AGS Magazine October 1916

9161 'fli113O.LDO

1 " C'N ' .XX .1°A

Educational

Books.

JAMES G. BISSET

C

ONTINUES to supply all the Class Books (New or Second-hand) suited for the Requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices.

N.B.—BEST VALUE IN STUDENTS' NOTE BOOKS.

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Aberdeen Sports Warehouse -• Everything for Golf, Tennis, Cricket, Swimming., Running, Bowling.

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a B.S.A. Air Rifle. Not a toy, but a serious weapon.

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CONTENTS. PORTRAITS OF SIR JAMES STIRLING AND SIR WILLIAM S. S. BISSET Facing p. 46 PROPOSED MEMORIAL PAVILION LETTER FROM MR. BOYD CABLE PRO PATRIA MORTUI NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS • DEATH OF SIR-JAMES STIRLING DEATH OF SIR WILLIAM S. S. BISSET MEMORIES OF 1877-1882 -FROM "THE GRAMMAR" TO THE GUNS TEN WEEKS WITH THE CORDONS AT THE FRONT BASRA ------WITH A TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY THE OPENING OF THE NEW PLAYFIELD SCHOOL NOTES RANDOM NOTES SCHOOL FOOTBALL OUR CONTEMPORARIES THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUB -

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68 71 73 75

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10 Belmont Street and Gaelic Lane.

Office and Show Room —8 BELMONT STREET.

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Interaiiria Borealis BEING MEMORIES AND PORTRAITS PROM AN OLD UNIVERSITY TOWN BETWEEN THE DON AND THE DEE

By W. KEITH LEASK, M.A. NEW EDITION OF

Life at a Northern University

By NEIL N. MACLEAN, M.A. Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by W. KEITH LEASK, M.A.

THE ROSEMOUNT PRESS, ABERDEEN.

aberbeen Grammar Sci?oot tllaga3ine.

Vol. XX.

OCTOBER, 1916.

No. I. •

The "Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine" is issued in October, February, and June, under the auspices of the Former Pupils' Club. All communications regarding the CLUB should be addressed to the Secretary and Treasurer, JAMES W. MILNE, C.A., 154 Union Street, Aberdeen; and all communications regarding the MAGAZINE should be addressed to the Editor, THEODORE WATT, M.A., 10 Moray Place, Aberdeen. Articles, letters, notes, verses, photographs, etc., intended for the February, 1917, issue of the "Magazine" should be sent to the Editor not later than 31st January.

Proposed Memorial Pavilion.

A Suggestion and an Appeal.

With the acquisition and opening of our new Field, the need for a suitable Pavilion becomes very evident and pressing. A suggestion recently mooted has already met with favourable reception, namely, that the Pavilion should be erected as an appropriate memorial to those of the School who have fallen in the War, their names to be inscribed on its walls, as a permanent record of their patriotic sacrifice and a constant reminder to the scholars that a genuine allround education requires them to fit themselves in body no less than in mind for the battles of life, in peace as well as in war.

The object aimed at, thus consecrated by noble example, and in aid of a genuine educational idea of very great importance, is one that may heartily be commended to the consideration and generous support of our readers, and all friends of our School.

Intimations of subscriptions may be addressed to Mr. Stodart M. Chrystall, interim secretary of the Former Pupils' Club, 21 Bridge Street, or to the Rector, and will be acknowledged in the .1form:Ine.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Letter from Mr. Boyd Cable. lt will, dmibtless, come to many as a surprise to learn that the brilliant author of " Between the Lines " and " Action Front " is a. Former Pupil of the School. It is true that the name " Boyd Cable " is not to be found in the' Register of the School, but none the less he studied within its walls some thirty odd years ago.

[To the Editor of The Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.]

In the Field, 25th August, 1916.

Dear Sir,—I thank you for yours of 19th, and for the copies of the School Magazine you so kindly send. I have read these with the greatest interest and pleasure, and congratulate you sincerely on their exceedingly high standard.

