roll of honour world war 1 1914-1918 · roll of honour world war 1 1914-1918 ... david rgc:...

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.

To search for a particular name, press Ctrl+F. 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

RGC at War Before the outbreak of War, there was already a link with Gordon Highlanders Territorials. Senior boys from school joined “E Section” and went to camps at Aboyne and Tain. They practised route marching, field tactics, sham battles and grave digging. When war broke out, a number of pupils were at territorial camp and were immediately mobilised.

From the start of war, The Gordon Highlanders had freedom of the College grounds for military drills. In December 1914, a Cadet Corps was formed by about 150 senior pupils, assisted by staff. They drilled on Saturday afternoons as part of a scheme of physical training. There was also a Signalling section. Money was given by parents and staff to buy instruments for a fife and drum band. By February 1915, over 700 Gordonians were already on military service.

Teaching Staff

Teachers of military age were not considered exempt from field service. Of 17 eligible members of staff, 13 were called up. Three were killed. The first “casualty” among the staff at the outbreak of war was Herr Emil Trüe, (teacher of German), who, in spite of 20 years’ service, was forced to resign. The reason given is that he was considered an “enemy alien”. The first teacher to be called up was William Murray, (teacher of Mathematics), in March 1915. He returned to his post after the war but was badly shell‐shocked. 15 temporary replacements were appointed: 5 men and 10 women. One of the women who arrived in 1916 was Miss Ellenor Herbert, who must have impressed the Governors because she was offered a permanent post after the war and remained at Gordon’s until 1961.

WarMemorialDedicated11November2014

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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 11 August 1917 Burial details: Poperinghe New Military Cemetery II H 20

ANDERSON, William B., MC

RGC: 1900 – 1902 [3810]

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant

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.

Honours: Military Cross

Date of Death: 7 April 1917

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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 18 September 1917 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. Date of Death: 16 September 1916 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.

Date of Death: 6 August 1916 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 type‐writer 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. Date of Death: 12 May 1918 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. Date of Death: 31 August 1917 Burial details: Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux I L 4

HENDERSON-BEGG, John

RGC: 1907 ‐ 1909 [869] Rank: Captain Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 23 July 1916 Burial Details: Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux I L 4

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.

Date of Death: 02 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. Date of Death: 23 June 1916

Burial Details: Dar es Salaam War Cemetery 5 G 3

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. Honours: Military Cross 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.

Date of Death: 20 October 1918 Burial Details: ROMERIES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION Plot 1 Row “D” Grave 23.

BEVERLEY, George Alexander

RGC: 1912 – 1914 [2794] Rank: Private Regiment: 6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 15 November 1916 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, tongue‐tied. 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." Date of Death: 23 November 1917 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.

Date of Death: 13 November 1916

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” Date of Death: 26 September 1917 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. Honours: Military Cross Date of Death: 6 November 1918 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. Date of Death: 17 February 1915 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. Date of Death: 13 November 1916

Burial Details: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly‐Maillet I F 5

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, 1914‐15. 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.

Date of Death: 27 June 1916

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 Regiment: 1st/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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 2nd 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. Date of Death: 21 March 1918 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

Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders

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.

Date of Death: 28 May 1917

Burial Details: Bedford House Cemetery Enc 4 I I 62

BRUCE. William, M.C.

RGC: 1907 ‐1913 [1459]


Regiment: 2nd Highland Field Company, Royal Engineers

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]


Regiment: 8th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders

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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 23 April 1917

Burial Details: Arras Memorial Bay 8 & 9 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.

CAMPBELL, Archibald James Forbes

RGC: 1909 – 1910 [1798] Rank: Private Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 21 September 1917 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. Date of Death: 26 April 1917 Burial Details: Lonely House British Cemetery, Gavrelle

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.

CHAPMAN, Alexander C.

RGC: 1910‐1913 [2060] Rank: Private Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 25 September 1915

Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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 Mile‐end 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 1914‐1915 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. Date of Death: 11 April 1918 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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 (1913‐1919) 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. Date of Death: 1 October 1916

Burial Details: Struma Military Cemetery, Greece. III. G. 12

COCKBURN, Douglas B.

RGC: 1910 [1804] Rank: Private Regiment: 5th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.



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. Date of Death: 25 April 1918 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. Date of Death: 2 April 1917 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. Date of Death: 11 October 1917

Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Pan 7-17-23-25-27-29

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. Date of Death: 17 July 1916

Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial 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. Date of Death: 14 February 1919 Burial Details: Mons (Bergen) Communal Cemetery X B 5

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 Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 27 May 1915 Burial Details: St Sever Cemetery, Rouen Fr 0145 Plot A Row 10 Grave 29

CUMMING, Marianus R.

