both were previously educated at Daniel Stewart’s College Edinburgh.
Their address in Belmont House, Aberdeen and this is the same address given in Ann
Park for CJK. Mother and father are listed as invalids.
In the Roll of Service in The Gordonian 1915, all three brothers are recorded:
Lieutenant AJOK in 4th Royal Scots
Lieutenant CJK in 5th Royal Scots - marked killed in action
Corporal EMK in 9th Royal Scots
KENNEDY, Robert
RGC: 1907 – 1908 [1257]
Rank: Private
Highlanders
Biography: born 21 January 1894,
son of Andrew Kennedy,
Stonecutter and his wife Jane; lived
at 430 George Street, Aberdeen;
entered RGC aged 13 years from
Central H.G. Public School. Died in
Belgium, aged 21.
Burial Details: Wytschaete Military Cemetery
II F 5
KERRIN, Francis
RGC: 1909 – 1916 [1881]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 16th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
Biography: Born 25 April 1897, son of Reverend
Daniel & Mrs Margaret Kerrin, of Aberchirder
Rectory, later 16 North Silver Street, Aberdeen.
Entered RGC from Aberchirder Public School. His
brothers also attended RGC: Daniel [1880], John
[1882] and Richard [1883]. He was killed in France
during the Battle of the Somme, aged 19.
Burial Details: Frankfurt Trench British Cemetery, Beaumont- Hamel
C 28
KIRKLAND Arthur G.
RGC: 1911 – 1913 [2411]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts
and Derby Regiment Formerly Aberdeen Royal
Engineers (Territorials)
Biography: Born 20 April 1897 in Aberdeen, son of
Job Kirkland, steam engine fitter, and his wife
Bathia, of 20 Hartington Road, Aberdeen. He
entered RGC from Ferryhill Public School. While at
the College he lived at 42 Union Grove, Aberdeen.
His younger brother Harry also attended RGC [2412]. He died in France, aged 21.
Bay 7
KNIGHT, Walter A. F.
RGC: 1914 – 1915 [3063]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/6th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal
Highlanders)
Biography: Born in Montrose on 26 April 1899,
eldest son of Walter A. Knight, surveyor, and his
wife, Alice B., of 504 Holburn Street, Aberdeen, later
115 Crown St. He entered RGC from Central H.G.
Public School; on leaving, he was apprenticed as a
Civil Engineer; enlisted in Gordon Highlanders on 6
August 1915 but was claimed the following day on account of his age; re-enlisted
in Royal Field Artillery the same month and was again claimed; joined Black
Watch on 29 May 1917 and served with Expeditionary Force in France and
Flanders from 31 March 1918; he died from wounds as a prisoner of war at
Friedrichsfeld, Germany on 24 June 1918, at the age of 19. He was unmarried
Burial Details: Cologne Southern Cemetery
XII G 24
LAING, Harry D.
RGC: 1888-1890 [no reg. number]
Rank: Captain
Biography: born 1877 in Inverurie, the 6th son of
Mary, widow of James Laing, Master Plumber, of
High Street, Inverurie. His younger brother Charles
also attended RGC 1895-97 [2389]. He was an
enthusiastic soldier and had been connected with
the Volunteer and Territorial Force for 22 years. He
was a partner in the well-known firm of Messrs.
James Laing & Sons, Plumbers, Inverurie. He was gazetted Captain in 1911 and
was in command of the Inverurie Company of the 6th Gordons when the War
broke out. As an officer, he was most efficient, and as a marksman, he had a wide
reputation, having carried off many prizes at the Aberdeen Wapischaw and
elsewhere. He was a man of sterling character, upright, honourable, fearless – a
man whose influence would have told more and more as the years passed. He
was killed at Neuve Chapelle.
Pan 39-41
LAING, Thomas Harry
RGC: 1913 - 1914 [2764]
Regiment: 55th Squadron, Royal Air Force
Biography: born 5 March 1898 in Inverurie, 2nd son
of Patrick Wood Minto Laing [Plumber] and his wife
Eleanor Warren, of 11 Station Rd, later 82 High
Street Inverurie. He entered RGC from Inverurie
Academy. He was the nephew of Harry Davidson
Laing, who also appears on the RGC Roll of Honour.
He was killed in action in France, aged 19.
Burial Details:
Arnaville Communal Cemetery Fr 1644 Grave on the west boundary.
LARG, Alexander
RGC: 1904-1907 [4964/381]
Rank: Cadet
Regiment: 28th Battalion, London Regiment
(Artists' Rifles)
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 21 April 89, son of
Peter Larg, music-seller; lived at 169 Bon
Accord Street and then at 37 Fonthill Terrace
Aberdeen; previously educated at Central and
Ferryhill Public Schools, he entered RGC in
1904 and held a bursary; after leaving school
he was for some time employed with Messrs.
Leslie & Co., Shipping Agents, Aberdeen. He matriculated in October 1912, gained
a high position in the Bursary Competition, and graduated M.A. from Aberdeen
University in 1915 with First Class Honours in modern languages. In November of
the same year he enlisted as a cadet in the Artists' Rifles but was discharged in
1917, having broken down under training, and took up teaching in modern
languages on 2 May 1918 at the City of London College. He died on 13 May 1918
from the effects of illness contracted on service. An indefatigable scholar,
Alexander Larg had acquired a wide range of knowledge of the literature and
languages of Europe and gave promise of a fruitful career. At the time of his
death he was preparing a thesis for the London M.A. He left a widow, Isa Beaton
Larg, of 6 Gloucester Crescent, St. Pancras, London.
Burial Details: Buried at Great Northern Cemetery, East Barnet, Herts, Section L,
Grave 930.
LAW, Thomas B.
RGC: 1882-1885
Rank: Surgeon
Regiment: H.M.S. Themistocles, Royal Naval
Troop Ships
Biography: Born Stonehaven, 12 April 1870,
son of Thomas B. Law, manager of a salmon
company, and his wife Jessie, of 20 Virginia
Street, Aberdeen; educated at Gordon's
College, Aberdeen; graduated M.B., from
Aberdeen University in 1892. He held various
posts as Assistant Medical Practitioner at Darwen, Al-sager and Treharris, then,
after a year in Turriff, he commenced practice in Macduff in 1898. Owing to illhealth Law had to take a voyage to the East in 1915, and on his return in May
1916 he joined the R.N.T.S., acting as Surgeon on troop ships conveying soldiers
to and from Australia and Canada. Whilst he was on a voyage to Canada on
H.M.S. "Themistocles", with invalided troops, a serious epidemic of influenza
broke out on board. Dr Law contracted the disease and was advised to give up his
work but he insisted, with typical devotion to duty, on carrying on, with the result
that on arriving at Quebec he had to be removed to hospital, where he died of
pneumonia.
Burial Details: Buried at Mount Hermon, Quebec, No. 10428, Section Z.
LEITH, James W.
RGC: 1905-1908 [391]
Rank: Lance Sergeant
Regiment: 7th Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron
Highlanders
Biography: Born 27 July 1893 in Aboyne, eldest son
of Robert Leith, draper, and his wife Jessie Hunter
Leith of 30 Abergeldie Terrace, Aberdeen, later 90
Irvine Place; he entered RGC from Broomhill Public
School. He died in France during the Battle of the
Somme, at the age of 23.
Pier & Face 15B
LESLIE, George A.
RGC: 1910-1912 [2143]
Rank: Lance- Corporal
Regiment: 1st/7th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: born 14 November 1897
in Marnoch, Banffshire, eldest son
of James Leslie, watchmaker, and
his wife Jean, of 64 Broomhill Road,
Aberdeen; he entered RGC from
Broomhill Public School. He died of
his wounds in Belgium, aged 20.
II A 14
LESLIE, William
RGC: 1892-1901 [1137]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 70th Company, Royal Garrison Artillery
Biography: He was the youngest son of Mr William
Leslie, shipbroker, herring exporter, insurance
broker and commission agent, of 25 Rubislaw
Terrace, Aberdeen and then Fairgirth, Milltimber; he
entered RGC aged 8, having been educated at home
by a governess, and held a bursary 1897-1898.
After leaving RGC, he entered the Army. He died of
his wounds in Aden, Yemen, aged 31.
Burial Details: Maala Cemetery Aden
.
Sp. Plot 1.7
LIVINGSTONE, David
RGC: 1903-1906 [4537/398]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Navy Reserve
Biography: born 26 May 1890, son of the late
Reverend John Livingstone, Minister of Gallowgate
United Free Church and his wife Helen, of 139
Blenheim Place, Aberdeen; entered RGC from MileEnd Public School. After leaving Gordon’s, he joined
the Mercantile Service, serving his apprenticeship
with Messrs P Henderson & Co, Glasgow, and
afterwards became Mate. In 1915, after passing his examination as Captain, he
was gazetted Lieutenant in the Royal Navy Reserve. Lt Livingstone had
considerable experience of Germany’s war methods at sea. While in the
Mercantile Marine Service, he also served on the “Yarrowdale”. He was later
captured and taken to Hamburg. He was serving on HMS drifter “Cosmos” when
he was killed aged 27 years of age.
Date of Death: 15 February, 1918
Burial Details: Portsmouth Naval Memorial
30
LOW, George
RGC: 1903 – 1910 [4538/400]
Biography: Born 20 January 1892 in Dyce, son
of William Low, baker, of Station Road, Dyce;
he came to RGC from Dyce Public School and
held a Foundation; he entered Aberdeen
University in 1910 as 11th Bursar; graduated
M.A. in 1914, with First Class Honours in
Classics, gaining the Dr. Black Prize in Latin. ''A
student of sterling capacity and character'' is
his Professor's testimony. At the outbreak of war he was a Sergeant in ''U''
Company, 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and did much valuable work at
Bedford as a musketry instructor. Crossing to France with the Battalion in March
1915, he was shortly afterwards promoted Company Sergeant Major. In August
1915 he received his commission and came home on short leave. He was recalled
to take part in the attack at Hooge, 25 September 1915, from which he did not
return. He was last seen surrounded by the enemy, but fighting with the utmost
determination. Few were more regretted, for his kindly good-nature commended
him to all.
Column 3.
LOW, John
.
Regiment: King’s Rifle Corps
Biography: born 1 November 1894, son of a farmer; lived at Balquindochy Farm,
Turriff; entered RGC from Turriff Higher Grade School; he joined 4th Gordon
Highlanders on 19 October 1914 and served with Expeditionary Force in France
and Flanders from Feb.1915; returned home and was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in
King’s Royal Rifle Corps on 30 August 1917. Killed in action at Circus Point, near
Ypres in 1918.
The Brigadier General wrote: “I had frequently noticed the splendid work he had
been doing. He seems to have been absolutely fearless and the reports sent in by
him were always accurate and reliable. He set a splendid example to his two men
and they would have followed him anywhere. His reputation here is one you may
be proud of. He will be greatly missed in his battalion and in the brigade.”
His commanding officer wrote: “My admiration for your boy was intense. I was
devoted to him and so were all those who had the privilege of knowing him well,
and it is with grief, only surpassed by your own, that I can tell you the story of
how he fell… His utter fearlessness, his great skill in scouting, his power with his
men, who almost worshipped him, were all enhanced and set off by his
gentleness”
He was mentioned in Dispatches by F.M. Sir Douglas Haig for gallant and
distinguished services in the field. He was unmarried.
Pan 115-9, 162& 163A
Follow link to read Colin Johnston’s article
http://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/assets/0004/0631/John_Low.pdf
LUNAN, James
RGC: 1902 – 1909 [403]
Biography: Born 27 August 1893 in
Aberdeen, the eldest son of William
S Lunan J. P., Agent of the North of
Scotland and Town and County
Bank, and his wife Margaret of Bank
House, Spring Garden, Aberdeen; he
entered RGC from Aberdeen
Grammar School and held a
Foundation; After leaving school he
became an agent of North of
Scotland and Town and County
Bank. A keen Territorial, he was
mobilized in August 1914 and had seen service for over two years – being
promoted Sergeant and then 2nd Lieutenant; he served with the Expeditionary
Force in France and Flanders from February 1915 and took part in the operations
at Hooge 25 September 1915. He became Signalling Sergeant, returned to
England and obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant on 2 December 1915. He
returned to France in January 1917, and died later that year at the age of 24. He
was greatly esteemed by his men and also by those with whom he worked in
civilian life.
Burial details: Poelcapelle British Cemetery
XL V E 12
LYON, Harry
RGC: 1906 – 1912 [981]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Aberdeen, 2 February
1893, the eldest son of Henry Lyon, Manager
at a Tallow Factory, and his wife Mary Ann, of
Blenheim Place, Aberdeen, later 44 Carlton
Place. He entered RGC from Central Public
School; he went on to Aberdeen University,
where he matriculated in 1912; he studied in
Arts for two years, with the intention of
proceeding to Medicine. He was a student of fine promise and also took a
prominent part in sports both at school and the University. In September 1914 he
enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders and went with the Battalion to France as a
member of the Machine Gun Section. He proved himself of much value, and
carried out all his duties quietly and efficiently, showing himself to be the true
sportsman, whose qualities could endure a sterner test than that of the playing
field. He was killed in action at Hooge, 16 June 1915.
Column 7.
McADAM, David Gray
RGC: 1904-07 (4807/495)
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 4th July 1891 in Aberdeen. The only
surviving son of David Gray McAdam of John
McAdam & Sons, Public Works Contractors, and his
wife Elizabeth, daughter of James Proctor of
Dufftown. Educated at Ashley Road School and
Gordon’s College. Subsequently assisted his father
in business. Enlisted in June 1915 and went to
th
France 29 July 1915, with a draft to reinforce his battalion. Took part in the
advance at Hooge and Loos on 25th September 1915 and died at Haluin two days
later, from wounds received in action in the third line of German trenches.
Unmarried.
Date of Death: 27th September 1915
Burial Details: C.8, Haluin Communal Cemetery
McBEATH William
RGC: 1907-1908 [1313]
Rank: Lieutenant – Corporal
Regiment: 6th Territorial Battalion, Seaforth
Highlanders
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 18 June, 1894, the eldest
son of William McBeath, of 42, Leicester Road, East
Finchley, and his wife, Jeannie, daughter of George
Silver, of Peterculter. Aberdeen; educated first at
RGC and then at Finchley County School; while at
RGC he lived at 7 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. After
leaving school he took a leading part in the Finchley Old Scholars’ Dramatic
Association, appearing in several of the association productions. He was an Artist
and Poster Designer; he joined the 6th Battalion of The Seaforth Highlanders on 7
September 1914 after the outbreak of war. He served with the Expeditionary
Force in France and Flanders from May 1915, taking part in the Battle of
Festubert, and other engagements, and was killed in action between Neuville St.
Vaast and Arras on 28 April 1916, by the explosion of a mine. Aged 21, he was
unmarried.
Burial Details: Marnoenil
McCOMBIE, John A.
RGC: 1905-1913 [497]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: Born Newhills, Aberdeenshire on
22 May 1895, the eldest son of John A.
McCombie, cycle mechanic, and his wife Jessie
of 35 Mount Street, Aberdeen; he entered
RGC from Rosemount Public School. He
matriculated in Medicine at Aberdeen
University in 1913. Whilst at Gordon's College
he joined "E" Company of the 4th Gordons,
was mobilized on the outbreak of war, went with his Company to Bedford (where
he was attached to Brigade H.Q.), and crossed with the 4th Battalion to France in
February 1915. His medical knowledge was used to advantage in his appointment
in May 1915 as medical orderly to the Battalion, a post after his own heart, and in
this position he attained the rank of Sergeant. Wholeheartedly devoted to his
duties, he gave of himself unsparingly and well, and won the appreciation of all
who knew him. On 25 July 1916, he died of wounds received in action at High
Wood. At School and College McCombie was deservedly popular, and from the
Front his Medical Officer wrote of him: "He was a most dependable boy, a
thorough gentleman, always kind, always calm, always brave—and willing."
Burial Details: Buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Méricourt-l'Abbé, Plot 2, Row C,
Grave 60.
McCONOCHIE, Donald J.R.
RGC: 1912 – 1914 [2646]
Rank: Signalman
Regiment: “C” Battery, 157th Brigade, Royal Field
Artillery
Biography: Born on 21 July 1897 in Oldmachar,
second son of Donald McConochie, Commercial
Traveller in stationery, and his wife Agnes, of 8
Orchard Street and later 10 Watson Street,
Aberdeen; he entered RGC from Old Aberdeen
Public School; joined up in the Territorial Force on 7
August 1914; he also served in the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field
Artillery. He was killed in action in France, during the Battle of the Somme, aged
19.