I thank you also for your kind remarks, and the very gratifying opinion you hold of my writings. I gladly take the opportunity of passing on, through your Magazine, greetings to your Old Boy readers, and to the later generation still at the " Old Grammar." I can well imagine how the latter envy those of us who have the luck to be serving in the field, and the glimpses some of your contributors give of dangers and discomforts, of hardships and hunger and thirst, and " battle, murder, and sudden death " will only, I know, And although, I daresay, many sharpen that envy. of us here may wag our heads wisely at that envy, and ," yet I believe the murmur, " Ah, if they only knew most of us are proud to think there isn't a youngster in the old School that wouldn't give all he ever hopes to own to be with us oldsters here to-night. I confess I hold my head the higher for the reading of the School Magazine, starred as it is throughout with paragraphs and names and photos of the Old Boys who have " joined up," and with the lists of Old Grammarians who figure in the Honours Lists.

You, sir, honour me greatly by your commendation of my war books, but I assure you the honour is due very much less to me, their chronicler, than to those stout fellows who have done the deeds of which I write. I have only tried to tell as truthfully as I can what I have seen of " The Great Game," and since my own job of Artillery " Forward Observer " has given me plenty opportunity of seeing, I have found no lack of grist to the mill of my pen.

I have no objection to your publishing the fact that I was once—alas! that it seems now such a very ancient " once "—a pupil of the Aberdeen Grammar School. But for the present, at least, I prefer that your readers should continue to know me as Yours very sincerely, BOYD CABLE.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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Pro Patria Mortui.

"So they gave their bodies to the commonwealth and received, each for his own memory, praise that will never die, and with iit the grandest of all sepulchres, not that in which their mortal bones are laid, but a home in the minds of men, where their glory remains fresh to stir to speech or action as the occasion comes by."—THITCYDIDES, II., 43.

Since the issue of the Magazine in June last, no fewer than 30 Former Pupils of the School are known to have died in the service of their Country. Of these. 17 were members of the F.P. Club. The total number of Old Boys who have fallen since the commencement of the War is at least 71, apart from several who have been " missing " for a considerable time. Up till now the Club has lost 35 of its members.

A Master of the School Killed in Action.

George 1Dawson* (1896-1901), Corporal, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers, was killed in action in France on 28th June, aged 33. After leaving the School, where he gained the Brebner German Prize, a Silver Medal in Mathematics, and the full Leaving Certificate, with Honours in English, he entered Aberdeen University, and graduated M.A. in 1905, with First Class Honours in Mathematics; and B.Sc. in 1906, with Special Distinction in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. In the latter year he was appointed Mathematical and Science Master in Kemnay H.G. School, and in 1908 accepted a similar post in Elgin Academy. In January, 1911, he came back to his old School as Assistant Science and Mathematical Master, and continued there until he enlisted in the Army in the autumn of 1914. He was an enthusiastic hockey player, having played for the Grammar School F.P. Club, of which he was Vice-Captain. He was also a keen golfer, and while at Elgin took a great interest in the Scout movement.

He joined the 15th Royal Scots as a private in October; 1914, and put in his full training with that battalion. In August, 1915, while he was at Doncaster going through a course of musketry, a request was sent from Headquarters for men with a knowledge of chemistry to hand in their names. He handed in his, and was at once transferred to the Special Brigade, R.E., and left for France early in September. Letters from him received from time to time give glimpses of his experiences at the Front, but as all communications were very strictly censored he was unable to send particulars of the work in which he was engaged. In one letter he mentions that he has received a copy of the "Indicates Member of the Former Pupils' Club.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Magazine, and has been very interested in the numerous notes on old schoolfellows and in an account of the 4th Gordons' experiences at the Front.

• On the day he met his death he was working along with a pioneer in the firing line, about three o'clock in the afternoon, when a German shell burst near them. He was instantly killed, and the pioneer died from wounds the same night.

His Captain a few days later wrote : " His work was always good, and especially so during the very hard times his section and others experienced during June. He was always plucky and ready for any job. I myself noticed his extreme coolness during very heavy shelling. . . . In my report to my superiors, written after his death, I included his name, among four others, out of 80 men, as one who had done excellent work. His steadiness was a great help to the newer and more inexperienced men."

In a short tribute in the Free Press a colleague,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

5

" C. M.," wrote that he was " a teacher of rare promise.