RGC: 1907 – 1908 [1175]

Rank: Lance‐Corporal


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. Date of Death: 5 August 1916 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. Date of Death: 5 March 1917 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. Date of Death: 16 May 1917

Burial Details: Athies Communal Cemetery Fr 0451 Row K Grave 13

DAVIDSON, William A.

RGC: 1906 – 1911 [914]


Regiment: 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders

Biography: Born Aberdeen, 28 December 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.

Date of Death: 2 July 1916

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.

Date of Death: 20 May 1917 Burial Details: Grevillers British Cemetery V E 12

DAWSON, James

RGC: 1900‐1906 [3570/189] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 28 May 1918 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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 20 September 1917 Burial details: Tyne Cot Memorial Pan 135-136

DONALD, Robert

RGC: 1908‐1913 [1522] Rank: Sergeant Regiment: 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders 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 I D 5

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.



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.

Date of Death: 28 July 1916 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. Honours: Military Cross Date of Death: 21 July, 1918 Burial Details: Jonchery-sur-Vesle British Cemetery I H 28

DUFFUS, William

RGC: 1905 – 1907 [204] Rank: Private Regiment: 1st/6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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 Regiment: Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 25 June, 1915 Burial Details: Wimereux Commual Cemetery I J 4

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. Date of Death: 18 April, 1918 Burial Details: Fouquieres Churchyard II F 2

ELMSLIE, Ernest George

RGC: 1906‐1914 [928] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Biography: Born on 10 April 1897, son of George Emslie, Brass‐finisher. 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. Date of Death: 26 September 1917 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 "full‐blue” 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.


Burial Details: Name recorded on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Panel 38, 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.

Date of Death: 1 July, 1916 Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial 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 Regiment: Gordon Highlanders 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 Burial Details: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet I L 12

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. 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 [1906‐12, 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 Regiment: Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 20 September, 1917 Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial 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. Date of Death: 11 April, 1917 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. Date of Death: 20 July, 1918

Burial Details: Gonnehem British Cemetery F 7

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. Date of Death: 30 October 1918

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, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

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 all‐round 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.

Date of Death: 2 April, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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.



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.

Date of Death: 18 June, 1917 Burial Details: Villers‐Bretonneux Military Cemetery, XV. D. 7.

FYFE, William Q

RGC: 1908‐1911 [1633] Rank: Lieutenant Regiment: 5th Battalion, Gordon 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. Date of Death: 21 March 1918 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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 25 September 1915 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 Quartermaster‐Sergeant 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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 19 July, 1915 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.

Date of Death: 5 October, 1916 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.

Date of Death: 14 June, 1915 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.

Date of Death: 13 November, 1916

Burial Details: Mailly Wood Cemetery, Mailly-Maillet 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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 28 April, 1916 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. Date of Death: 19 September 1917 Burial details: Bleuet Farm Cemetery I D 4

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.



HALL, John McRobb

RGC: 1910 – 1914 [2124] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 1 July, 1916

Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial 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 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.

HAY, Edward Hutton

RGC: 1906 – 1909 [952] Rank: 2nd. Lieutenant Regiment: 1st/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 11 June 1917 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. Date of Death: 3 July 1918 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 well‐known 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."



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] Rank: Lance‐Corporal Regiment: 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 25 August, 1918

Burial Details: Vis-en-Artois Memorial Pan 10

HENRY, Douglas John Luther Martin

RGC: 1911 – 1912 [2399] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon 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. Date of Death: 25 September, 1917

Burial Details: Dozinghem Military Cemetery 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.

Date of Death: 22 March 1918


HORNE, Alexander Robertson

RGC: 1900‐1906 [3607/327] Rank: Lance‐Corporal Regiment: 5th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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 1902‐1904] 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. Date of Death: 22 January 1917

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: 12th Battalion, East Surrey Regiment

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 well‐earned decoration.''




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.

Date of Death: 28 October, 1918 Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen Grave D1880

HUSTWICK, Alexander George

RGC: 1907‐1909 [1244] Rank: Lance‐Corporal Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon 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.

Date of Death: 13 June, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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.

Date of Death: 24 April, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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.” Date of Death: 3 January 1915 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 1908‐

1909. He died aged 20. Date of Death: 12 March 1917 Burial Details: St Peter's Cemetery, Aberdeen Grave WD18.43

JENKINS, Donald F., M.C.