Burial Details: Dantzig Alley British Cemetery, Mametz
IX S 2
McGREGOR, Charles
RGC: 1883-1885 [350]
Rank: Company Q.M. Sergeant
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 28 June 1873, 2nd
son of John McGregor, printer; entered RGC,
aged 9, from Commerce Street Public School
where he was a pupil teacher; entered the
Church of Scotland Training College, 1892,
having gained the sixth place at the Queen's
Scholarship Examination. Concurrently with
attendance there, he took the Arts course at
Aberdeen University, graduating M.A., 1896, with First Class Honours in
Mathematics, and winning the Boxill Prize. Became Mathematical Master in
Airdrie Academy; joined the staff of his former Training College, 1897, working
there for 17 years; on the formation of the Training Centre in 1907, was
appointed principal Master of Method. He was an extremely capable and muchliked teacher. At the outbreak of war McGregor, although then over forty,
enlisted as a Private in the Gordon Highlanders. After training he left in July 1915
for the Western Front with the rank of Sergeant, and soon rose to be Company
Quartermaster-Sergeant. More than once he was pressed to take a commission
but he declined. Wounded on the last day of April he was taken to hospital in
Calais where he died, 14 May 1916. A posthumous work, based on the lectures
prepared for his classes, and issued for private circulation, is marked by close
study, clear thinking, and an attractive style of presentation, and is evidence that,
had he been spared, the author might have made fresh and valuable
contributions to current educational theory and practice.
Burial Details: Buried at Calais Southern Cemetery, Plot C, Row 4, Grave 10.
MacGREGOR, Duncan
RGC: 1912-1914 [2649]
Biography: Born on 13 October 1896 in Kincardine
O’Neil, 2nd son of Reverend Duncan McGregor, and
his wife Margaret Anne of The Manse, Inverallochy,
Fraserburgh; he entered RGC from Fraserburgh
Academy. After the death of her husband, Mrs
MacGregor moved to 3 Ogilvie Terrace, Edinburgh.
He was killed in Belgium, aged 18.
Burial Details: Ypres Menin Gate Memorial Panel 38
McHARDY, John
RGC: 1904-1905
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Inveramsay, 28 December
1886,
son
of
Alexander
McHardy,
stationmaster, Ellon; educated Aberlour Public
School and Robert Gordon's College; entered
Aberdeen University as 13th Bursar, 1905;
graduated with Honours in Classics 1909, and
thereafter joined the Staff of his old school as
teacher of Classics. He had been four years in
the University Company of the 4th Gordons, and on 27 April 1915 joined his old
Regiment as 2nd Lieutenant. From November 1915 till June 1917 his special
abilities as a teacher were utilized at the School of Musketry, Ripon. Afterwards
he served as Adjutant of the Reserve Battalion, 4th Gordons, till May 1918, when
he was posted to France. He had been there only thirteen weeks when he fell at
the head of his Company at Chaudon, 24 July 1918. McHardy was a strong
personality at the University, and an excellent soldier at the Front, popular with
both officers and men, holding to a high standard of efficiency, with this
compelling impulse that since he was a soldier he would be the real thing.
Burial Details: Buried at Buzancy Military Cemetery, Plot 3, Row D, Grave 6.
MACHRAY, William, D.C.M.
RGC: 1910-1912 [2158]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 12th Battalion, Royal Scots
Biography: born 7 April 1895 in Kintore,
eldest son of William Machray, farmer and
his wife Christina of Clyne, Newmachar. He
entered RGC from Dyce Higher Grade
School. He was killed in action in Belgium,
aged 22.
Honours: Distinguished Conduct Medal
XIV E 4
MACKAY, Keith
RGC: 1905-1912 [412]
Rank: Corporal
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 3 March 1895, the
son of George M. Mackay, schoolmaster;
entered RGC from Mile-End Public School and
held a bursary, having come 7th equal in the
examination; lived at 45 Bonnymuir Place,
Aberdeen; student in Arts and Medicine, at
Aberdeen University 1912-14; he gained an
M.A. in 1915 (posthumously conferred).
Mackay joined the Gordons while still a pupil at Gordon's College and belonged
to "U" Company in which he became a Corporal. He was mobilized at the
outbreak of war and went to France with the Battalion in March 1915, but was
only a few weeks out when he was wounded in the trenches near Kemmel. He
died in hospital at Bailleul from the effects of the wound on 28 April 1915. Keith
Mackay was one who took a foremost place among his contemporaries both in
work and in the social side of School and 'Varsity life, and he gave great promise
of success in his chosen profession of medicine.
Burial Details: Buried at Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 1, Row B,
Grave 23.
MACKENZIE, Alexander
RGC: 1904 – 1907 [517]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 16 February 1893,
son of John McKenzie, wine merchant, of
Abbeygreen, Aberdeen; he was educated at
Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen and
matriculated in Arts in 1910, intending to take
Honours in Mathematics and Natural
Philosophy at Aberdeen University; graduated
M.A., 1913, and abandoned the Honours
course in favour of Agriculture, graduating B.Sc. (Agr.) in 1914; studied Medicine,
graduating M.B. in 1918. He excelled as a tennis, cricket and football player. For a
few months he acted as an assistant in practice in Aberdeen and in August 1918
he joined the R.A.M.C. He was sent to Blackpool and about a month later was
drafted to Mesopotamia. He was in ill health and was invalided home in April
1919, and on 25 May, he died in hospital in Manchester. The characteristics of
McKenzie's work were neatness, orderliness and conscientiousness, there was no
limit to his patience and perseverance, and he had already gained the distinction
of having graduated in three faculties.
Burial Details: Buried at St. Peter's Cemetery, Aberdeen, SD, 11, 14
McKENZIE, Leslie
RGC: 1907-1911 [1318]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born 20 June 1893 in Coull, only
son of the Rev. Alexander McKenzie of The
Manse, Coull, Aboyne; educated at Robert
Gordon's College where he was Dux; he
entered Aberdeen University as bursar, 1911;
He graduated M.A. in 1915, winning the
Jenkyns Prize in Classical Philology in 1914; A
student of the highest promise, he was
prevented by the outbreak of war from finishing his Honours course in Classics,
but was granted the degree of M.A. in absentia. McKenzie was mobilized with
"U" Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders, and on 1 January 1915 was gazetted to
the 8th Black Watch, with whom he crossed to France in May. He was twice
severely wounded, but returned to the Front each time and served until
wounded at Arras so severely that he died at Camières on 2 April 1918. There was
nothing in "Homer" McKenzie that was not genuine, and everything he did he did
with both hands. He never shirked spade work, and his scholarship was all the
more brilliant for being sound. Ever unruffled in spirit by the heaviest defeat, he
must have deliberately "wangled" his third trip to France—otherwise the effects
of his wounds would have kept him at home. Still young in years, he died a man
who confirmed among men the promise of his youth.
Burial Details: Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Plot 28, Row G, Grave 6
MACKIE Albert George Rutherford
RGC: 1909 – 1913 [1906]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field
Artillery
Biography: Born at Fyvie on 18 July 1895, only son
of the late Adam Mackie, Managing Director of
Messrs J Mackie & Co., Wholesale and Retail
Merchants, of Lewes, Fyvie, and his wife, Catherine,
daughter of the late Alexander Rutherford, of
Inland Revenue, Oldmeldrum; he lived at Roseville, Fyvie and entered RGC from
Fyvie Public School. He was subsequently educated at Guy's Hospital, Edinburgh,
where he was a dental and medical student; he enlisted 21 Sept, 1916, served
with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from January and was killed
in action at Langemarck on 9 October 1917. Buried near Ruisseau Farm
Langemarck.
An Officer wrote: "Your son was popular with both his officers and the men
and I personally took a great interest in him on account of his close attention to
his duty and his quiet unassuming manners, which made him respected by all."
And another:
‘For three- months he was in the thick of a great battle and behaved like a hero
and you may well be proud of him. As Signalling Officer and as a brother
Scotsman, your son came under my notice a great deal and I always admired the
way in which he endured the inevitable hardships of being in the ranks; he was
always cheerful and his death was a great blow to me."
He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Ruisseau Farm, Langemarck
.
MACKIE, Arthur G.
RGC: 1903-1904 [4549]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 72nd Battalion (British Columbia
Regiment), Canadian Expeditionary Force
Biography: born on 18 May 1890, second son of
William Mackie, Steam Boat Goods Checker and his
wife Ann; lived at 6 Chapel Street, Aberdeen;
entered RGC from Marywell Street Public School,
aged 13.
MACKIE, John
RGC: 1899 – 1904 [3252]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: Australian Imperial Forces
Biography: Second son of Rev Charles and Elsie
Mackie, The Manse, Drumoak; entered RGC from
being educated at home. Sgt Mackie was on the staff
of the Colonial Paper Company in Sydney, Australia in
1915, when he enlisted. He saw service in Gallipoli,
where at the battle of Lone Pine, he was wounded.
He afterwards transferred to Egypt, and then in 1916
to France, where he was again wounded. He had been in the thick of the fighting
in April 1918 when he met his death, aged 30.
Burial Details: Meteren Military Cemetery
V F 734
MACKINNON, Francis James Ogilvie
RGC: 1885-1888 [1208]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 3rd Battalion, attached to 2nd battalion,
Gordon Highlanders
Biography: born 1871, son of Lachlan MacKinnon
Jr., Advocate & Margaret Blaikie MacKinnon, of 261
Union Street and then at Angusfield House, Queen's
Road, Aberdeen; younger brother of Arthur, also a
former pupil [No 1207]. Appears on the Aberdeen
City Roll of Honour; entered RGC from Collegiate;
Served in the South African Campaign as Captain in the 1st Volunteer Company of
the Gordon Highlanders where he was wounded 29 May 1900 at Doornkop. He
was killed in action at Festubert, aged 44.
Burial Details: Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy III T 25
Mentioned on family gravestone, Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen.
McLAGGAN, James M, M.C.
RGC: 1905 – 1909 [530]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Army
attached to Royal Fusiliers
Medical
Corps,
Biography: Born in Torphins, 19 July 1891, son
of James McLaggan, banker; educated at
Torphins and later at Robert Gordon's College;
proceeded to Aberdeen University 1908;
graduated M.B., 1913. He served as House
Physician at the Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen,
under Professor Ashley Mackintosh. Mobilized
at the outbreak of war, after a few months service at Netley Hospital, he was
attached to a Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers whose varying fortunes he shared
for almost four years in France, Egypt and Salonika, and finally France once more.
He was awarded the Military Cross at the Battle of Loos, in the dark and
strenuous days of 1915. On his return to France from the East, he was offered an
administrative appointment, but preferred to follow his old Battalion through the
final push. In the closing days of the war he met his death by a sniper's bullet,
when out tending a wounded man, 4 October 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Gouy, Plot 2, Row D., Grave 14
McLAREN, Ian Malcolm
RGC: 1893-1896 [1494]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/14th Battalion, London
Regiment (London Scottish)
Biography: born in 1883 in Banchory
Devenick, eldest son of Mitchell L S McLaren,
retired sugar merchant, and his wife Jane, of
Fernielee, Murtle and later Arden, West
Cults; prior to entering RGC, he was educated
by tutors at home. He was a partner in the
firm of Sheed & Co. Aberdeen and later became engaged in banking and fruit
farming in Los Angeles. He was an enthusiastic mountaineer and one of the
founders of the Scottish Ski Club. He enlisted in Fulham and was killed in action in
the field in France, aged 32.
Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial M. R. 21 Pier 09C & 13C
McMILLAN, John Stephen
RGC: 1903-1907 [[4547/536]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Scots Fusiliers (King’s African
Rifles)
Biography: Born 5 June 1890 in Aberdeen, 5th and
youngest son of a wine and spirit merchant and his
widow Elizabeth; he was awarded a bursary at RGC
for 1906-1907; lived at 47 Brighton Place, Aberdeen.
When his father died, his mother moved to 2a St
Swithin St. He was on the staff of the Canadian
Pacific Railway Company in London when he enlisted in October 1914. He served
in the Royal Scots Fusiliers and in 1917 received his commission, and was
attached to the King’s African Rifles. He died from sickness contracted while on
service, aged 27 years of age.
Burial Details: Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery
4C4
McPHERSON, William B. G.
RGC: 1916-1917 [3504]
Rank: Midshipman
Regiment: Royal Navy
Biography: born 29 October 1901, son of the
Schoolmaster at Port Erroll, Cruden Bay; entered RGC
from Port Erroll Public School; Born 29 October 1901,
son of the Schoolmaster at Port Erroll, Cruden Bay;
he lived at Fernlea, Cruden Bay; entered RGC from
Port Erroll Public School; He entered Class IIID and
was in lodgings at 8 Whitehall Place, Aberdeen. He
was awarded the Dux Medal at the end of that academic year, gaining first place
in English, Mathematics, French, Chemistry, Geometry and Handicraft. His
brother Allister B G McPherson who survived the war, [born 20 June 1900], was
also an FP.
Date of Death: 23 October, 1919 (Recorded as 23 October, 1917 in original RGC
Roll of Honour. Probably wrong date. Recorded as 1919 on Aberdeen City RoH)
Burial Details: unknown
No record found in Commonwealth War Graves, Lives of WW1 or Find my Past
No record found in Royal Navy casualties of WW1
MacQUEEN, John Ellison
RGC: 1886 -1888 [1205]
Rank: Lt Colonel
Biography: Born in Aberdeen in 1876, the
eldest son of the late John Otto MacQueen,
Lawyer, and his wife Mary Abercromby of of
Fae-Me-Well, Fintry. He was educated at
Robert Gordon’s College, Fettes College and
Aberdeen University, attending collegiate
schools prior to entering RGC; He served his
legal apprenticeship in his father’s office and after spending some time in
Edinburgh, returned to Aberdeen and joined his father’s firm as junior partner,
having been admitted as a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen in
1900. A keen and enthusiastic member of the old 1st VB, Gordon Highlanders, he
had attained the rank of major when he retired from the territorial Forces in
1910. He carried on a Cadet Corps for boys in Dyce. On the outbreak of war he at
once volunteered his services and was gazetted in October 1914 to the command
of the 2/4 Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. When Colonel Macqueen took
command, the battalion numbered some hundreds only, but by the time it
marched to the station en route for Bedford it was at full strength. The battalion
went through a course of training at Bedford, Hawick and Perth and the
command of the 1/6 Battalion was offered to Col. Macqueen. Though the
thought of leaving the battalion which he had raised and trained, and which it
was his ambition to lead into action, was one which caused him the greatest
regret, at the same time he felt it a great honour to be asked to command such a
regiment as the 6th and he crossed to France to take up his new command in July
1915. The battalion was engaged in the Battle of Loos, where its colonel fell at
the head of his men on 25th September 1915, aged 40.
From his schooldays onward Col. Macqueen was popular with his intimates, and
the cause of his popularity was not far to seek. It lay in his innate kindliness and
thoughtfulness for all with whom he came into contact. With John Ellison
MacQueen there was lost to many a one a good comrade and friend. He left a
widow Frances and young daughter.
Burial Details: Loos Memorial
Pan 115-119
McQUIBBAN, William
RGC: 1885 - 1890
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born in London, 23 October 1875,
son of James McQuiban; after his education at
Robert he graduated M.B. from Aberdeen
University in 1901. He was a House Surgeon,
at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Clinical Aural
Assistant at the London Hospital and practised
at Stoke Newington 1902-16. McQuiban was
commissioned in the R.A.M.C. in August 1916
and was attached to the 50th Indian General Hospital at Bombay for twelve
months. In November 1917 he went to Palestine and was stationed at an
advanced post doing such good work that his C.O. declared him to be the best
worker he had under him. He died from cardiac neuritis in a military hospital at
El-Arish on 2 May 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at Kantara War Memorial Cemetery, Plot E, Grave 266.
MAITLAND, Alexander McLean
RGC: 1903 – 1907 [4637/423]
Regiment: Royal Engineers [Highland Field
Company]
Biography: Born on 8 February 1889, fourth
son of Mr John Maitland and his wife
Margaret, East Balhagarty, Inverurie.
Entered RGC from Inverurie Public School;
brother of Robert Maitland also a
Gordonian, killed 29 August 1918; he
trained under Mr R Gordon Nicol, Harbour Engineer and was admitted a student
of the Institution of Civil Engineers in March 1911. He held an appointment in
the Engineering staff of the Caledonian Railway, Glasgow. Enlisted I H.L.I in
September 1914; given a commission and gazetted in France and Flanders from
February 1916. Lt. Maitland was of fine physique, being 6 feet 3 inches in height.
He took part in the Somme offensive and was killed in action at Highwood; he
was unmarried.