With good intellectual gifts, he was ever eager to giv' of his best, and to be abreast of the best that could be given to further the interests of his pupils." In the same newspaper appeared another tribute, by " J. M. R.," from which we quote :—" Of quiet demeanour, Dawson was a good-humoured fellow too, and well-liked by all his associates. He had his nickname among his intimate friends—a sure sign of the place he held in their affections, and we remember a delightful sketch of him and his desk-chum—they had now attained the dignity of the highest class in school—eating their Christmas pie, drawn by a schoolfellow who was already giving promise of the art that has since brought him fame. The sole student of German in his school class, Dawson was, as such, and to the relief of his classmates, the one court of appeal for our English master in all questions pertaining to Anglo-Saxon etymology. . . . Whatever were the influences, of home and school, that moulded George Dawson's character, we who knew him like to think how worthy his own brief life was of all that noble fount of literature whereof he drank at school: our Greek play, with its immortal picture of blossoming youth ready to die for an ideal, obedient to a law higher than that of the State, sacrificing all the joys and pleasures that fullness of years promised ; the Shakespeare play we studied for that strenuous Bursary Competition, with its stoical creed— ' lien must endure Their going hence, even as their coming hither : Ripeness is all' ; and especially Horace, with his haunting ' Sweet and comely 'tis for one's native land to die.' Our comrade, like Antigone, heard ' one clear call ' ; like Edgar, he endured with serenity of spirit ; and his patriot testimony he sealed with his blood. This is ' what may quiet us in a death so noble.' "

3obn lbenberson Meth) (1901 06), Captain, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was killed in action on 23rd July, aged 25.

He studied mechanical and electrical engineering at the Glasgow Technical College from 1910 to 1912, and thereafter was for two years with Messrs. Stevenson & M`Guffie, consulting engineers, Glasgow. In 1914 he entered the service of Venesta, Limited, London, and later was appointed assistant in the veneer department of Messrs. Luther and Co., Reval. The War broke out shortly after he arrived in Russia, and he returned home as quickly as possible. He received a commission in the Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), and crossed to France early in 1915.

He was promoted Temporary Captain a few months later.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

3obnstone Cbree (1900-08), Captain George and Adjutant, The Royal Scots, was killed in action on 14th July, aged 22. After leaving the School he was at Fettes College and Sandhurst, and received his commission in 1913. He joined the 1st Battalion of the Royal Scots at Allahabad, and was promoted Lieutenant in September, 1914. After a year's service in India he returned to England shortly after the outbreak of war, and went to the Front in December, 1914.

In February, 1915, he was wounded, and on returning to the Front was attached to another Early battalion. in 1916 he was promoted Captain, and became Adjutant. III the spring of this year he was awarded the Military Cross " for conspicuous gallantry under heavy shell fire, notably when he went out at great persoNal risk to fetch stretchers t. and remained until all the wounded had been removed to a dressing station. - He set a fine example." lie was mentioned in General Sir .

Douglas Haig's dispatch of 30th April. The circumstances under which he fell are described by a brother officer, who writes:—" Our battalion was ordered to take the position, and our C.O. decided on a Captain Chrere, as Adjutant, arranged bombing attack. and organised the bombing parties, and not content with organising them he went with them to see that it was He remained with them until we properly carried out. had captured the whole front line, and then came back and reported to the C.O. . . . Later he went off with an orderly to go round the front trenches and see how the

Aberdeen

Grammar School Magazine.

7

battalion was getting on.

He had been all round the trenches and was on his way back to battalion headquarters when a chance shell landed just beside him, killing his orderly and wounding him very badly. . . . He was very brave, and never afraid of anything."

Another brother officer writes :—" He was a fine fellow and a most admirable soldier. His military qualities were the admiration of all his fellow officers and of the men."

freberic littenborrow Conner* (1905-13), Second Lieutenant, Seaforth Highlanders, was killed in action in France on 1st July, aged 21.

When the War broke out he was studying agriculture at Aberdeen University.

He was a member of the 1st F.P. Rugby football team, and was well known as a sprinter.

While at the School he joined the " Grammar " Company of the 4th Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), and rose to the rank of sergeant.

After being six months. in France he received his commission on 15th August, 1915, and was attached to one of the regular battalions of the Seaforth Highlanders, and fell with many other officers of his Regiment in the Advance of 1st July.

One who was with him in France writes of him as follows: —" Ever the cheeriest of companions at home, he proved himself the staunchest of friends at the Front. The men he had under him will recall with gratitude his ever-ready championship of their cause, his never-ceasing care for their comfort and well-being, his constant example of keenness and efficiency. His confreres will remember the many instances of his courage in face of danger, his disregard of self in the execution of duty, and the bright and cheery optimism with which he triumphed over conditions of discomfort and unpleasantness. . . . The example of men like Conner is not forgotten by those left.