RGC: 1907 – 1913 [1250]


Regiment: 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders

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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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

Date of Death: 10 April 1918 Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial Pan 8 & 162

JOLLY, Robert

RGC: 1909‐1913 [2271] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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] Date of Death: 26 November 1919

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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 2 May 1917 Burial Details: Etaples Military Cemetery XVII C 13

KEMP, Charles John

RGC: Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 25 May, 1915 Burial Details: Helles Memorial Turkey Pan 26‐30 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. 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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon 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. Date of Death: 24 April, 1915

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.

Date of Death: 18 November, 1916 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. Date of Death: 21 March, 1918 Burial Details: Arras Memorial 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 Date of Death: 23 June, 1918 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.


Burial Details: Le Touret Memorial Pan 39-41

LAING, Thomas Harry

RGC: 1913 ‐ 1914 [2764] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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.

Date of Death: 30 August 1918 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 ill‐health 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.

Date of Death: 14 October, 1916 Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial 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. Date of Death: 30 July, 1917

Burial Details: Dozinghem Military Cemetery 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 Mile‐End 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.



LOW, John

.

Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 10 January 1918 Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial 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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 20 September 1917 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.



McADAM, David Gray

RGC: 1904‐07 (4807/495) Rank: Private Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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

France 29th 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. Date of Death: 28 April 1915 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. Date of Death: 7 August 1916 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 much‐liked 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] Rank: Lance‐Corporal Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 25 September, 1915 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

Date of Death: 12 October, 1917 Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial 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

Regiment: 8th Battalion, Black Watch

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. Date of Death: 9 October 1917 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.

Date of Death: 9 April, 1917 Burial Details: Vimy Memorial

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. Date of Death: 19 April 1918 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. Date of Death: 17 May 1915 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 Medical Corps, attached to Royal Fusiliers

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.


Date of Death: 04 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. Date of Death: 7 October, 1916 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. Date of Death: 12 March, 1918 Burial Details: Dar Es Salaam War Cemetery 4 C 4

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 Regiment: 6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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 Regiment: 1st/7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 13 October 1915 Burial Details: Authuile Military Cemetery B 48

MARR, Charles S.

RGC: 1903 ‐1905 [4553]

Rank: Private

Regiment: 50th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force

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


Biography: Born Aberdeen, 17 December 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.



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. Date of Death: 12 March, 1917 Burial Details: Etaples Military Cemetery XXII A 2

MATTHEWS, John A., M.M.

RGC: 1892‐1894 [1415] Rank: Corporal Regiment: 6th Battalion, Gordon 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. Date of Death: 23 May 1918 Honours: Military Medal Burial Details: Cologne Southern Cemetery VIII B 13

MEFF, William

RGC: 1909‐ 1911 [1911] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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

Date of Death: 25 July, 1918 Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen 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".



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.



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. Date of Death: 13 April, 1918

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. Date of Death: 17 February, 1917 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 well‐known 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


Biography: Born Aberdeen, 5 February 1890, 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. 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.

MITCHELL, George Bruce

RGC: 1910 – 1916 [2175] Rank: Private Regiment: 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 13 September, 1918

Burial Details: Leuze Communal Cemetery II D 2

MITCHELL, Peter Harper, M.C.

RGC: 1908‐1911 [1704]


Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders

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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Honours: Military Cross Date of Death: 29 November, 1918 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. Date of Death: 30 November, 1917 Burial Details: Tincourt New British Cemetery III B 1

MOIR, George Andrew Christie

RGC: 1901‐1905 [3947] Rank: Captain Regiment: 5th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 7 April 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.


Burial Details: Arras Memorial 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. Date of Death: 25 September, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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] Rank: Lance‐Corporal 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. Date of Death: 23 April 1917 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

Date of Death: 23 April 1915 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. Honours: Military Cross Date of Death: 5 July 1917 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. Date of Death: 31 May, 1921

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

Biography: Born Aberdeen, 3 February 1890, 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] Rank: Lance Corporal 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. Date of Death: 11 August, 1916 Burial Details: Corbie Communal Cemetery 2 A 88

REID, Hugh

RGC: 1910 – 1914 [2196] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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.

Date of Death: 23 July, 1918 Burial Details: Marfaux British Cemetery II H 4

REID, John

RGC: 1907 – 1910 [1393] Rank: Sergeant Regiment: 6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 13 March, 1915

Burial Details: Le Touret Memorial 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. Date of Death: 27 May 1918 Burial Details: Montigny‐sur‐Vesle French Cemetery

REID, William M.

RGC: 1904 – 1906 [4855/595]

Rank: Private

Regiment: 2nd Battalion, South African Scottish

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] Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 25 September, 1915 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. Date of Death: 19 November, 1916

Burial Details: Etaples Military Cemetery XX A 7 Records do not tally. RGC original Roll of Honour states that this FP died on 19th 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.