Date of Death: 16th August 1916
Burial Details: Norfolk Cemetery Becordel - Becourt
I D 108
MAITLAND, Robert
RGC: 1896-1898 [2479]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Biography: Born Chapel of Garioch, June 1883,
son of John Maitland, farmer, East Balhagarty,
Inverurie and his wife Margaret; brother of
Alexander MacLean Maitland, also a
Gordonian, who fell in August 1916; entered
RGC from Market Place Public School,
Inverurie; student in Agriculture at Aberdeen
University, 1899-1900. At the outbreak of war
he was farming in New Zealand, and in May 1916 joined the New Zealand Rifle
Brigade as a Private. He was drafted to England in December 1916, and the
following month was sent to France where he took his share in the dangers of the
campaign. He was killed in action at Bapaume on 29 August 1918. He was
unmarried.
Burial Details: Buried at Favreuil British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row D, Grave 11.
MARR, Alexander David
RGC: 1904-1910 [4824/427]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: born in Portlethen on 2 November
1892, son of Alexander, Railway Dyker and later
Inspector of Poor; lived at East Cookston;
entered RGC from Portlethen Public School;
joined Gordon Highlanders and was called up
on outbreak of war in August 1914; volunteered
for foreign service; went to France on 2 May
1915 and was killed in action at Authuille on 13
October 1915;
His commanding officer wrote;
“It is no empty phrase to say that he was a splendid man. None were better or
braver than he, none more popular, none more keen on duty or work and we have
lost in him an excellent soldier and a most lovable and respected personality. He
was loved and respected by all who knew him; a brave, upright lad, with fine
prospects.”
He had graduated M.A. from the University of Aberdeen and was continuing for
another session to study for the degree of B.SC; he was a strong mathematician
and intended to pursue a career in teaching. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Authuile Military Cemetery
B 48
MARR, Charles S.
RGC: 1903 -1905 [4553]
Rank: Private
Regiment:
50th
Expeditionary Force
Battalion,
Canadian
Biography: Born Cruden, 20 July 1887, son of
Charles Marr, blacksmith, of 21 Station Road,
Ellon; he entered RGC from Ellon Public
School; he matriculated at Aberdeen
University in 1905 and graduated M.A., 1910.
Thereafter he was engaged in teaching in
Newcastle-on-Tyne before emigrating to
Canada, and was teaching in Regina when war broke out. Marr immediately
enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and arrived in England in 1915.
Before being ordered to the Front he died suddenly at Bramshott Camp,
Hampshire, 3 March 1916. Though Marr's desire to reach the firing line was never
realized he belonged to the goodly company of those who had the "willing spirit".
Burial Details: Buried in Borden Military Cemetery, Hampshire, Presbyterian Plot,
Grave 5.
MARTIN, William Esson
RGC: 1913 – 1917 [2767]
Rank: Apprentice Midshipman
Regiment: Mercantile Marine, S.S. Otaki
Biography: Born on 11th April 1902, only
son of William Martin, farmer of Culter
Cullen, near Udny Station.
He left
Aberdeen in February 1917 to join the S.S.
Otaki as an apprentice Midshipman. The
ship was captained by another former pupil
Archibald Bisset Smith (SEE his record). Only
a week or so before, Martin had been
sitting on the bench of class IVD – a pupil
aged 14. On 10 March, the Otaki encountered the German raider the Moewe in
mid Atlantic. Although carrying only one gun, the Otaki showed fight and for two
and a half hours withstood a merciless battering from the raider, until she sank.
Six of the crew were killed in the action, including William Martin. He was
mentioned in despatches for his bravery in manning the gun.
He was the youngest Gordonian to be killed in the Great War. In 1918 his parents
donated money to fund the William Esson Martin prizes for English and Modern
Languages, which are awarded to this day. A plaque in his memory was erected
on the wall of Auchendoir Church. The moving letter to his girlfriend, which he
wrote just prior to his death, is displayed in a cabinet in the Auld Hoose.
He was an upright and honourable lad. A fellow pupil who knew him well wrote
in the Gordonian:
“His class fellows will never forget Martin’s kindly personality, his keen sense of
justice and honour, his love of the sea and his great anxiousness to be doing
something in his country’s time of stress”
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Burial Details: Lost at sea. Remembered at Tower Hill Memorial and Auchendoir
Church
MASON, John H.S.
RGC: 1901 – 1908 [3931/433]
Rank: Private
1891, son of John Mason, painter; he entered
RGC from Ashley Road Public School; he
enrolled at Aberdeen University in 1909 and
graduated M.A. (Hons. Eng.), 1913. In the
same year he secured an important literary
appointment in London. As an undergraduate
he took a leading part in the life of the
University, being editor of "Alma Mater" (1911-12), and later president of the
Literary Society. Mason was among the first volunteers for active service, and
was a Private in "D" Company, 4th Gordons. After training in England he crossed
to France with the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders in 1915, and was killed in action 25
September 1915, in one of those "breathless episodes" in the fierce fighting near
Loos. Jack Mason was a man with many accomplishments, of wide and varied
interests, and of cultivated and fastidious tastes. He possessed a freshness of
thought and a rare originality of mind, although a certain lighthearted
extravagance and exuberance of speech often concealed a coolness and
soundness of judgment and a strength of character which his seniors envied. But
he will be remembered by most for his charm of manner, his unfailing gift of
humour and his ready sympathy with all classes of men, which attracted and kept
together round him a wide circle of friends of the most divergent interests.
Column 8.
MATTHEW, William
RGC: 1901 – 1904 [3935]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: 51st Division, Signal
Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: born in Aberdeen on 30
August 1888, elder son of William
Matthew, Builder and his wife Mary, of
161 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen; he was
a clerk in the engineering department
of the Post Office at Inverness; he
joined the Royal Engineers in March
1911 and volunteered for foreign
service in August 1914; he served with the Expeditionary Force in France and
Flanders from 1 May 1915 and died, aged 28, in the isolation hospital at Étaples
from diphtheria and pneumonia contracted while on active service;
Capt. J Spence wrote:
“We shall miss him very much in the Signal Company, especially as he was one of
the original lot who came to France, and he was such a fine fellow both on and off
duty.”
He was unmarried.
XXII A 2
MATTHEWS, John A., M.M.
RGC: 1892-1894 [1415]
Rank: Corporal
Highlanders
Biography: Born 14 May 1880, eldest
son of Samuel and Grace Matthews of
Bandeen, Craigievar, Lumphanan. He
came to RGC from Leochil-Cushnie
Public School and subsequently
became a farmer. He joined Gordon
Territorials in 1907 and was called up
on 5 August 1914. He served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 1914 and died of wounds, a
POW, at Royal Fortress Hospital, Cologne. Awarded the Military Medal for
conspicuous gallantry in the field from 21-26 March 1918. He was unmarried.
Honours: Military Medal
VIII B 13
MEFF, William
RGC: 1909- 1911 [1911]
Regiment: Royal Flying Corps
Biography: born 21 February 1896, eldest son of
James Anderson Meff, Fish Salesman, and his wife
Mary of 48 Fonthill Road, Aberdeen; he entered RGC
from Ashley Road Public School.
Awards: Mentioned in Dispatches
Grave D.1597
MERSON, William M.S.
RGC: 1904 – 1910 [4828/444]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born 3 August 1892 in Aberdeen,
but spent most of his life in Banchory; Son of
Joseph Merson, solicitor of 10 Arbeadie
Terrace, Banchory; he entered RGC from
Banchory Central School; matriculated, 1910;
graduated from Aberdeen University M.A.,
1913 ; LL.B., 1914. A pre-war member of "U"
Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders, he went
with the Battalion to Bedford in August 1914, but before the end of the month he
had been commissioned in the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders. With them he
crossed to France in May 1915, where he served continuously until November
1916, when, early on the morning of the 51st Division's memorable exploit at
Beaumont-Hamel, he was killed in action, 13 November 1916. Several months
before his death, he had been promoted Captain, an advancement well merited
by his record of keen and conscientious service. Merson was never widely known,
but he took his share in all the activities of 'Varsity life, representing his year in
the S.R.C. and giving valuable help in the Societies and at social functions. Those
of his contemporaries who knew him cherish the memory of a loyal and kindly
personality, in which strength of character was combined with gaiety of
disposition.
Burial Details: Buried at Mailly-Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet, Plot 1, Row B,
Grave 24.
MIDDLETON, Robert H.
RGC: 1911 – 1912 [2519]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Liverpool, 5 December
1892, son of David Middleton, farmer of
Cockley, Maryculter; entered RGC from the
Liverpool Institute; matriculated in Arts at
Aberdeen University in 1912. At the University
he showed exceptional talent and ability as an
English scholar. To "Alma Mater" he was a
frequent contributor of prose and verse which
showed real gifts, wide reading and much originality. Enlisting in the University
Company of the 4th Gordons in 1913, Middleton trained with them at Bedford
and served with his unit in Flanders, till he was killed in action at Hooge, 1 June
1915. A University friend who was with him in the trenches wrote; "He was not
one of those who grow less lovable as they grow more intimately known,
because he had sympathy, taste and understanding." With his eyes open,
realizing all the sacrifice he might be called upon to make, he yet was "eager for
the glorious and glad adventure", and, following the path of duty, joined the
ranks of those "whose life was all tomorrow and they died to-day".
Column 8.
MILNE, Allan S.
RGC: 1892 – 1898 [1278]
Biography: Born in August 1879 in Aberdeen,
son of the late George Milne, solicitor and his
wife Isabella Ironside Milne of 32 Belvidere
Street, Aberdeen. Entered RGC from F.C.
Normal School; matriculated 1898; he was a
graduate in Arts and Law from Aberdeen
University: M.A., 1902 ; B.L. (Dist. Civil Law),
1905. He became a solicitor and served as
Chief Assistant in the firm of Messrs. Reid & Davidson, advocates in Aberdeen. He
was gradually taking a good place in his profession, and had a most genial and
likeable disposition. Milne joined the 4th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders in
1915 and was commissioned to the 5th Battalion in June 1915. After nine
months of home service he crossed to France in March 1916. During the next
nine months he saw much fighting, and was acting Captain in command of a
company when he was killed in action near Poperinghe, Flanders, 26 June 1917.
At the University Milne was an enthusiastic athlete, but when the war came he
turned his back on sport and went on the great adventure overseas, with the
same enthusiasm as we knew on the playing fields at King's. An enthusiastic
member of the Gordonian Association, he died at the age of 37.
Burial Details: Buried at Poperinghe New Military Cemetery, Plot 2, Row A, Grave
32.
MILNE, Frederick W.
RGC: 1911 – 1914 [2441]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 1 September 1896 in Fyvie,
son of George Milne, farmer of Andrewsford,
Oldmeldrum; entered RGC from Fyvie Higher
Grade School; student in Medicine at
Aberdeen University 1914-15. Milne joined the
4th Gordons as a Private in November 1914,
and went with them to France in the spring of
1915. After coming safely through the fighting
on that fatal 25 September, he fell in action at Hooge on 2 October 1915.
Column 8.
MILNE, James John Sinclair
RGC: 1910 – 1913 [2170]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders,
Biography: Born 26 August 1899, son of Alexander
Milne, grocer, and his wife Isabella of 40 Wallfield
Crescent, Aberdeen; he entered RGC from the
Demonstration School. He died in Belgium between
9th and 14th April, aged 19.
Burial Details: Ploegsteert Memorial, Addenda Panel
MILNE, John William Henderson
RGC: 1905- 1907 [464]
Rank: Private
Regiment: “C” Company, 22nd Battalion, Royal
Fusiliers,
Biography: born 28 November 1891 in De Doorns,
Cape Province, South Africa, son of Robert Milne,
Auctioneer and his wife Alice Bell Milne; while at
RGC he lived at 3 Sunnyside Road, Aberdeen, but his
parents later moved to 1, Clenoch St., Stranraer,
Wigtownshire; he entered RGC from Cape Colony,
South Africa. After leaving school he returned to Africa and came from Rhodesia
to enlist. He died in France aged 25.
Burial Details: Regina Trench Cemetery, Grandcourt
IV D 18
MINTY, George
RGC: 1897 -1899 [2891]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Longside, Aberdeenshire, 17
March 1880; second son of George Minty,
farm overseer and his wife Jane of Clackriach,
Old Deer; educated at New Maud and Old
Deer Schools and entered Gordon's College,
Aberdeen from Old Deer Public School in 1897,
having gained the Smith Bursary; student in
Arts at Aberdeen University, 1899-1903. From
1903-05 he taught in Cowdenbeath and Kelty and was then appointed to
Mortlach Higher Grade School as assistant master. He graduated M.A. in 1908
and became headmaster of Inverkeithny Public School in October 1909. Minty
was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 24
November 1914, and served as Musketry Instructor till he crossed to France in
March 1916. He was killed leading his Company to the attack at Cambrai on 23
November 1917. At the time of his death he held the rank of Captain. A man of
gigantic physical strength and rare kindliness of disposition, Minty was a wellknown figure at the 'Varsity. He played for the first Rugby XV and threw the
hammer in Inter-Varsity sports. A leader among men, he had a courage nothing
could quell — Minty always came up smiling. To the very last, when, though
wounded, he continued to command his Company, he was still the heroic and
undaunted figure which roused the admiration of his friends of College days.
Burial Details: Buried at the 51st Division Cemetery, Flesquières, Plot 1, Row B,
Grave 52
MITCHELL, Alexander
RGC: 1905 – 1911 [468]
Rank: Private
son of Gilbert Mitchell, retired Baker; entered
RGC from C of O Normal School; lived at 7
Westburn Drive, Aberdeen In 1911 he came up
to Aberdeen University, and was just finishing
his Arts course with a view to entering the
teaching profession, when war was declared.
He was one of those who responded early to
the appeal for men, and left for Bedford with the first draft of the 4th Gordons.
After a few months spent in training, he was sent out to France, and was soon in
action. It was whilst digging a communication trench near Kemmel that he was
hit by a stray bullet and received the wound which proved fatal. He died next day
- 28 April 1915 - in a Field Hospital. Mitchell proved himself at college, in the hard
monotonous work of the field, as well as in action, willing, modest and
courageous.
Burial Details: Buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery, Reninghelst, Plot 1, Row C,
Grave 8
MITCHELL, Andrew
Pte., Canadian Expeditionary Force, k. 1915
RGC:
Rank: Private
Regiment: Canadian Expeditionary Force
Biography:
Date of Death: 1915
Burial Details:
We cannot trace any soldier with this name fighting with Canadian Forces or
killed in 1915.
MITCHELL, George Bruce
RGC: 1910 – 1916 [2175]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 9 January 1898, fourth son of David
R Mitchell, Carting Contractor and his wife Jane,
both originally from Edinburgh, of 59 Irvine Place,
Aberdeen; he entered RGC from Ashley Road Public
School. Killed in Belgium, aged 19.
Burial Details: Leuze Communal Cemetery
II D 2
MITCHELL, Peter Harper, M.C.
RGC: 1908-1911 [1704]
Regiment: 1st/4th
Highlanders
Battalion,
Gordon
Biography: Born 19 January 1895, second
son of Robert Mitchell, grocer, and Mrs
Johanna Mitchell of 29 Albert Terrace,
Aberdeen. Younger brother of Robert T L
Mitchell, also educated at Gordon’s and
appearing on this Roll of Honour. Educated
at Ashley Road School and Robert Gordon’s
College. In 1914, while a naval
draughtsman with Messrs. Hall Russell & Co. Shipbuilders, Aberdeen, he enlisted
and was promoted 2nd Lieutenant in August 1916. He had been recently home in
Aberdeen on sick leave. He died of wounds received in France at the age of 22.
Burial Details: Mendinghem Military Cemetery
VII C 6
MITCHELL, Robert Thomas Lamont M.C.
RGC: 1906- 1908 [1009]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born 13 January 1893, eldest son of
Robert Mitchell, grocer, and Mrs Johan Mitchell of
29 Albert Terrace, Aberdeen. He entered Robert
Gordon’s College from Ashley Road School. Elder
brother of Peter H. Mitchell, who also attended RGC
and died in 1917. Husband of Helen Clark. He was
taken Prisoner of War in Belgium in October 1918
and died of his wounds at Louvain, aged 25.
Burial Details: Leuven Communal Cemetery, Near the N. West corner of the N.
East part.
MOIR, Charles Penny
RGC: 1898 – 1901 [2963]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 8th Battlion, Royal Fusiliers
Biography: Born in Alford on 10 September 1885,
son of Charles P Moir, Registrar, and his wife
Catherine of Fernbank, Alford; he attended
Burnett’s Civil Service classes in Aberdeen and was
employed on the staff of the Northern Assurance
Company; enlisted march 1916; served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 25
August that year; wounded on the Somme on 15 September 1916; returned to
France in March 1917 and was wounded on 21-23 April 1917 and invalided home;
returned to France on 24 October and died at No. 5 Casualty Clearing Station
from wounds received in action at Cambrai; he was unmarried.