It rather encourages us to carry on the fight with still greater determination."

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Second Lieutenant, NorthGuy barolb Code (1896.1901), umberland.

Fusiliers, was

killed in France by the bursting of a shell on 17th September, aged 25. In 1909 he became a scholar of Downing College, Cambridge, and took his B.A. degree Therewith honours. after he received an appointment in Penang, Straits Settlements, but returned home at the end of 1914 to join the Army. He obtained a commission in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and had been at the Front for about a year. . He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's dispatch of 30th April, 1916.

Dayibson* (1904-06), Second Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders, died of wounds in France on 2nd July, aged 21. He passed through Sandhurst in the winter of 1914-15, and was gazetted to the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. He crossed to France in July of last year, and was wounded at Loos on 25th September. He returned to France in the spring of this year, and was wounded at Mametz on 1st July. He died the following day at Morlancourt.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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Bleganber Zunbte bunter Ferguson* (1905), Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders, was killed in action in France on 23rd July, aged 21. He was a son of the late Major John Edward Ferguson, M.B., of the Indian Medical Service, who was a pupil at the School from 1866 to 1869. On leaving the Grammar School, Lieut. Ferguson entered Epsom College, where he remained for six years.

He was studying for the Indian Police when the War broke out, and immediately applied for a commission.

In September, 1914, he enlisted in the Public School Corps, and in the following month received his commission, being posted to a Service Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders.

In March, 1915, he was promoted Lieutenant, and crossed to France in October. He was wounded—and as a result lost an eye— at the end of last November, and was again wounded in March of the present year. He fell on the Somme, shot through the heart, while gallantly leading his men into action.

1Robert vonal0 'bunter (1894-96), Private, Cameron Highlanders (T.F.), was killed in action on 10th July, aged 33. On leaving the School he became an apprentice with Messrs. John M. Henderson & Co., engineers, Aberdeen, and afterwards, for a short time, he held an appointment in London. litleganber :rands 3obnston (1897-1903), Second Lieutenant, London Regiment, attached Queen's Westminster Rifles, was killed in action in France on 10th September. On leaving the School he entered Aberdeen University and graduated M.A. in 1907. After travelling on the Continent for some time, he accepted a post as English master at the Grammar School, Hipperholme, Yorkshire, and remained there till 1909, when he was obliged to resign

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

through ill-health. In September of the same year he became classical master at Alnwick Grammar School, and continued there till 1912. He then left the teaching profession and entered Westminster College, Cambridge, to train for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of England. In June, 1915, at the exit examinations, he passed first, with honours, and was afterwards licensed by the Presbytery of Liverpool.

During the time he was taking his divinity course he graduated B.A. (London) in 1913, and B.D. (London) in 1915. In August, 1915, he joined the Inns of Court Training Corps, and was subsequently gazetted to the 11th London He left for France, attached to the Queen's Regiment.

Westminster Rifles, at the beginning of August last, and was killed in action after being at the Front for less than six weeks.

10111am Ewart Glabstone Idiom* (1888-92 and in

1896-97), Private, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action France on 6th August. Going in for mining, he spent four years at the Redruth School of Mines, and obtained the full diploma. Thereafter he was appointed mining assistant to the Bundi Tin Mining Syndicate, Malay Peninsula, on a At three years' agreement. the end of eighteen months he was appointed acting manager, and worked in that capacity for almost a year, when he came home on leave. On his return he was made manager, and held this position until he was forced to resign owing to repeated attacks of malarial On leaving the Bundi fever.

Mines he worked on a small coconut estate of his own in Kuala Kemaman, at the same time doing some reporting work and acting as consulting engineer for Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Ltd., of London and Altogether he spent seven years in the Malay Singapore.

Peninsula. In April, 1915, he enlisted in the Sportsman's Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, and after a course of training crossed to France in November last. He was in the fighting line till March, and was recommended for a commission.