Date of Death: 30 May, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial Pan 38

ROSS, Alastair

RGC: 1901 – 1905 [3982]


Regiment: Royal Flying Corps

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.


Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen 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.

Date of Death: 24 June, 1919 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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 25 July, 1918 Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen 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

fitter by trade, he joined the 7th 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. Date of Death: 22 August, 1918 Burial Details: Greenlawn Cemetery, Newport News, Virginia. Plot 3354

SHAW, John

RGC: 1905 – 1908 [4986/655] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 26 April, 1918 Burial Details: Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux I B 4

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.



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 Mile‐End 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

Regiment: 6th Battalion, Black Watch

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] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant 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. Date of Death: 2 March 1916 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 Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen 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. Date of Death: 6 April, 1917 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 Regiment: 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders 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.]

Date of Death: 25 October, 1918 Burial Details: Harlebeke New British Cemetery IV A 3

SLESSOR, James A.

RGC: 1909‐1915[no entry number] Rank: Private Regiment: 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 18 February, 1919 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_Otaki.pdf

Date of Death: 10 March 1917 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. Date of Death: 22 May, 1915 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]

Rank: Lance‐Corporal

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. Date of Death: 26 September, 1917 Burial Details: Tyne Cot Memorial 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


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] Rank: Lance‐Corporal 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. Date of Death: 3 August, 1917 Burial Details: Bleuet Farm Cemetery I A 13

STEPHEN, Robert

RGC: 1904 – 1906 [4882/715] Rank: Lance‐Corporal 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. Date of Death: 1 July, 1916

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. Date of Death: 23 October, 1916 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. Date of Death: 13 October, 1918

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] Rank: Lance‐Corporal Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 20 June, 1915 Burial Details: Wimereux Commual Cemetery Grave 584 I J 3

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 self‐confidence 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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 23 April, 1917 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. Date of Death: 25 September 1918

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.”


Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial Pier & Face 15B&C

TAYLOR, William Forbes Mitchell

RGC: 1905‐10 [762] Rank: Sergeant Regiment: 7th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 26 March, 1918 Burial Details: Arras Memorial Bay 8 & 9

TEUNON, James MacAndrew.

RGC: 1912‐13 [2752]


Regiment: Royal Flying Corps

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] Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment: 1st/5th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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. Date of Death: 16 May 1917 Burial Details: Duisans British Cemetery, Etrun 0113

Plot IV Row L Grave 12

THOMSON, Henry Wilkieson

RGC: 1900‐03 [3703] Rank: Lance‐Corporal 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. Date of Death: 5 May, 1917 Burial Details: Vimy Memorial M. R. 23

THOMSON, John Alexander

RGC: 1910‐12 [1978] Rank: Private Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 28 April, 1915 Burial Details: Wytschaete Military cemetery, IV D2

THOMSON, James Walter Stewart

RGC: 1909‐1911 [1977] Rank: Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 12 April, 1918 Burial Details: Loos Memorial M. R. 19 Panel 115 to 119

URQUHART, Francis Clement

RGC: 1908‐09 [1749] Rank: Lieutenant Regiment: 16th Battalion, 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. Date of Death: 13 April, 1918

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.



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. Date of Death: 16 August, 1917 Burial Details: Vimy Memorial

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. Regiment: 1st/4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 15 September 1917 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. Date of Death: 7 August, 1917 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 Burial Details: Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen 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 Regiment: 4th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders 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.


Burial Details: Le Touret Memorial

WATT, John B.L.B.

RGC: 1905‐1913 [804] Rank: Private Regiment: Gordon Highlanders /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. Date of Death: 25 September, 1915 Burial Details: Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial 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

Burial Details: Thiepval Memorial 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.

Date of Death: 25 September 1915 Burial Details: Dud Corner Cemetery, Loos VIII F 9 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.

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. Date of Death: 24 January 1919 Burial Details: Cologne Southern Cemetery I D 11

WEBSTER, Alexander

RGC: 1909‐1914 [1985] Rank: 2nd Lieutenant Regiment: 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders 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.

Date of Death: 9 April 1917 Burial Details: Roclincourt Military Cemetery I A 5

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.

Date of Death: 5 October 1918 Burial Details: St Germain‐au‐Mont‐D'or Communal Cemy. B 4

WILLIAMS, John

RGC: 1909‐1912 [1989] Rank: Private Regiment: 4th Battalion, 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. Date of Death: 30 May 1915 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.

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