Burial Details: Tincourt New British Cemetery
III B 1
MOIR, George Andrew Christie
RGC: 1901-1905 [3947]
Rank: Captain
Biography: born in Methlick on 17 December 1887, only
son of George Moir, retired clothier, and his wife Mary of
Glencairn, Methlick; entered RGC from Methlick Public
School; after leaving school he became an architect with
Arthur Chyne, Aberdeen, and after some experience in
London, started work at Methlick where he was involved in superintending a
large addition to the Higher Grade Public School; he was a teacher in the local
Sunday school and Lieutenant of the Boys’ Brigade. He also founded a gymnastic
club. He joined the local Territorials, 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, as 2nd
Lieutenant in April 1913, winning the Recruits’ Cup for shooting; he was
mobilised with his battalion at the outbreak of war and initially stationed at
Peterhead before moving down to Bedford for training; he was promoted
Lieutenant in November 1914 and Captain in August 1916; he landed at Boulogne
on 3rd May 1915 and served with the Expeditionary Force in France. He had a
lengthy spell of sick leave in the UK between July and December 1916 due to
trench fever. He was killed near Arras when a German shell hit the hut where he
and several other officers were sitting, including W B Anderson, another former
Gordonian. He was 29.
His Chaplain wrote:
“I saw him immediately after, and I can assure you he did not suffer, probably he
did not hear the shell coming…. We all liked him very much and will greatly miss
him.”
His Commanding Officer wrote:
“His loss will be greatly felt in the battalion, where he was deservedly popular and
his company will particularly miss his leadership at this juncture very much
indeed. Please accept my sincere sympathy, in which I am joined by the whole
battalion, officers, NCOs and men”
He married Mary Lumsden at Aberdeen on 19 April 1915 and they had a son,
George, born 25 March 1917.
Burial Details: Maroeuil Cemetery
IV. D. 5.
MORRIS, Alfred George
RGC: 1904 – 1910 [4837/476]
Biography: Born Wood Green, Essex 17
December 1894, the son of William F. Morris,
Forest Road, Aberdeen; entered RGC from
Langford House School; brother of Claude,
[born 24 June 1892], also a Gordonian;
Intending to go in for farming, immediately
after leaving school he went to Canada, and
was for some time on farms in Ontario and
Manitoba. Coming home for the winter he attended agricultural classes at
Aberdeen University during the session 1911-12. To get commercial experience
he joined the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and was in their Elgin Branch,
Manitoba when war broke out. He immediately volunteered for a Canadian
Cavalry Corps, but as this corps was not included in the first Canadian
Expeditionary Force he came to this country and enlisted, March 1915, in the
Scottish Horse, becoming Corporal in a very short time. In August 1915 he was
granted a commission in the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders and went to
France on New Year's Day, 1916. He was fatally wounded in action near Arras and
died the following day, 10 June 1916. Of a cheery disposition he made many
friends both at home and in Canada, who greatly regretted to hear of his
untimely death.
Burial Details: Buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 5, Row A,
Grave 10.
MUNRO, Andrew D.
RGC: 1910-1912 [2180]
Rank: Signaller
Biography: Born 7th March 1896, the eldest son of
Andrew Munro, commercial traveller, and his wife
Elizabeth, of 37 Forest Avenue, later 56 Forbesfield
Road, Aberdeen.
An enthusiastic volunteer,
Andrew was mobilised in August 1914, and, after 19
months’ service in France, had just been
recommended for a commission when the end
came. He died in action in Flanders aged 21.
Bay 8 & 9
MURRAY, Herbert, M.C.
RGC: 1895-1904 [1895 – 1904]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Newhills, Aberdeenshire, 11
December 1885, Son of Peter Murray, builder;
educated at Robert Gordon's College. He
played rugby in 1st XV and was described as
the most unorthodox full-back who had ever
played the game. He played for Aberdeen F.C.
and Clyde F.C. He graduated M.A. from
Aberdeen University in 1908, and joined the
teaching staff of Gordon's College as a teacher of mathematics. Early in 1915 he
enlisted in the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and after a short training was
sent out to France. From April to June the Battalion was constantly in action, and
he was severely wounded and sent to hospital in England. In August of the same
year he received his commission, and spent about eight months as musketry
instructor at home. In April 1917 he was again at the Front. For his brilliant and
courageous action during the terrible days of March 1918, he was awarded the
Military Cross; and from then till 20 July 1918, when he fell at the Bois de Courton
north of Epernay, he took part in all the fighting where his Battalion had so
foremost a place. The same strong and lovable personality, that won him
friendship and affection all through life, stood the hard test of the battle front,
and the deeper qualities of unselfish purpose, idealism and devotion, helped him
to meet with courage the greatest test of all.
Burial Details: Buried at Marfaux British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row B, Grave 7.
MURRAY, James S.
RGC: 1910 – 1912 [2183]
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: 51st (Highland Divisional) Signal
Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: Born Smyrna, in Turkey 3 January
1895, the son of Rev. James Murray, D.D.,
minister and missionary. He entered RGC from
Scotch Mission School, Smyrna; brother of
Robert C Murray [born 18 October 1896], also
a Gordonian; went up to Aberdeen University
in 1912, and was a student in Arts, 1912-14.
Whilst at Gordon's College Murray joined "E" Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders,
and was mobilized August 1914. During his training at Bedford he proved himself
so efficient in signalling that he was transferred to the 51st (Highland Divisional)
Signal Company, R.E. In April 1915 he went with his Company to France, and a
few weeks later, on 27 May 1915, he died of wounds received in action at Vieille
Chappelle. Testimony to his work was borne by the words of his C.O., who wrote;
"One of the finest young soldiers I ever met, always ready and willing to do his
work any time, and when we were very busy quite pleased to work his twelve
hours without grumbling".
Burial Details: Buried at Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, Plot 17, Row
E, Grave 13.
MURRAY, John Greenleaf Whittier
RGC: 1907 – 1910 [1306]
Rank: Private
Regiment: “C” Company, 4th Battalion,
Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born on 1 October 1894 in
Aberdeen, second son of John Murray,
stationer, and his wife Barbara, of 8
Thomson Street, Aberdeen. He entered
RGC from Mile End School. He died in Belgium at the age of 19.
Panel 38
MURRAY, Murdo M.
RGC: 1902 – 1905 [4367]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders
(Lochiel's)
Biography: Born Rogart, Sutherland, 26 May
1886, third son of Donald Murray, Mason, of
Culdrain, Sutherland, and his wife Jessie. He
entered RGC from Rogart Public School, aged
17; lived c/o 44 Thomson Street, Aberdeen;
matriculated Aberdeen University 1905 and
graduated M.A., 1908; he subsequently
obtained a good appointment as Assistant Teacher at Leith. In pre-war days he
was a noted athlete, and a well-known figure and competitor at all the Highland
gatherings. When the war broke out Murray was one of those who early
answered the call of their country. On 5 September 1914 he joined the 5th
Cameron Highlanders (Lochiel's Camerons), and after training in England he went
with the regiment to France. He and his brother went "over the top" on that
terrible day at the battle of Loos, 25 September 1915; he was posted as "missing"
and later on as "presumed killed".
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Loos Memorial, Panel 123, Column 1
MURRAY, Robert William Skinner
RGC: 1899 – 1904 [3251]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps (Later
Royal Air Force)
Biography: Born at Woodside, Aberdeen 23
May 1886, second son of John Murray J.P.,
grocer and draper, and his wife Elizabeth of
Murray’s Buildings, Kincardine O’Neil; he
entered RGC from Kincardine O'Neil Public
School; graduated M.B. from Aberdeen
University in 1912 ; D.P.H., 1913. Murray
joined the R.A.M.C. in October 1914, was sent to Millbank for a special course in
sanitation, and then to Llandudno as a lecturer to troops. In May 1915 he went to
France, was wounded soon after Loos and returned home, leaving again for Egypt
in May 1916. He served in Egypt and Palestine with the R.A.M.C. and after the
Armistice was transferred into the Air Force, attending No. 5 Fighting School. He
died of bronchial pneumonia whilst on service in Cairo, 6 May 1919, aged 32.
Burial Details: Buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery, Plot P, Grave 21.
PARK, John Alexander
RGC: 1900 – 1903 [3766]
Regiment: 1st/4th (Territorial) Battalion,
Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born Aberdeen 1 August
1889, son of James Park, builder and
carpenter, and his wife Isabella of 42
Duthie Place, Aberdeen; he entered RGC
from Broomhill Public School; after
leaving school he became a builder; he
enlisted 17 Oct. 1915, served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and
Flanders from 1 July, 1916, and was killed in action at the Battle of Arras 23 April,
1917 at the age of 27. He was buried in Brown's Copse British Cemetery, three
and a quarter miles west of Arras. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Brown's Copse British Cemetery, II G 3
PATERSON, John McLellan Stewart
RGC: 1907 – 1909 [1323]
Rank: Private
Regiment: “D” Company, 4th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: born 13 December 1890 in
Aberdeenshire, son of Rev. Robert Paterson, Minister
of Savoch United Free Manse, Auchnagatt. His
parents later moved to "Thornwood," Lenzie Rd.,
Stepps, Glasgow. He entered RGC from Ellon Public
School. He was killed in action in Belgium, aged 24
Burial Details: Wytschaete Military Cemetery
Sp. Mem. B 5
PETER, Alister Gordon M.C.
RGC: 1893 – 1895 [1472]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: R.A.M.C, attached to The Seaforth
Highlanders.
Biography: born 8 Sept. 1876 at Kilmorack,
Inverness-shire, the 4th and youngest son of
John Peter, factor for Lord Lovat, and his wife
Margaret of Croyard House, Beauly,
Inverness-shire; educated at Gordon's
College, Aberdeen, and Aberdeen University;
he took degrees of M.A., M.B.,CM. Aberdeen,
M.R.C.S. Eng., L.R.C.P. London and D.P.H. Cambridge; after the outbreak of the
war he resigned a medical appointment in West Africa and joined the R.A.M.C. he
was gazetted Captain in December 1916; served with the Expeditionary Force in
France and Flanders for 18 months and died 5 July, 1917, aged 40, from a shell
wound received in action in Flanders on that day. Buried in the British Military
Cemetery, Elverdinghe. His Commanding Officer wrote : "He was a fearless
officer, and most unselfishly devoted to the work of his profession. He was
beloved by all, and we shall miss him deeply.” He was awarded the Military Cross
for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He tended and dressed the
wounded under heavy fire, displaying great courage and determination
throughout. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Canada Farm Cemetery, Elverdinghe, I A 13
PHILIP, John Forbes
RGC: 1904 – 1905 [4848]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Naval Reserve [HMS Candytuft]
Biography: born 19 April 1890 in Forgue, son of
Adam Philip, forester, and Margaret Forbes Philip,
Frendraught, Forgue, later of Inveraven, Huntly; at
the death of father, his mother moved to 538
Holburn St; he arrived at RGC from Broomhill Public
School. He commenced his seafaring career on the
Inver Line of Aberdeen and subsequently served with the Anchor Line and the
New Zealand S.S. Company. He was the youngest and one of the last sea captains
to pass through the Navigation School in Aberdeen, conducted by Mr Brown.
Commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant in 1915, John was engaged in many seas from
the Equator to the Arctic Circle. He was early promoted to the rank of Acting
Lieutenant and then to that of Lieutenant. In the spring of 1917 he volunteered
for dangerous and special duties, in the course of which he met his death. John
was Chief Officer on the John Hardie, the first of the Belgian food relief ships. The
cargo was provided entirely by the citizens of Baltimore, who turned out en
masse to see the vessel sail, after she had been consecrated by the Bishop of
Baltimore. He was killed in action with a submarine in the Mediterranean.
Burial Details: Plymouth Naval Memorial
23
PILKINGTON, Stanley H.
RGC: 1899 – 1905 [3494]
Regiment: 2nd Squadron, Australian Flying Corps
Biography: Grandson of the late Mr Francis Cooper,
City Tax Office and son of Edmund and Jane
Pilkington, of Auckland, New Zealand. Entered RGC
from Broomhill Public School, aged 9; brother of
Francis, also a Gordonian [3170]; lived at 46 Irvine
Place and later at 274 Union Grove, Aberdeen. He
had been in New Zealand for six years prior to the
outbreak of the War. He was killed in an aeroplane accident.
Burial Details: Brookwood Military Cemetery
XI D 20
PROCTOR, George Lawson
RGC: 1908 – 1910 [1709]
Rank: Trooper
Regiment: Canadian Forces: Fort Garry Horse
Biography: Born 4 October 1895, second son of
George Proctor, Secretary at a Granite Quarry, and
his wife & Wilhelmina, of 8 Angusfield Avenue,
Aberdeen; he entered RGC from Ashley Road Public
School. He died of sickness, aged 25.
Burial Details: Toronto (Prospect) Cemetery
Section 7 Grave
1001
PROCTOR, John
RGC: 1901 – 1905 [3963]
Rank: Major
Regiment: 9th Cavalry Field Ambulance, Royal
Army Medical Corps, attached to 1st Cavalry
Division
Biography: Born Fochabers, 8 January 1888,
son of William Proctor, hotel-keeper, of the
Invercauld Arms, Ballater; he entered RGC
from Ballater school; enrolled at the University
of Aberdeen and graduated M.A. in 1909; M.B.
in 1913, passing his third and final professional
examinations with distinction. In 1913 he held one of the House appointments at
the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and later spent a few months as House Surgeon at
the Aberdeen Sick Children's Hospital. On the outbreak of war, Proctor was
commissioned in the R.A.M.C., and was on duty at the Royal Victoria Hospital,
London, until he proceeded overseas with the 1st Cavalry Division in October
1914. He served with them continuously till he met his death by a bomb on 12
August 1918 at the Battle of Amiens, whilst in command of the 9th Cavalry Field
Ambulance. In March 1918, he was mentioned in dispatches for his courage and
devotion to duty during the retreat of the 5th Army. By his death the younger
generation of the medical profession has lost one of its most promising members.
In all his work he was brilliant, conscientious and painstaking, being destined to
reach a high place in his profession.
Award: Mentioned in Dispatches
Burial Details: Buried at Raperie British Cemetery, Villemontiore, Plot 1A, Row B,
Grave 2.
RAMSAY, Lewis N.G.
RGC: 1906 – 1907 [1046]
Regiment: 3rd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
son of Sir W. M. Ramsay, LL.D., D.C.L., D.D.,
Emeritus Professor of Humanity in the
University of Aberdeen; entered RGC from
Merchiston School, Edinburgh; lived at 11
College Bounds, Aberdeen; studied at the
University of Aberdeen and Christ's College,
Cambridge. He graduated M.A., 1911 ; B.Sc.,
1912, with special distinction in Botany, and showed great promise as a
naturalist, especially in the field of ornithology. His observing powers were very
remarkable. As a Beit Fellow he worked for some time in the Imperial College of
Science, London, and he also acted for a year with marked efficiency as Second
Assistant in the Natural History Department, University of Aberdeen. There can
be no doubt that he would have made his mark in science. At the University,
Ramsay was known outside the classroom as a keen sportsman. In hockey,
running and swimming, he excelled, and he was an enthusiastic member of "U"
Company, and of the O.T.C. at Cambridge. In August 1914, he joined the 4th
Gordons as a private and was commissioned in November, accepting exchange to
the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion. A week later he was ordered to join the 2nd
Battalion in France where he served during the winter of 1914-15. He came safely
through the battle of Neuve Chapelle in March, but a few days later was shot by a
sniper while repairing a trench on ground taken from the enemy on 21 March
1915.
Burial Details: Buried at Estaires Communal Cemetery, Plot 2, Row H, Grave 6.
REID, Edwin J.
RGC: 1902-1906 [4352/589]
Regiment: 10th Battalion, Liverpool Scottish
Biography: Born 21 November, 1890, son of
William Reid, Customs Officer and his wife May
who lived at 102 Broomhill Road and later at 72
Gladstone Place, Aberdeen; he entered RGC from
Ashley Road Public School, and received a bursary
in Open Competition. His parents later moved to 4
Argyle Street, Dundee. He came third in the open
competitions for the Civil Service at Glasgow and later at Liverpool. He held a
position at Liverpool Post Office. He was a nephew of Lord Provost Taggart. He
died in France of wounds inflicted in the Battle of the Somme, aged 26.
Burial Details: Corbie Communal Cemetery
2 A 88
REID, Hugh
RGC: 1910 – 1914 [2196]
Regiment: 3rd Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born 17 February 1897, son
of Hugh Reid, Tailor’s Cutter, and his wife
Bella of 92 Mile End Avenue, Aberdeen;
He entered RGC from Mile End Public
School. He was killed in France, aged 21.