His papers were complete, awaiting the colonel's signature, when he was invalided home with fever. He - returned to duty in May, and again went to France in the end of June, but never got back to his own battalion. He was killed at the beginning of August in a German counter-attack on a trench taken by the Fusiliers.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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Robert %von* (1899-1908), Captain, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was killed in action on 30th July, while leading his company in an attack on the German trenches, aged 24 years and 11 months. Although by almost a year the youngest in his class—the " Last Seventh "—at the Grammar School, Robert Lyon was always amongst the first five in the Prize List. In his last year at the School, besides other class prizes, he won a Special Prize for an English essay, given by the Rev. Mr. Cooper of Congo Free State, which was open to the whole School.

Characteristically enthusiastic and accurate in whatever he took up, he became a distinguished student both in Arts and Law at Aberdeen University, where he graduated M.A., with Honours in Economics, in 1912; and LL.B., with Distinction, in 1914. In addition, he gained the Hunter Gold Medal in Roman Law. In 1912-13 he served with Messrs. Paull & Williamsons, advocates, Aberdeen, and thereafter went to Edinburgh to prepare himself for the Scottish Bar, entering the office of Messrs.

Dalgleish, Dobbie & Co., S.S.C. Like so many old " Grammar " boys, Robert Lyon made his first " public " appearance at the School " Debater," of which he was an enthusiastic member. At the University he took a very keen interest in the social life of his time, being President of the Choral and Orchestral Society, a member of the Executive Committee of the S.R.C., and also on the Amusements Committee. He was chosen as one of Aberdeen's Representatives at the Scottish Inter-University Conference held in Aberdeen in 1913, and his ability as a speaker was readily recognised by the members of the sister Universities, by whom he was frequently complimented. As a member of the Aberdeen S.R.C., he took a keen and active

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

interest in the Council's finances, and there is good reason for his labours in that direction being long remembered.

Of very broad convictions, Robert Lyon was always strictly honest in his decisions, which he upheld vehemently and with marked eloquence. He was an excellent pleader, with an ever distinct wealth of human sympathy in his attitude, and there can be no doubt that he would have risen very high at the Scottish Bar. Pre-eminently courteous, even in " speaking his mind," he had many critics but no enemies.

He was a very keen golfer, and played in the University First Team for years ; and although he was a " half-blue," his ability certainly merited the " full " reward. An enthusiastic member of " U " Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders, he rose to the rank of sergeant, and, as with so many others, his previous training stood him in very good stead not only in gaining him a commission, but also in qualifying him as an officer in the field, where he was exceedingly popular with his men.

Tears are almost irrepressible when we think we shall no more look on his cheery, smiling face, which no problems ever " Bloomed " ; but when we think on Robert Lyon, we shall ever remember him as a man of marked ability, a delightful personality, a staunch friend, and a noble Christian gentleman who made the supreme sacrifice, upholding gladly that Great Cause so many of his calibre have espoused and defending, died.

In closing this brief memoir, we cannot but remember his passionate fondness for the country scenes of Deeside and the mountains of Braemar—and, is it not extremely probable that as he was passing outwith the pale of human life far off in war-swept France, he " Dreamed strange dreams of the hills and streams And the blue of his native skies" ?

I. G. 1.

Dear old Leo! Ave atque Vale!

3obit Mortimer 1O`13aiii* (1903-13), Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery, elder son of JOHN M`BAIN* (1877-79), C.A., Aberdeen, died of wounds in a German He field hospital at Vraucourt, on 9th July, aged 20. had a brilliant career at the School, taking the first place in his class in ten successive years, and finishing as Dux As a student in Arts at and Gold Medallist in 1913.

Aberdeen University he continued to show outstanding ability, and would, in ordinary circumstances, have graduated this year with honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.

He joined the Army in August of last year, having obtained a commission in the Special Reserve of Officers, following upon a short period of service in the Edinburgh University

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

13

Officers' Training Corps. He went to the Front in December last, attached to an English of brigade artillery.

When the great attack commenced on let July, he was acting as a liaison officer, and went over to the _ German lines with an attacking force. When last seen, he was running a telephone wire over to newlycaptured trenches. He was first reported as missing, then as a prisoner suffering from „,,, n wounds in the head, and finally as having died of wounds on 9th July. j A CLASSFELLOW'S TRIBUTE. In these days of tacking uncertainty and of feverish anxiety, our hearts are steeled to withstand almost any shock, yet the arrow of death has not found us proof against the sudden swiftness of its stroke.

The passing of Jack M`Bain on 9th July was a grievous blow to those of us who were his classfellows in School and College.