Burial Details: Marfaux British Cemetery II H 4
REID, John
RGC: 1907 – 1910 [1393]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: Born 12 January 1894, son of a John
Reid, Licensed Valuator, and his wife Mary; lived at
Donbank, Alford, later Monaltrie, Alford; entered
RGC from Tullynessle and Forbes School. He was
killed in France aged 21.
Pan 39-41
REID, William
RGC: 1884 - 1886
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 11th Divison, Army Service Corps
Biography: born in Aberdeen on 15 August
1875, son of William, a carpenter and his
wife Helen; lived at 82 Menzies Road, Torry;
entered RGC from Cults Public School; after
school worked as a carpenter; joined Royal
Field Artillery T of E 17 October 1898;
enlisted in the A.S.C. in London on 14
August 1914 and served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders
from 5 November 1914; died at No. 48 Casualty Clearing Station on 27 May 1918
of wounds received at Ventelay;
Lieutenant Colonel C Hull, commanding officer, wrote:
“He was a general favourite with all ranks and would have distinguished himself
in any company.”
Major Groves wrote:
“I never had a man work for me or under me for whom I had a greater respect
and liking; this is also the feeling of all his comrades from the Colonel down.”
He married Elizabeth Goodbrand in London.
Burial Details: Montigny-sur-Vesle French Cemetery
REID, William M.
RGC: 1904 – 1906 [4855/595]
Rank: Private
Regiment:
Scottish
2nd
Battalion,
South
African
Biography: born 4 October 1888, son of
George Reid, Farmer, of Rothills, Duffus, Elgin;
he came to RGC from Duffus School, by Elgin.
He entered Aberdeen University in 1906,
graduating M.A., 1909. After having taught at
Tomintoul Public School and Rothesay
Academy, he received in 1912 an appointment
to the Boys' College, Dundee, South Africa. Reid volunteered for Imperial Service
and joined the South African Infantry in August 1914, serving through the West
African Campaign under General Botha. He volunteered for further service in
France and came to England with his regiment in April 1916. He served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from December 1916 onwards, and
died at Frevent, 3 January 1917, from wounds received in action. "Scrupulous
fidelity" had characterized him as a lad and as the years went on that same
fidelity to his ideals made him give up his profession and cross the seas to fight
for King and Country. He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Buried at St. Hilaire Cemetery, Frévent, Plot 1, Row G, Grave 5.
RIDDELL, Alexander Craigmyle
RGC: 1904 – 1907 [4944/598]
Biography: Born 27 March 1893; he was the
second son of Harriet Riddell, widow of
Alexander C Riddell, provision merchant. She
was a school board teacher; the family lived at
Kirktown Schoolhouse, Auchterless, then
Westhill Schoolhouse, Skene; Alexander
entered RGC from Auchterless Public School.
He died in France, aged 22.
Burial Details: Loos Memorial
Pan 115-119
ROBERTSON, James M
RGC: 1893 – 1898 [1650]
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Regiment: 2/1st Highland Field Ambulance,
Royal Army Medical Corps
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 16 October 1880,
son of John Robertson, Cooper, of 29 Hamilton
Place; entered RGC from Rosemount Public
School; graduated M.B. from the University of
Aberdeen in 1904, M.D., 1908, and Ch.M.
(Hons.), 1909. He studied in Dublin and Berlin
and acted as Clinical Assistant, Samaritan Free
Hospital, London, winning high recommendation from such eminent authorities
as Bumin and Nagel of Berlin, and McCann of the Samaritan Hospital. He was
persuaded to take a trip to South America for the sake of his health. An
appointment as Medical Officer to the Dooars, India, gave him valuable
experience, and further increased his reputation by the efficiency with which he
dealt with an extensive outbreak of cholera. On his return to Aberdeen, he set up
in private practice in Albyn Place, and was also appointed Senior Assistant
Anaesthetist at the Royal Infirmary. From his student days, Dr Robertson was an
enthusiastic member of the R.A.M.C. At the University he joined the Volunteer
Corps of that branch of the service and transferred to the Territorial Force on its
inauguration. It was as a captain in the R.A.M.C. that he was called up at the
outbreak of the war, attached to the 2/1st Highland Field Ambulance. In May
1915, he went to France where he rose rapidly in rank, commanded the
Ambulance, and was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's Dispatch of Christmas 1917.
He died in action near Bapaume on 21 March 1918. Gifted with a high
intelligence, accompanied by unquenchable enthusiasm and imagination, Dr
Robertson would have justified the expectations of those who hoped great things
of his future career. He died aged 37, leaving a widow Elizabeth J. Catto
Robertson, of 95 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen
Burial Details: Buried at Bancourt British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row F, Grave 11.
ROBERTSON, Norman J
RGC: 1905 – 1909 [4983/622]
Rank: Corporal
Biography: Born Lower Cabrach, Banffshire on
5 October 1888, the son of Thomas Robertson,
M.A., schoolmaster; he was educated at
Gordon's College, Aberdeen; graduated M. A.
from the University of Aberdeen in 1914;
trained for teaching at Aberdeen Provincial
Training Centre. As soon as he had finished his
training as a teacher, Robertson enlisted as a
Private in the 4th Gordons in December 1914, and served in home camps until
January 1916 when he was sent abroad with the rank of Corporal. He saw active
service in France and Belgium for five months, then was severely wounded while
fixing wire entanglements, and died the next day, 30 May 1916, in a Casualty
Clearing Station at Aubigny. His Commanding Officer wrote of Robertson: "He
was one of the best N.C.O.'s in the Company, and was marked out for speedy
promotion, and his loss is greatly felt by us all. He was popular with officers and
men, and did his duty on all occasions without regard to his personal safety."
Burial Details: Buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 1, Row C,
Grave 47.
ROBERTSON, William John
RGC: 1902 – 1908 [4256/626]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 1st/9th Battalion, Royal Scots
Biography: Born 18 February 1892, son of Major
William Robertson V.C., Quartermaster at
Castlehill; lived at 410 King Street, Aberdeen; he
was a relation of Field Marshal Sir Donald Stewart.
He entered RGC, aged 10 from Ashley Road School.
XX A 7
Records do not tally. RGC original Roll of Honour states that this FP died on 19 th
Nov. 1916. However, the W. J. Robertson in the Royal Scots who died on that
date was aged 41, from Edinburgh, whereas this former pupil can only have been
in his 20s.
ROSE, John A
RGC: 1902-1903 [4257]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 4th Battalion,
Gordon Highlanders
Biography: born 14
October 1887, son of
Andrew Rose, Bank Agent
of Ballindalloch, Glenlivet;
entered RGC from Glenlivet
Public School; lived at 10
Margaret Street, Aberdeen
while attending RGC;
married to Jeannie Hendry
of 15 Rubislaw Terrace,
Aberdeen. Died in
Belgium, aged 28.
Pan 38
ROSS, Alastair
RGC: 1901 – 1905 [3982]
Biography: Born 1 July 1888, son of Robert R Ross,
Seed and Implement Merchant; lived at 389
Holburn Street, Aberdeen; entered RGC from
Ashley Road Public School; brother of George J
Ross, [632] also killed in action; Lt. Ross served his
apprenticeship with Messrs. Abernethy & Co,
Aberdeen, and afterwards held positions in
Honolulu, Manilla and Cuba, rising to position of chief engineer on a large sugar
estate. Lt. Ross was 27 years of age. He was killed at Catterick, Yorkshire, as the
result of an aeroplane accident.
Grave R.49
ROSS, David McD.
RGC: 1885 – 1889 [229]
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Regiment: Royal Navy Reserve
Biography: Son of a Shipmaster; lived at Bloomfield,
Aberdeen and 7 Roseacre Street, Portsoy; entered
RGC from Ruthrieston Public School; appointed to
HMAS Penguin as Lieutenant Commander on 25
August 1914.
Burial Details: Gore Hill Cemetery, Australia
Cong G 89 GRM2
ROSS, George James
RGC: 1905 – 1909 [631]
Regiment: 7th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 27 March 1892,
youngest son of Robert R. Ross, Seed and
Implement Merchant; ; entered RGC from
Ashley Road Public School; lived at 389
Holburn Street, Aberdeen; brother of Alastair
Ross, [3982], also killed in the war;
matriculated at the University of Aberdeen in
1909. After spending a Session in the
Agricultural Department, he obtained an appointment on a rubber plantation in
Ceylon, and six months later went to the Malay States. On the outbreak of war,
he was in the Federated Malay States Volunteer Rifles and served with them till
his return home in January 1916, when he joined the 4th Gordons. After a few
months service at home, he proceeded to France. In June 1917, he obtained a
commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers, and served with them till he was killed in
a bombing accident near Arras on 30 January 1918. He was 25.
Burial Details: Buried at Wanquetin Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 1, Row
C, Grave 15
RUDDIMAN, William
RGC: 1887 – 1893 [42]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 3rd battalion, Royal Scots
Biography: Son of a book-keeper, Thomas
Ruddiman, and his wife Julia, he lived at 16
Braemar Place, Aberdeen; he entered RGC from
Rosemount Public School aged 14; he was
employed at the Commercial Bank of Scotland
and at outbreak of war, held an important
appointment with the Yokohama Specie Bank,
London; promoted Sergeant and in May 1916, 2nd
Lieutenant; served during Boer War with the
Imperial Infantry. He was married to E. M.
Ruddiman, of "Springcroft", Dollis Park, Church End, Finchley, London. He died in France,
aged 39.
Date of Death: 3 December, 1916
Burial Details: Serre Road Cemetery No 1
I D 20
RUSSELL, Robert F.
RGC: 1893 – 1900 [1499]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: No. 10 General Hospital, Rouen,
Royal Army Medical Corps
Biography: born Newhills, Aberdeenshire, 5
January 1884; son of Rev. James Alexander
Russell, minister, U.F. Church, Durris; educated
privately before entering RGC where he held a
bursary; brother of Alexander Russell [pupil
no. 1498]; lived at 3 Elmbank Place, Aberdeen;
graduated M.B. from Aberdeen University in
1905, having passed his Professional Examination in Anatomy with Distinction. He
was in practice for some time in Shetland, later Methlick, then went to Jamaica
where he held a Government appointment. On the outbreak of war Russell
returned to this country, was commissioned in the R.A.M.C., and for some
months served as Medical Officer to the Connaught Hospital, Aldershot. As
Regimental Doctor, 11th Service Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, he went
through the heavy fighting at Contalmaison and Thiepval and latterly served in
No. 10 General Hospital, Rouen. He died while on service, 22 April 1917.
Burial Details: Buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Plot 13, Row 7, Grave 19.
RUXTON, Thomas
RGC: 1910-1916 [2209]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 13 June 1899, son of William
Ruxton, Cashier (Law) and his wife Jean H Bremner
Ruxton, of 36 Duthie Terrace later 41 Victoria
Street, Aberdeen; entered RGC from Mile End
Public School in August 1910 on a 5 year RGC
bursary; received SEB bursary to enable him to
stay on until 6th Year. Left May 1916. He served in
the Cyclist Corps of the Gordon Highlanders and died of phthisis back in
Aberdeen after the war had ended, aged 20.
Grave D.140
SELLAR, Thomas Hutchinson
RGC: 1904 – 1907 [4866/652]
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders (Machine Gun
Corps)
Biography: Born 6 April 1893, son of William
Sellar, a Sheriff Officer and his wife Helen, née
Masson; he lived at Kirkton Cottage, Nigg and
entered RGC from Kirkhill Public School. Two of
his younger brothers also attended RGC: William
[pupil no. 3105] and Peter W. [2474]. An engine
th
fitter by trade, he joined the 7 Gordon Highlanders but was discharged in May
1916, having been gassed on the front line. However, because there was so little
money in the family he felt under obligation to seek work and accepted a job
with the merchant navy as an unskilled hand because he had no experience in
seamanship. He was posted as a stoker on SS Titan [124015], registered in
Liverpool. In the oxygen deficient atmosphere next to the engine room of a
translantic ship with little opportunity to go up on deck, it was little surprise that
he dropped dead at his work, aged 26. He was buried in Newport News, Virginia,
USA on 22nd August 1918 by Rev. Rich of the Episcopal Church.
Burial Details: Greenlawn Cemetery, Newport News, Virginia. Plot 3354
SHAW, John
RGC: 1905 – 1908 [4986/655]
Regiment: Manchester Regiment
Biography: Born 10 March 1891, son of George
and Christina Shaw; father was a retired clothing
manufacturer, of 48 Stanley Street, Aberdeen;
entered RGC from the Convent of the Sacred Heart
School, Queen’s Cross, Aberdeen and held a
bursary; He was a popular member of the staff of
the Northern Assurance Company in Aberdeen and
left to enlist as a Private in the Gordon Highlanders. He subsequently gained a
commission in the Manchester Regiment. He was just 24 when he fell in action.
Burial Details: Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux
IB4
SHEPHERD, Frank J.
RGC: 1904 – 1908 [4867/657]
Rank: unknown
Regiment: Woolwich Arsenal
Biography: Born 5 October 1890, the son of John Shepherd,
Engineer, and Jane Smith Shepherd of Dunvegan, Cults; he
entered RGC from Cults Public School. Shepherd’s great uncle
Dr. William Kelly was a highly praised architect in Aberdeen, his grandparents on his
father’s side were farmers from Strachan and Drum and his grandfather on his mother’s
side was a local tailor in the city of Aberdeen. Frank followed in the footsteps of his
father and became a civil engineer.
The family had moved to Cults soon after his sister, Anna [Nan], was born, [11 February
1893], and she continued to live in the same house “Dunvegan” for most of the rest of
her life. After graduating from Aberdeen University in 1915, she joined the staff of
Aberdeen Training Centre for Teachers, (later the College of Education) and taught
English literature there until her retirement in 1956 – by all accounts an inspiring
teacher, with a feminist approach in her lectures which was ahead of her time. She was a
poet and distinguished novelist as well as an intrepid mountaineer. After retirement, she
edited the Aberdeen University Review from 1957 until 1963; in 1964 the University
awarded her an honorary doctorate.
Unfortunately, Frank died in South Africa, where he had gone to recuperate after serving
in the Great War.
Date of Death: May, 1917
Burial Details: Buried in South Africa
SILVER, Alexander
RGC: 1910 – 1911 [2217]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Harvieston Farm, Kinneff, 14
September 1894, son of Alexander Silver; elder
brother of John W Silver [1562] who was killed
on 26 October 1918; entered RGC from
Central Higher Grade School; lived at 18 Great
Western Road, Aberdeen; entered Aberdeen
University to study Agriculture in 1912. At the
outbreak of war he went with "U" Company to
Bedford where he became a great favourite not only with his fellow-students but
throughout the Battalion. Cooking for a company was no "catch" in those days,
but "Sandy" cheerfully accepted the job with all the drudgery it entailed. In this
capacity he left with the Battalion for France in February 1915. It did not take
long under active service conditions to show that there was the real fighting stuff
in Silver. After repeated attempts, he was relieved of the job which afforded him
comparative safety. Alongside his old fellow-students in the trenches, he was
supremely happy. Hardships seemed less real when Silver shared them. He took
part with the company in the attack from Sanctuary Wood (Hooge) on 25
September 1915 and was subsequently posted as missing.
Column 9.
SILVER, John W.
RGC: 1908 – 1913 [1562]
Biography: Born Kinneff, Kincardineshire, 15
July 1896, son of Alexander Silver; younger
brother of Alexander Silver [2217], killed
earlier in the War; he entered RGC from MileEnd Public School and held a bursary; lived at
42 Osborne Place, Aberdeen; student in Arts at
Aberdeen University, 1913-14. In May 1913
Silver joined "E" Company of the 4th Battalion
Gordon Highlanders and was mobilized, August 1914, as a Private; after training
he proceeded to France, where he served for a year. Silver then returned home,
and entered the Cadet School, Gailes, to train for a commission, and in January
1918 was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders. He crossed to France in
September, but his service was brief, for after six weeks he was killed in action at
Douchy, 26 October 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at Auberchicourt British Cemetery, Plot 2, Row F, Grave 2.
SIMPSON, Robert Mackie
RGC: 1910 – 1914 [2219]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Keig, Aberdeenshire, 17 April
1896, the son of Robert Simpson, merchant, of
Wealthion, Keig; entered RGC from Keig Public
School; student at Aberdeen University in Arts,
1914-5. While at university he joined the
3/2nd Scottish Horse in November 1915, and
was in training at Dunkeld until January 1917,
when he was sent to France and drafted into
the 1/6th Black Watch. After only three months abroad he met his death on 1
April 1917, being killed by the bursting of a shell which struck the house in which
he was billeted at Maroeuil, near Arras. To all who knew him he was "Bobbie",
the familiar name proving his popularity as school boy, student and soldier.
Burial Details: Buried at Maroeuil British Cemetery, Plot 4, Row B, Grave 5.
SINCLAIR, Luke T
RGC: 1907 – 1909 [1477]
Regiment: 11th (Service) Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders.
Biography: Born Aberdeen 10 June, 1892, only son
of William Sinclair, of Aberdeen, Stone-cutter, and
his wife, Isabella, daughter of James Samson;
educated at United Free Church Normal School,
and Robert Gordon's College where he held a
bursary; had been connected with the East India
Company's Office London, and voluntarily enlisted as a Trooper in the 17th
Lancers 5 Sept. 1914 ; stationed at the Curragh Camp, Ireland, for seven months,
and then gazetted 2nd Lieut. 11th Battalion The Gordon Highlanders 29 March,
1915; transferred to 3rd Battalion.; went to France 20 Sept. 1915, and was
attached to 1st Battalion and was killed in action by the explosion of a shell 15
yards from the German trenches, south-south-east of Ypres, Flanders, 2 March
1916. Buried near the trenches and it was reported later that his body was
removed to Lacylette Cemetery. His Colonel wrote that he was instantaneously
killed by a shell whilst nobly leading his platoon against the German trenches; his
company suffered severely, all of its officers being hit. A Company Officer also
wrote that he was bravely leading his men in a bombing attack; he was the first
over the parapet, and was within 15 yards of the German trenches when he was
killed. On 5 January 1916 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clapham, London he
married Jessie Maud, youngest daughter of Henry Pratt of Brixton. He had no
children.
Burial Details: Lacylette Cemetery
SINGER, William W.
RGC: 1901 – 1904 [3987]
Rank: Trooper
Regiment: Lothian & Border Horse
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 24 July, 1890, son of
William Murray Singer, East Coast Railway Co.
Aberdeen, and his wife, Ann Amelia Grant,
daughter of the former Provost J. H. Will, of
Peterhead; he lived at 11 Great Western Place,
Aberdeen and entered RGC from Ashley Road
Public School; prior to the war, he was a Clerk in
the Inland Revenue, Edinburgh; he joined The
Lothians and Border Horse Yeomanry (T.F.) in
1913; he died from exposure at Colinton Mains Hospital, Edinburgh on 22 January
1916. Buried at Aberdeen; he was unmarried.
Date of Death: 22 January, 1916
Grave C.975
SKAKLE, Hugh P.
RGC: 1900 – 1907 [3734/673]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 25 July 1889, son of
George Skakle, jeweller; lived at 3 Hawthorn
Terrace, Aberdeen; he held an RGC Foundation
and subsequently matriculated at Aberdeen
University and graduated M.A., 1911, B.D., 1914.
He was a distinguished student, gaining
numerous class prizes; an accomplished
musician, possessed of a fine tenor voice; and an
enthusiastic athlete, as was proved by his
prowess in swimming, gymnastics, and rowing. After licence in May 1914, he was
Assistant at St. Michael's, Dumfries, whose minister testified to his "strong
character, high purpose, and decidedly spiritual cast". In January 1915 Skakle
enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders, and within a month received a
commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He served for two years in France with the highest
credit; was wounded at High Wood, July 1916; after recovery was promoted
Captain, July 1917; was honourably mentioned in dispatches by Sir Douglas Haig,
and fell in battle at Containg, 21 November 1917. His Colonel wrote: "I cannot
speak too highly of his work as an officer; he did magnificently". A Chaplain
describes him as "adored by his men, friend and counsellor of all".
Award: Mentioned in Dispatches
Burial Details: Buried at Anneux British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row E, Grave 2.
SKENE, Arthur
RGC: 1907 – 1911 [1478]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: “D” Company, 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born in Tarland on 30 January 1895,
son of Andrew Skene, Merchant, and his wife
Margaret; lived at 31 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen,
later 51 St Swithin St; held RGC bursary; brother of
FP Peter Skene, also killed in the war; member of
the staff of the Liverpool and London Globe
Insurance Company; joined the Territorials in June 1914; called up on
mobilization in August that year; served with the Expeditionary Force in France
and Flanders from February 1915 and died aged 22 at a dressing station near
Arras on 6 April 1917 of wounds received in action that same day;
His Lieutenant and Adjutant wrote:
“Whilst reconnoitering with his officer and company sergeant-major yesterday, a
shell burst close to them, killing the officer and company sergeant-major and
severely wounding your son. He was at once taken to a dressing station but died
the same day. He will be greatly missed by officers and others of his company; his
capabilities and his cheery manner caused him to be liked by all.”
The Chaplain wrote;
“He was a fine soldier, well-liked by officers and men, and we all miss him very
much. Personally, I thought him an excellent young man who was a fine example
to other.”
He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Anzin - St Aubin British Cemetery
I A 17
SKENE, Ian, M.C.
RGC: 1899 – 1908 [3409/675]
Regiment: 6th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Biography: Born Peterculter, 12 July 1891, son
Alexander Skene of Avondow, Milltimber,
Merchant. He entered Robert Gordon's
College from Aberdeen Girls High School aged
7 and in 1908 entered Aberdeen University as
a student of medicine. He took a
wholehearted part in the social—particularly
the musical—and sporting life of his class.
Apart from a love of books he was not a student by nature, and in 1912 he went
to Ceylon, as a learner on a tea estate. There he found a wide and congenial field
for his energies in his work as a planter, in athletics and as a member of the
Ceylon Planters' Rifle Corps and Motor Cycle Corps. As a student he had served
for four years in "U" Company, 4th Gordons, and in the spring of 1917 he came
home and enlisted in the Gordon Highlanders. He was sent to the Cadet Battalion
at Gailes, and in October was commissioned and gazetted to the Lancashire
Fusiliers. He joined the 1/6th Battalion of his Regiment in France a month later.
He was one of those who at once adapted themselves to active service
conditions; in March 1918 the Divisional Commander wrote to his Brigadier:
"Please congratulate 2nd Lieutenant Ian Skene on his patrolling. He has been
doing a lot of good work lately." He was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry
in leading trench raids on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of March. On the 22nd of that
month he was wounded and taken prisoner. On 13 April 1918 he died in the
German War Hospital at Valenciennes.
Burial Details: Buried at Valenciennes Communal Cemetery, Plot 5, Row D, Grave
28.
SKENE, Peter
RGC: 1912-15 [2702]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Tarland 31 October 1897, 4th
son of Mrs Margaret Skene, of 51 St Swithin Street,
widow ofAndrew Skene, draper. Brother of Arthur,
also a former pupil who was killed in action;
entered RGC from Broomhill Public School; lived at
31 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. Killed at age of 20.
[Name given as Pat in CWGC.]
Burial Details: Harlebeke New British Cemetery
IV A 3
SLESSOR, James A.
RGC: 1909-1915[no entry number]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 30 September 1899, son of
William Slessor, Labourer, and his wife Jane; lived
at 12 Urquhart Road, Aberdeen; entered RGC in
1909 from King Street Public School and his
younger brother David also attended. Died of
pneumonia in Belgium, at the age of 19.
Burial Details: Halle Communal Cemetery B 316, A 57
SMITH, Archibald Bisset, V.C.
RGC: 1893-1894[1626]
Rank: Master (posthumously promoted to
Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve)
Biography: Born in Cults on 19 December 1878,
the third son of William Smith, tea merchant, and
his wife Annie, née Nicoll. He entered Robert
Gordon’s College in 1893, aged 14. After leaving
the college, he joined the Merchant Navy. In
1917 he was Master of the New Zealand ship SS
Otaki and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his
bravery in facing a German raider.
His citation reads: For most conspicuous gallantry
and devotion to duty when in command of the S.S.
"Otaki", on the 10th March, 1917. "At about 2.30 p.m. on 10th March, 1917,
the S.S."Otaki", whose armament consisted of one 4.7 in. gun for defensive
purposes, sighted the disguised German raider "Moewe", which was armed with four 5.9
in., one 4.1 in. and two 22 ponder guns, and two torpedo tubes. The "Moewe" kept the
"Otaki" under observation for some time and finally called upon her to stop. This
Lieutenant Smith refused to do, and a duel ensued at ranges of 1,900 - 2,000 yards, and
lasted for about 20 minutes. During this action the "Otaki" scored several hits on the
"Moewe", causing considerable damage, and starting a fire which lasted for three days.
She sustained several casualties and received much damage herself, and was heavily on
fire. Lieutenant Smith, therefore, gave orders for the boats to be lowered to allow the
crew to be rescued. He remained on the ship himself and went down with her when she
sank with the British colours still flying, after what was described in an enemy account as
"a duel as gallant as naval history can relate.
As a Merchant seaman he could not receive the VC. However, in 1919, he was promoted
a Temporary Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve and was then entitled to receive the
VC posthumously. He left a wife Edith, and a step-son Alfred.
The name of the Otaki is commemorated in the Otaki Shield, awarded to the Head Boy of
Robert Gordon’s College to this day. Every year since 1937, apart from the years of
WW2, the Otaki Scholar, as he is known, has been awarded a trip to New Zealand.
For more details about Bisset Smith and The Otaki, follow this link:
http://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/assets/0004/0757/Archibald_Bisset_Smith___the_Ota
ki.pdf
Honours: Mentioned in Despatches, Victoria Cross
Burial Details: Lost at sea. Name inscribed on Tower Hill Memorial
SMITH, Charles Theodore.
RGC: 1893 – 1897 [1537]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 3rd Dragoon Guards (Prince of Wales
Own)
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 6 August 1883, son of
Charles Smith, merchant; entered RGC from
Aberdeen Grammar School; lived at 67 Dee Street,
Aberdeen; matriculated at the University of
Aberdeen, 1900. After spending a short time in the
Agricultural Department he obtained a commission
in the 3rd Dragoon Guards with whom he served in
the South African War. On the conclusion of that war, he served in the African
Mounted Police. He rejoined the 3rd Dragoon Guards in September 1914 and
proceeded to France in November of the same year. He died on 22 May 1915, at
the age of 31, from wounds received at Loos in the preceding month.
Burial Details: Boulogne Eastern Cemetery
II B 48
SMITH, Douglas R.
RGC: 1907-1908 [1352]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 47th (London) Division, Royal
Engineers
Biography: Born at Turriff, 12 March 1891, son
of James Smith, agent, Northern Agricultural
Company; he entered Robert Gordon's College
from Turriff Higher Grade School; graduated
M.A. (III Math.), 1912 from the University of
Aberdeen, and distinguished himself as a
sound mathematical and scientific student.
Whilst at the University he served for four years in "U" Company, 4th Gordon
Highlanders (T.F.), and was with the firm of Harrison and Crossfield, tea and
rubber merchants, London, in their chemical research department, when war
broke out. In the beginning of September 1914 he enlisted in the 18th (University
and Public Schools) Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers and in July of the following
year was commissioned in the City of London Regiment. He went to France in
January 1916, and was seconded to the Gas Services, R.E., being appointed
D.G.O., 47th (London) Division, in October. He was promoted Captain early in
1918. His knowledge of chemistry stood him in good stead and he proved an
excellent and most efficient Gas Officer, who enjoyed the confidence of the Staff
and of all ranks in the Division. He was killed by a motor accident while on duty
near the firing line beside St. Pol, 9 September 1918.
Burial Details: Buried at St. Pol British Cemetery, Plot 2, Row B, Grave 20.
SMITH, Francis Johnston, M.C.
RGC: 1894 – 1896 [1958]
Biography: Born 25 November 1883 in
Aberdeen, son of Charles Crombie Smith,
compositor and Mrs Annie Brebner Smith, of
50, Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen; entered
Robert Gordon's College from Rosemount
Public School; after studying Law at the
University of Aberdeen 1906-08, he became a
Legal Assistant with the firm of Messrs. L.
Mackinnon & Son, Advocates, Aberdeen. On 25 January 1915 he enlisted in the
4th Gordons, was later attached to the 6th Battalion, and received his training at
Aberdeen and Ripon. He attained commissioned rank on 5 August 1916, and was
posted to the 7th Gordons, but served in France with the 6th Battalion. Smith
was awarded the Military Cross in March 1917 for “conspicuous gallantry and
devotion to duty, being the first to enter the enemy’s trenches, and setting a
splendid example throughout the action”. On 16 May 1917 he fell in action near
Arras, leading his men in a counter attack which succeeded in re-establishing the
position of the Battalion. As a student of Law, Smith gave promise of a brilliant
future, his shrewdness, tenacity and keenness in debate marked him as one who
would go far in his profession; and the determination which he displayed in his
endeavour to join the Army after a serious illness, characterized the whole of his
civil and military career.
Burial Details: Buried at Brown's Copse Cemetery, Roeux, Plot 1, Row C, Grave
39.
SMITH, James B.
RGC: 1911-1914 [2488]
Regiment: 7th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light
Infantry
Biography: Born Aboyne, 6 August 1896, son of John
Smith; lived at Birlie, Torphins and was educated at
Torphins School/ Aboyne Higher Grade School and
Gordon's College. In Class VB he came 3rd for Physics,
4th for English, 5th for Maths and 6th for Latin. In class
VI he came top in Physics and 4th in Maths. He was
awarded a Bursary of £15 to attend the University
and in July 1914 he came 33rd in Order of Merit of AU Bursary Competition. He
entered the University of Aberdeen in 1914 where he was a student in Arts and
Science. In May 1916 Smith enlisted in the 14th (Service) Battalion Scottish Rifles;
after a short period of training he was drafted to France where he served for over
a year, and after further training was gazetted to the Duke of Cornwall's Light
Infantry, crossed again to France in April 1918, and with his Company saw heavy
fighting and did splendid work. He was killed in action whilst trying to reach an
isolated outpost near Merville, 28 June 1918.
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Arras Memorial, Panel 6, Column 28
SMITH, Norman W.
RGC: 1906 – 1907 [1076]
Regiment: 39th Battalion, Australian
Imperial Forces
Biography: Born 27 March 1893, son of
William Smith, Farmer, and his wife Mary
Anderson, Dubford, Bridge of Don ; entered
RGC from Denmore Public School;
matriculated at the University of Aberdeen
in 1907. After attending classes in the
Agricultural Department for two winters he
went to Melbourne, Australia, and continued in business there till he joined the
Australian Imperial Force in March 1916. He came to England in August 1916, and
went through a course of training on Salisbury Plain, during which he was made a
Lance-Corporal and entered the Lewis Gun Section. In November he proceeded
to France with his Battalion and was slightly wounded in February 1917. The
following June he was seriously wounded at Messines and died the next day, 8
June 1917.
Burial Details: Buried at Pont d'Achelles Military Cemetery, Nieppe, Plot 2, Row
A, Grave 13.
SMITH, Stephen
RGC: 1894-95 [1959]
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment: D Company, 2nd Battalion,
London Regiment, Queen Victoria
Rifles
Biography: Born in Turriff, the second
son of Alexander Smith, Ship master,
and his wife Elizabeth, of Kurrajong,
Turriff. He came to RGC at the age of
13 from Turriff Public School and left in
October the following year. A draper with J & R Morley in London, he joined the
Queen Victoria’s Rifles in July 1915 and served in France and Flanders. He was
reported missing, presumed killed in September 1917, at the age of 36. The
whole platoon disappeared in fog to the east of Ypres and was never heard of
again. He left a widow Elizabeth Garden.
Pan 151
SMITH, William A.
RGC: 1895 – 1897 [2321]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born Cruden, 20 May 1880, son of
William Smith, miller ; lived at Upper Mill,
Cruden; entered RGC from Hatton Public
School; graduated M.B., from the University of
Aberdeen in 1904. After graduation he held
posts in the North Riding Infirmary,
Middlesbrough, and at Queen's Square,
Lancaster. Later he was in a country practice at
Basham in Lancashire where he was a very popular and successful practitioner. In
January 1917 Smith was commissioned in the R.A.M.C. and left for France a
month later. After serving at the Front for four months he was killed in action at
Airbus near Arras on 3 June 1917.
Burial Details: Buried at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 6, Row G.,
Grave 16.
SPITTAL, Robert Hay
RGC: 1894-1898 [2007]
Rank: Captain
Biography: Born 11 December 1882 in Ellon,
the son of James Spittal, schoolmaster;
educated Gordon's College, Aberdeen on a 4
year Foundation; graduated from Aberdeen
University M.B. Ch.B. in 1905, with distinction
in Anatomy, gaining the Fife Jamieson, and
Lizars Medals. He was appointed Second
Assistant in Anatomy at Marischal College and
was later House Surgeon at the Aberdeen Sick Children's Hospital. He then took
up general practice at Stockport, and in 1912 settled at South Bank,
Middlesbrough. At the outbreak of war Spittal received a commission in the
R.A.M.C. His first experience of active service was with the British Military
Hospital attached to the Serbian Army, his excellent work there being recognised
by the award of the Order of St. Sava. After a short time at Malta and in Egypt, he
served on the French Front till his death in action at Poelcapelle, 4 October 1917.
Honours: Order of St. Sava
Burial Details: Name recorded on Tyne Cot Memorial, Passchendaele, Panel 160,
Column 1.
STEPHEN, David J.S., M.C.
RGC: 1900 – 1905 [3690]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Army Medical
Corps
Biography: Born at Fyvie 21 June
1888, son of Alexander Stephen,
draper, of the Post Office, Fyvie; he
entered RGC from Fyvie Public
School;
he
graduated
from
Aberdeen University M.B., 1910;
M.D., 1912. He was at first engaged
in hospital work at Oldham, and
afterwards in private practice in Lincoln. Stephen received his commission in the
R.A.M.C. in October 1914, and spent some months in a military hospital at
Woolwich. He went to the Front as M.O. to a Brigade of Artillery, and later
became D.A.D.M.S. to the Division. In the second Battle of Ypres he was awarded
the Military Cross “for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in attending to
wounded under heavy shell-fire “; was recommended for the Victoria Cross, and
a few weeks before his death received a bar to the M.C. It was at Poelcapelle, on
24 October 1917, that he died, of gas-shell poisoning. His death was
characteristic of his unselfish devotion to duty, for it was in attending to a
wounded officer that he neglected to take precautions in the adjustment of his
gas-mask. Added to his serious qualities of character, he possessed a never-failing
fund of cheerfulness and good spirits—an invaluable asset to the morale of his
battery, where he was both loved and missed.
Honours: Military Cross with Bar
Burial Details: Buried at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, Proven, Plot 6, Row B,
Grave 3.
STEPHEN, John D.
RGC: 1894 – 1896 [1964]
Regiment: Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
Biography: Born 1881, 2nd son of James Stephen,
picture-frame maker, carver and gilder, and his
wife Isabella née Downie, of 62 Fonthill Road,
Aberdeen; elder brother of Robert [pupil no.
4882/715] also killed in the First World War; he
entered RGC from Ferryhill Public School. He
fought with 9th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders
and transferred to 32 Coy, Labour Corps. Died aged 36.
Burial Details: Bleuet Farm Cemetery
I A 13
STEPHEN, Robert
RGC: 1904 – 1906 [4882/715]
Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
Biography: Born 9 September 1890, son of
James, picture-frame maker, carver and gilder,
and his wife Isabella, née Downie, of 62
Fonthill Road, later 49/50 Woolmanhill,
Aberdeen; younger brother of John [Pupil no.
1964] also killed in the First World War;
entered RGC from Ferryhill Public School. Died
during the Battle of the Somme in France, aged
26.
Burial Details: Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No 1 Auchonville
A 11
STRACHAN, Alexander Ledingham
RGC: 1908 – 1913 [1740]
Rank: Surgeon Probationer, H.M.S. Genista
Regiment: R.N.V.R
Biography: Born Aberdeen on 29 November
1894, son of Alexander and Harriet Strachan;
his father was a chemist; he lived at 136
Rosemount Place, Aberdeen and entered RGC
from Ashley Road Public School; entered the
University of Aberdeen in October 1913,
studying Medicine, 1913-16. Whilst at the
University Strachan joined the O.T.C., and when
an appeal was issued for Surgeon Probationers for the Navy he at once
volunteered, was commissioned March 1916, and appointed to H.M.S. "Genista",
a mine-sweeping vessel. There were few dull moments in Strachan's brief service
career—on his way to join his ship he reached Dublin in the midst of the
rebellion, and took charge of a hospital there; later the "Genista" saved the lives
of the officers and crew of a ship which was found in a sinking condition, and
Strachan received a special letter of thanks along with a presentation for his good
services on the occasion. On 23 October 1916 he went down with his ship in the
Atlantic, the "Genista" being torpedoed by an enemy submarine and sunk on that
date.
Burial Details: Portsmouth Naval Memorial
24
STRACHAN, Hector
RGC: 1912 – 1916 [2713]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders
Biography: Born 3 May 1899, son of William
Strachan, Farmer and Margaret Strachan; lived at
Balquhain Mains, Pitcaple; entered RGC from
Chapel of Garioch Public School. Died aged 19.
Burial Details: Auberchicourt British Cemetery
II C 8
STUART, Francis Lee.
RGC: 1892 – 1895 [1148]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: Signal Section, Royal Field Artillery
Biography: Born Aberdeen on 27 January
1883, son of Robert Stuart, Slater; lived at 625
George Street, Aberdeen; entered RGC from E.
C. Normal School; student in Arts at University
of Aberdeen, 1904-08. He took a keen interest
in all University sports, and was very popular,
possessing the ready "give and take" of the
real sportsman. In 1908 he entered the
teaching profession and held appointments in Bervie, Elgin and the Higher Grade
School, Aboyne, and in all of them proved his ability as a teacher. Joining the
Royal Field Artillery in January 1917, Stuart was immediately transferred to the
Signal Section, stationed first in Edinburgh and then in Aldershot. After a few
months training he crossed as a First Class Signaller to France, and on 3 May 1918
he was killed at an Observation Post, while mending a wire under heavy shell fire.
Burial Details: Buried at Couin New British Cemetery, Plot 1, Row D, Grave 27.
SUMMERS, Joseph
RGC: 1908 – 1911 [1742]
Biography: Born in Aberdeen on 25 September
1895, son of Joseph Summers, Grocery Manager;
lived at 1 Holburn Road, and 30 Duthie Terrace
Aberdeen; entered RGC from Broomhill Public
School; worked as a civil engineer and joined the
Gordon Highlanders on 11 November 1914; served
with the Expeditionary Force in France and
Flanders from 24 March 1915; died aged 20 at
Wimereux Hospital, Boulogne from wounds received in action at Hooge;
His Captain wrote:
“He came to me as a Lance-Corporal and I was glad to let him retain his stripes. I
had looked forward to his going further in promotion at a not distant date, as he
was a fearless and hard-working soldier, ready for anything and beloved by those
under him. I, and all ranks in my company, will miss him”
He was unmarried.
Burial Details: Wimereux Commual Cemetery Grave 584
IJ3
SURTEES, Richard
RGC: 1909 – 1911 [1970]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born Grantown-on-Spey on 1 June
1892, son of William L. Surtees, merchant;
entered RGC from Grantown Grammar School;
he entered the University of Aberdeen with a
Melville Bursary, gained distinction in Classics
and English, and graduated M.A., 1914. At the
outbreak of war Surtees was at the Training
Centre for Teachers, preparing for his chosen
profession. On 17 January 1915 he enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders and
later crossed with them to France. He came through the heavy campaign of 1916
unscathed, but early in December he was so severely wounded that he died a few
days later, 13 December 1916.
Burial Details: Buried at Doullens Communal Cemetery, Extension, Plot 3, Row F,
Grave 11.
SUTHERLAND, Robert
RGC: 1900 – 1907 [3736/746]
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: Special Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 23 January 1890,
son of Alexander Sutherland, Stonecutter;
lived at 1 York Street, Aberdeen; entered RGC
with a Foundation; graduated M.A. (II Maths.)
in 1912 and B.Sc. in 1915, from the University
of Aberdeen and was appointed Science
Master at Inverurie Academy. Robert
Sutherland was widely known among his
contemporaries. His delightful, quiet, unassuming manner, his ready wit, and his
willingness to be of use as a pianist on all kinds of occasions made him deservedly
popular. In June 1916 he joined G. Special Company, R.E., and in November of
that year was sent to France where he served till 22 March 1918, on which date
he was reported "missing and believed killed".
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Pozières Memorial, Panel 1, Column 23.
SUTHERLAND, William H., M.C.
RGC: 1902 – 1909 [4334/747]
Biography: Born Thurso, 5 March 1892, son of
James Sutherland, Railway Porter; lived at 20
and later 8 Rosebank Place, Aberdeen; entered
RGC from Holburn Public School and held a
Foundation; he had a distinguished academic
record at school, winning the Gold Medal
Classical Dux award, coming first in Latin,
Greek, French, English and Mathematics; In
1914 he graduated M.A. from the University of Aberdeen with First Class Honours
in Economic Science and Second Class Honours in Classics. He gained the Liddel
Greek Prize in 1912 and 1914. Keenly interested in social problems, Sutherland
saw clearly how war would endanger progress, but, like a true lover of peace, he
was willing to fight to win it. William was the secretary of the University Peace
Society and his life and death illustrates at once the fate of the Society and the
tragedy of war.In March 1913 he enlisted in the 4th Gordon Highlanders, serving
in the ranks at home and then in France from February 1915 till December 1916,
when he was commissioned. In October 1917 he was mentioned in dispatches
and was awarded the Military Cross. He remained in France, taking part in much
severe fighting, till he fell in action, while serving with the 12th Royal Scots, on
the Canal du Nord, on 23 March 1918.
TAWSE, Bertram Wilkie
RGC: 1897-1901 [2830]
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 4th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 14 September
1884, son of Peter Tawse, Contractor, of
Cattofield House, Aberdeen; educated at
Kemnay Public School and entered Gordon's
College at age of 12, along with his younger
brother James; Awarded a 2 year Foundation;
entered the University of Aberdeen 1901;
graduated M.A. (II Math.), 1905; B.Sc., 1906.
After graduation he opened a Civil Service and Business College in Inverness, and
this venture was proving itself a conspicuous success when war broke out. During
his University career, Bertram Tawse was a member of "U" Company. In August
1914 he enlisted in the 4th Camerons and went to France with the Battalion,
rising to the rank of Sergeant and doing excellent work as a N.C.O. He fell in
action at the Quarries, Hulluch, on 26 September 1915. Of a retiring disposition,
Tawse never, either at the University or in the Army, took the place to which his
undoubted ability as scholar, teacher and soldier entitled him. The greater selfconfidence which time would have given him was all that was needed to bring
him to a foremost place in his profession.
and on War Memorial of Rubislaw Parish Church, Aberdeen.
TAYLOR, Andrew J.B.
RGC: 1905-13 [754]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Ayr, 14 September 1895;
educated at Marywell Street Public School and
Robert Gordon's College; awarded a five year
Foundation; Father deceased; Lived with Mr
Chris Taylor, 6 St Mary’s Place; student in Arts
faculty of the University of Aberdeen 1913-5 ;
M.A., March 1917 (posthumous award). He
enlisted in the 4th Battalion Gordon
Highlanders, 21 January 1916; after six months' training at Ripon he crossed to
France, and five months later he died, on 28 December 1916, of wounds received
in action at Courcellette. Taylor's brief military career cut short a life of great
promise; he possessed a disciplined mind, a virile intellect, a forceful personality
and great enthusiasm for the matter in hand whatever it might be. His special
bent was towards English literature and language. He had intended to take
Honours in Arts, and as he had fulfilled all the requirements for the ordinary
degree of M.A. this was conferred upon him by the Senatus after his death.
Taylor was only 21; he will be remembered as one of those who gave "their lives,
their youth, their golden dreams".
Burial Details: Buried at Contay British Cemetery, Plot 7, Row B, Grave 8.
TAYLOR, Arthur
RGC: 1905 – 1907 [755]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born in Peterhead on 5 May 1890,
son of Capt. William Taylor, farmer, of
Waulkmill, Newmachar, later of Mill of Dess,
Dess; Educated at New Deer School, arriving at
RGC in February 1906 at the age of 15. Worked
as a commercial clerk; joined the Gordon
Highlanders on 17 March 1915; served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 4 December 1915; wounded at
High Wood during the First Battle of the Somme on 23 July 1916 and was
invalided home; returned to France on 9 February 1917 and took part in the
Battle of Arras on 9 April; reported missing after the fighting on 23 April 1917. He
was unmarried.
Burial Details: Arras Memorial. Reported to be buried at a
point north-west of Roeux, east of Arras
Bay 8 & 9
TAYLOR, John Valentine Spence
RGC: 1906-10 [1090]
Rank: Gunner
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery, 1st (Lowland)
Heavy Battery
Biography: Born 14 February 1895, son of John
Couper Taylor, Bank Agent, and the late Robina
Johanna Taylor, of 13 Beechgrove Terrace,
Aberdeen and later of 93 High St, Lochee,
Dundee. Educated at Mile End Public School and
Robert Gordon’s College. Died aged 23.
Burial Details: Sun Quarry Cemetery, Cherisy.
G 15
TAYLOR, Walter
RGC: 1904-11 [4896/760]
Biography: Born 1 December 1893, son of
William Taylor, Lithographer, of 131 Hamilton
Place. Entered RGC from Ashley Road Public
School, aged 10. Lt. Taylor was associated with
his father in his firm of Taylor & Henderson,
Printers, Aberdeen. Killed in action on 30 July
1916, aged 22. His Captain wrote “I sent No. 7
Platoon forward – my bravest platoon, and led by my bravest officer.”
Pier & Face 15B&C
TAYLOR, William Forbes Mitchell
RGC: 1905-10 [762]
Rank: Sergeant
Biography: Born 23 July 1894, son of William Taylor
deceased and Mrs Annie B Taylor of 558 Great
Northern Road and later of 43 Esslemont Avenue,
Aberdeen. Entered RGC from Woodside Primary
School and was in receipt of a 5 year Bursary. Killed
aged 23.
Bay 8 & 9
TEUNON, James MacAndrew.
RGC: 1912-13 [2752]
Biography: Born in Turriff, 22 September
1895, son of James Teunon, Turriff; educated
Turriff Higher Grade School and Gordon's
College; matriculated in Arts Faculty of the
University of Aberdeen, 1913. He enlisted in
the 2/4th Gordon Highlanders in November
1914 and was drafted to France in September
1915, joining the old "U" Company of the 4th
Gordons with which he served till wounded at the Battle of Loos and invalided
home. In March 1916 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers and again
drafted to France. For eighteen months he served with the Special Brigade, Royal
Engineers, taking part in many actions on the Western Front. His conspicuous
ability earned him his commission and in June 1918 he was gazetted 2nd
Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery, but transferred in the following
October to the Royal Air Force. He had just completed his pilot's course at
Reading when he was taken suddenly ill and died in Queen Alexandra Military
Hospital, London, after an operation for appendicitis on 30 December 1918.
Teunon had no liking for the monotony and routine of the soldier's life,
patriotism had made him do the thing he loathed for the thing he loved—his
death seemed especially untimely occurring as it did so soon after the Armistice.
Burial Details: Buried at Turriff Cemetery, Aberdeenshire, C. 549.
THOM, John George
RGC: 1907-11 [1366]
Biography: Born 12 May 1896 in Aberdeen, eldest
son of Joseph Sinclair Thom, Plumber, and his wife
Maggie, of 123 Union Grove. Entered Robert
Gordon’s from Ashley Road Public School. Died in
France aged 21.
Burial Details: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun 0113
Plot IV Row L Grave 12
THOMSON, Henry Wilkieson
RGC: 1900-03 [3703]
Regiment: 46th Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment,
Canadian Expeditionary Force
Biography: Born in Turriff, about 1886. Son of
Schoolmaster and living at Schoolhouse, Turriff.
Educated at Turriff Public School and Robert Gordon’s
College, arriving at age 15 and lodging at 15 Mount Street, Aberdeen. He
graduated from Aberdeen University with Classical Honours in 1907. In his
student days he was a private in the University Company, 1st Volunteer Battalion
of the Gordon Highlanders. He became a Schoolmaster in Dufftown and Huntly,
but before long left Scotland to follow his career in Canada. He joined the 50th
Battalion, Albertan Infantry from October 1915, and served with Canadian
Expeditionary Forces in Canada, England and France. He was wounded in 1916
and the following year died as a result of wounds sustained at Vimy Ridge, at the
age of 32.
Burial Details: Vimy Memorial M. R. 23
THOMSON, John Alexander
RGC: 1910-12 [1978]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 7 June 1896, son of George
Alexander Thomson, Commercial Traveller, and
Helen Cheyne Thomson, of 21 Calsayseat Rd, later
35 Powis Terrace. Educated at Inverurie Higher
Grade School and Robert Gordon’s. Died in
Belgium, aged 18.
Burial Details: Wytschaete Military cemetery, IV D2
THOMSON, James Walter Stewart
RGC: 1909-1911 [1977]
Rank: Lieutenant
Biography: Born 7 Jan 1897, one of twin sons of
William Stewart Thomson, M.A., F.R.G.S.,
teacher, and Jeannie Jacques Thomson, of 41,
Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen. He entered
RGC from Aberdeen Grammar School, aged 12,
and later went to St Bees, Cumberland. He was
attached to 154th T.M. Battery and was killed in
action in France at the age of 21.
Burial Details: Loos Memorial M. R. 19 Panel 115 to 119
URQUHART, Francis Clement
RGC: 1908-09 [1749]
Rank: Lieutenant
Royal Scots
Biography: Born in Edinburgh
on 9 March 1895, only son of
Robert G Urquhart; educated
at Ferryhill Public School and
Robert Gordon’s College,
residing with his widowed
mother Mrs Elizabeth
Urquhart, a housekeeper at 7
Crown Terrace. In civilian life
he was in the office of Messrs
Gray and Kellas, Advocates of 7 Crimon
Place. He joined the Inns of Court O.T.C. on
27 August 1915 and was gazetted 2nd
Lieutenant in The Gordon Highlanders in July
1916; promoted to Lieutenant in December
1917; served with the Expeditionary Force in
France and Flanders from December 1916,
being then attached to the Royal Scots; died
at No. 62 Casualty Clearing Station on 13
April 1918 from wounds received in action
at Ypres.
Burial Details: Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery
II B 7
URQUHART, William
RGC: 1894-1902 [1971]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 1st Battalion, Black Watch
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 20 November
1883, son of William Urquhart, Marine
Engineer; entered Gordon's College from
Normal School, 1894 in receipt of a bursary for
5 years (mother dead, father at sea, guardian
being his grandfather William Urquhart senior
at 16 Erskine St.); matriculated at the
University of Aberdeen, 1902 and graduated
M.A. with Second Class Honours in Philosophy in 1906, winning the Gladstone
Memorial Prize. Under the auspices of the Aberdeen University Missionary
Association he superintended with universal acceptance and much success the
"Spital Mission" during the winter session of 1906 and the summer vacation of
1907. During the summer of 1908 he worked on a Rancher Mission in Alberta and
graduated B.D. in 1909, being Brown Scholar of that year. He was assistant
minister in Inveresk Parish Church, 1909-10, and subsequently assistant minister
in New Greyfriars, Edinburgh, 1910-12, when he was elected to the parish of
Kinloch - Rannoch, in the Presbytery of Weem. While a student in Arts, Urquhart
joined the Scottish Horse in the year of the foundation of the University troop
and, feeling he owed to his country a debt for the military training he had
received during his arts career, he enlisted about September 1914 as a Private in
the Royal Scots (McRae's Battalion). A fearless thinker and a beloved pastor, he
was now to show himself a gallant soldier. He edited one of the first magazines
issued in connection with Gordon’s College. In 1916 he received a commission in
the 1st Battalion, Black Watch, where he was a general favourite among his
fellow - officers. While leading his men to battle in Mametz Wood on 16 August
1916, he was instantaneously killed.
15 C.
WALKER, Gildart Jackson
RGC: 1897-1902 [2839]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 7th Battalion, British Columbia Regiment.
Canadian Expeditionary Force
Biography: Born in Cruden Bay on 5 October 1881.
Eldest son of Rev and Mrs George B. Walker of the
Rectory, 20 Merchant St, Peterhead. (Mrs Annie
Walker was later widowed and lived at 15 Dee Place,
Aberdeen.) Previously educated at Peterhead
Academy and arrived at Robert Gordon’s aged 15.
He always showed a literary bent and, even after
emigrating to Vancouver in Canada, never lost
contact with RGC, contributing articles from time to time in the Gordonian. He
served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in France and was killed at the age
of 36.
WALKER, Robert S.
RGC: 1910-1915 [ 2253]
Rank: Signaller
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery
Biography: Born at Aboyne, 27 May 1898, son
of William Walker, schoolmaster, Glentanar;
previously educated at Glentanar School and
entered Gordon's College in 1910 as First
Foundationer. In each of his five years he was
Dux of his class, probably a unique
performance. He entered the University of
Aberdeen in 1915 as 2nd Bursar, and his brief
career was of a piece with his school record. Walker joined the Royal Garrison
Artillery in July 1916. He was for some time Corporal and Instructor in Signalling
at Lochend but, at his own request, reverted and went to Catterick for a course of
wireless telegraphy. He crossed to France in August 1918, and was killed in action
near Le Quesnoy Station on 4 November 1918. In Robert Walker there was a
spirit touched to the finest issues. His was a far forward outlook, and he turned
neither to the right hand nor to the left from his fixed course, but duty meant
everything to him, and in the war he recognized a duty that over-rode every
other consideration. It was not rash boyishness or the illusion of adventure that
made him hide his age and try to join the Gunners in the early months of the war,
it was because he felt that he ought to give his strength, his intelligence and all
that was best in him to his country in her hour of need.
Burial Details: Buried at Ruesnes Communal Cemetery, Plot 2, Row C, Grave 3.
WALKER, William J.
RGC: 1893- 1897 [1598]
Rank: R.S.M.
Biography: Son of Sergeant Major William and Mrs
Walker, of Drill Hall, Woolmanhill. (Mrs Walker
later widowed and living at 38 Thistle Street)
Educated at St Peter’s P S and Gordon’s College.
Husband to Catherine Louisa Walker. Killed by a
bomb from a German plane at the age of 36.
Burial Details: Hospital Farm Cemetery, Ieper, Belgium E 24
WALLACE, John Ernest Dudley
RGC: 1903-1905 [ 4625]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 2nd (Highland) Field Company, Royal
Engineers [T.F]
Biography: Born on 17 March 1889 in Aberdeen,
eldest son of John Wallace, mechanical engineer/
merchant, and his wife Margaret A Wallace, née
Morrison of 139 Hardgate, Aberdeen. He entered
RGC from Ashley Road Public School in 1903, aged
14. He was a pupil of Mr W. Dyack, M.Inst.C.E. in March 1909. He died in Belgium
at the age of 28 years.
Burial Details: Dozinghem Military Cemetery, III B 14
WARREN, Cecil Arthur
RGC: 1912-1915 [2727]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Seaforth
Highlanders
Biography: Born 28 May 1898, son of Thomas Cecil
Warren, Publican, and his wife Elizabeth Alice, of
University Bar, Sinclair Road, Torry. Educated at
Victoria Road Public School, Torry and Robert
Gordon’s. His brother Thomas also attended the
College. He died at home in Aberdeen at the age of 20.
Date of Death: 3rd July 1918
Grave B.77
WATSON, William
RGC: 1905-1913 [799]
Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
Biography: Son of William Watson, foreman ;
born Aberdeen, 14 March 1895 ; educated at
Kittybrewster P.S. and Robert Gordon's
College where he was awarded a five year
Foundation by presentation; matriculated in
Agriculture at Aberdeen University in 1913.
After one session as an Agricultural student
Watson joined the Scottish Horse in
September 1914, being afterwards transferred to the Veterinary Corps attached
to the 51st Highland Division. He went to France in May 1915 and served there till
September 1916, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was then transferred to the
60th Division and went with them to Salonika where after a time he contracted
malaria and was in hospital in Egypt. On recovery he proceeded to Palestine but
was sent home in June 1918 and after training obtained a commission in the
R.F.A. He was demobilized in the following January, but immediately afterwards
fell ill with malaria and pneumonia and died after a few days' illness in February
1919.
Burial Details: Buried at Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen, Section K, Grave 330.
WATT, David G.M.
RGC: 1914-1915 [3173]
Rank: Private
Regiment: "K" Company, Royal Army Medical
Corps
Biography: Born 11 August 1896 in Strathdon.
Son of Rev. William Watt, minister, Strathdon ;
educated at the Public School, Strathdon. He
was prepared by his father for University and
was also for a year in a special class at
Gordon's College, lodging at 67 Richmond St;
he matriculated at the University of Aberdeen
in April 1914, was a student in Medicine for little over a year, and showed his
mental worth by taking good places in Botany and Physics. In November 1915
Watt enlisted in "K" Company, R.A.M.C., not that war, as such, had any attraction
for him, but simply from a sense of duty. After six months' training at Aldershot,
he was chosen, as a Medical student, to go to Cambridge for a three months'
course in Bacteriology previous to his being sent abroad in the Sanitary Section of
the R.A.M.C. This was never carried out, for he succumbed to serious illness, and
died in hospital at Aldershot, 26 April 1916, at the early age of 19. Watt was a
good student, of a lovable disposition, with a "saving sense of humour", and at
the back of it there was a strong sense of duty carried with him from his boyhood
spent among his native hills and glens.
Burial Details: Buried at Strathdon Parish Churchyard, Aberdeenshire.
WATT, George Black
RGC: 1903-1908 [4428/802]
Rank: Private
Biography: Born 16 January 1893, son of Helen
Watt, 331, King St., Aberdeen, and the late John
Watt. He previously attended King Street Public
School. He was awarded a Foundation in the
entrance competition, tenable for 5 years. Killed at
the age of 22.
WATT, John B.L.B.
RGC: 1905-1913 [804]
Rank: Private
/C. Company Bombers’ Section
Biography: Born in Aberdeen on
19 March 1897, youngest son of
Thomas D Watt, of 9 Westburn
Drive, Minister of Powis Church,
Aberdeen; his maternal
grandfather was William Black
Ferguson, C.E. Commanding
Officer of The Deeside
Highlanders which was later to
become 7th Gordon Highlanders;
he represented the College at
rugby 1912-13; served his
apprenticeship as an Engineer
and joined the Gordon Highlanders on 17 November 1914; served with the
Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from 24 March 1915; reported
wounded and missing after fighting at Hooge on 25 September 1915;
A comrade wrote:
“I am afraid one wound had entered his lung. He fills a hero’s grave, for those
who were with him that day tell how bravely he fought.”
He was unmarried.
Pan 38
WATT, John Stevenson
RGC: 1905-1910 [806]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 4th battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born 28 September 1894 in
Peterhead, 2nd son of Alexander Duthie Watt,
Cooper, and Margaret Watt of 67 Walker Road,
Torry. Previously attended Walker Road School.
In 1907, he came first in the Open Competition,
with marks of 87.4%, and was awarded a
Foundation for 3 years. He was killed in France
during the Somme offensive, aged 22.
Date of Death: 15th November 1916
Pier & Face 15B & C
WATT, William James
RGC:
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: 6th Battalion (Banff & Donside), Gordon
Highlanders
Biography: Born Cairney, near Huntly in 1893.
Native of Whitehillock, Keith, Banffshire. Second
son of Robert Watt, farmer, and his wife & Jane
Watt of 150 Land St, Keith. Killed in action aged 22.
His body was identified through his compass case.
Burial Details: Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos
VIII F 9
WEBSTER, Alexander
RGC: 1905-1907 [813]
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Air Force, 70th Squadron
Biography: Born 5 February 1893 in Strachan, the
2nd son of farmer Gordon Webster and his wife Mary
Thow of Balnaboth, Birse. Educated at Finzean
School and Robert Gordon’s, lodging at 25 Mount
Street during his time at the College. His brothers
John and William also attended RGC. He served with
the Royal Flying Corps, later the RAF and was killed
aged 26 in Germany. His parents moved to
Balzeordie Farm, Brechin and so his name appears on the St Cyrus War memorial.
I D 11
WEBSTER, Alexander
RGC: 1909-1914 [1985]
Biography: Born 8 January 1898, the son of Felix
Webster, commercial traveler, and his wife Marion
of 116 Desswood Place, later 265 Rosemount Place.
Attended Ashley Road Public School and Robert
Gordon’s College. He was killed in April 1917 at the
age of 19.
Burial Details: Roclincourt Military Cemetery
IA5
WEBSTER, George Park
RGC: 1908-1915 [1553]
Rank: Private
Regiment: 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born Aberdeen, 22 January 1898,
son of William Webster, machine fitter, of 4
Hunter Place, later 4 Westburn Rd., Aberdeen.
Educated at King Street Public School and
Gordon's College. He was awarded a bursary
for 2 years in 1908, coming in first place in the
entrance exam and later gained a 4 year
Foundation, followed by a 1 year Scottish
Education Dept. Bursary. He left the College in June 1915, having gained the
Town Council Gold Medal as Dux on the Classical side; took 5th place in the
Aberdeen University Bursary Competition, winning a Dingwall Bursary; he
matriculated in October 1915, and spent one year as a student in Arts. Webster
enlisted in the 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 11 July 1916, and after
undergoing a period of training in Aberdeen was sent to France in March 1917,
attached to the 1st Battalion. He was reported missing on 11 May and was later
officially stated to have been killed on that date, 11 May 1917. A young lad of
sterling character and undoubted ability he gave every indication of a future of
much distinction.
WEIR, George
RGC: 1899 - 1900
Rank: Lieutenant
Regiment: R.H.A.
Biography:. George was born in Muiravonside,
Stirlingshire, to William Weir and Margaret
Milne in January 1885. His father was a
teacher and the family moved to Strathdon
after William Weir's death from typhoid on 5
April 1887. In the 1891 census, the three sons
are listed as living with an aunt and uncle in
Mill of Newe, Strathdon, i.e. the same home in
which their mother was born. He entered class IIIB at RGC from Strathdon Public
School on 28 August 1899, aged 14
By 1901 the family was living in Union Grove, Aberdeen and George was working
as a Railway Clerk, aged 16. He had two older brothers: Charles Jamieson Weir, a
cashier aged 23 and William Weir, aged 20, a law clerk.
In the 1911 Census George is listed as a boarder at 163 Buteland Street, Glasgow
and his occupation is given as Law Student. He worked originally as a clerk for the
legal firm of Thomas Scanlan & Co. and subsequently qualified as a solicitor. He
married Emily Wattie at 13 Albert Street, Aberdeen on 18 February 1918. Sadly,
their marriage was short lived as he died less than eight months later. His wife
Emily died at Portsoy in 1967, aged 80.
George's brother William died in Aberdeen in 1953; he was unmarried. His death
certificate was signed by his brother Charles. Charles pursued a career in London
as a Chartered Accountant and died in 1964. In his will, he bequeathed a sum of
money to Robert Gordon’s College together with a beautiful portrait in oils of his
brother, George, painted by Catherine Ouless. The image above is a photograph
of the portrait.
Burial Details: St Germain-au-Mont-D'or Communal Cemy.
B4
WILLIAMS, John
RGC: 1909-1912 [1989]
Rank: Private
Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Born 19
November 1895 in Old
Machar. Third son of
Charles B. Williams,
Inspector of the Poor, and
his second wife Mary C.
Fowlie of 80 Bonaccord
Street, later 120 Westburn Road, Aberdeen. Educated at Mile End School and
Gordon’s College.
Burial Details: Panel 38, Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.
Name also recorded on plaque at Park House,
Westburn Road and in Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen.
WILSON, William C.D.
RGC: 1905-1910 [837]
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Army Medical Corps, attached
to 9th South Lancashire Regiment
Biography: Born Old Meldrum, 14 December
1893; Son of Alexander S. Wilson, insurance
manager, of Oakbank, Oldmeldrum; educated
Old Meldrum Public School and Gordon's
College; Resided at 9 Carden Place while at
school; matriculated in Medicine at Aberdeen
University in 1910; graduated M.B., 1915. As a
final year student he served in 1914 under Sir H. M. W. Gray and the late Dr.
Lister at a Red Cross Hospital in Wimereux, France. Wilson resumed his studies in
the beginning of 1915 and graduated in July of that year. He immediately joined
the 2/2 Highland Field Ambulance, was promoted Captain, and posted Medical
Officer to the 321st Brigade Royal Field Artillery, then stationed at Heydon. In
August 1917 he proceeded to Salonika, serving first with the 63rd General
Hospital and later with the 81st Field Ambulance. At many points of the Salonika
front he did advanced dressing station work, and was finally posted as regimental
Medical Officer to the 9th South Lancashire Regiment. He was killed while
dressing wounded in the final rush against the Bulgars, 18 September 1918, and
was mentioned in dispatches by the Commander-in-Chief, Salonika Force, in
March 1919. Wilson, by his courage, high ability and fine sympathy was a general
favourite among his fellow-officers and men, and won unstinted praise from
those under whom he served for his bravery and high sense of duty.
Burial Details: Name recorded on Doiran Memorial.

Robert Gordon`s College Roll of Honour.

Transcription

Similar documents

IN ThIs IssUE - Aberdeen Federal Credit Union

May 2014 - RM of Aberdeen

View Property Brochure

Newsletter 12 RBC Trois-Rivières

Newsletter - Blue Knights RGC

MAy 27 - 28, 2016 - 48th Highlanders of Canada

Aberdeen Roncalli

Lancashire_North_Despatch_Nov_2013