A man of ability and power, of distinguished intellectual gifts and scholastic genius, he commanded the respect of all.

Long will his admirable School record be remembered, yet it was a record that gave promise of being eclipsed in the wider sphere of the University and of the life beyond.

But " Jake " was not so wedded to study that he found no time to enter into our social life. At the School, he made a worthy president of the Debating Society, and a valued member of our Cricket XI., while in tennis and in golf— notably in those hallowed encounters between Masters and Pupils—his interest was as keen as his skill apparent. In his first year at " King's "—the year previous to the outbreak of war--he at once became a marked man, for his perfect blending of work and play, of social and scholastic duties, was an acquirement to inspire the hearty commendation and unstinted admiration of all his fellow-students.

In very sooth, whatever " Jake " did, he did well. And not less fitly has he died. By nature, noble and chivalrous, he readily shouldered his burden, and characteristically bore PI

IfITI.1111/1111

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

it unto the end. The School has lost a brilliant son ; the city has been bereft of a distinguished personality; nay, the very world is the poorer for the death of one whose influence was strong and good, whose power was boundless and deep, and whose endowments soared far above the common level.

To those of us who knew him so intimately and loved him so well, no more abiding comfort than this can ever be offered :— we retain . .

The memory of a man unspoiled, Sweet, generous, and humane."

R. DOUGHTY LYON.

05), Second LieuGeorge 'Wryer ilbacbonalb (1900 -in action on 6th

tenant, Gordon Highlanders, was killed September, aged 29. On leaving the School he went to AberShortly deen University and graduated M.A, in 1908. afterwards he entered the service of Dundee School Board and joined the staff of Butterburn School. On the outbreak of war he enlisted in the 3rd Highland Field Ambulance, and about six months later received his commission and was gazetted to the Gordon Highlanders. He was wounded at the opening of the big offensive in July, but rapidly recovered and returned to his work at the Front. He was twice mentioned in dispatches, and was the recipient of a personal note from his Commanding Officer thanking him not only for his fine courage, but also for the splendid discharge of his duties, often under most difficult circumstances. He was acting as Captain at the time of his death, and was to have been gazetted the day after he fell. The head master under whom he served in Dundee writes of him :—" He was the pride of the school, as indeed he might well be, being so ingenuous and wholehearted. His memory will always be fragrant, as of one with whom it was a privilege to be associated in life's journey—one who carried sunshine wherever he went, ending a noble career in a truly characteristic manner."

A berdeen Grammar School Magazine.

15

Elifreti 1Reginalb tilSacrae (1904-05), Assistant Commissioner, Indian Police, died at Nasiriyeh, Mesopotamia, of cholera, on 1st July, aged 28. After studying at Aberdeen University, he entered the Indian Police Service in June, 1908, taking the first place in the competitive examination.

He was posted to the Punjab as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in the following December, and spent most of his service at Delhi, where he is officially reported to have done excellent work during the Imperial Coronation Durbar, and subsequently as an officer of the New Delhi Province. In April, 1915, he was placed on deputation with the Government of India Foreign and Political Department, for employment in Mesopotamia as Assistant Commissioner of Police. The LieutenantGovernor of the Punjab stated publicly that " Mr. Macrae was one of the most promising officers of the Punjab Police, able, hard-working, and reliable." In the organisation of a new police force throughout the recentlyacquired possessions in Mesopotamia, he showed tact and a thorough understanding of the requirements of the authorities, and for his efficient work gained high praise from his superior officers. In his last letter home, written from Sug esh Shuyukh, he wrote :--" This place is a town about 25 miles down the Euphrates from Nasiriyeh, and is, as the name denotes, the market for the sheikhs and tribes in the hinterland between Basra and Nasiriyeh. I divide my time between this place and Nasiriyeh for the present. There are a number of police in each place, and I have just taken over charge of them, and am trying to train them and teach them how to do things. There is very little work in it really, but one has to be continually explaining as different cases occur how they should be dealt with. . . . I will get some short leave to India, but I don't want to give up the work we have started until it is on a sound footing." His wish, however, was not to be fulfilled. He died near the reputed site of the Garden of Eden—the land lapped by the Tigris and the Euphrates; and, last year, his brother VICTOR (19081910) laid down his life in Flanders.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

ihuob forbyce ilDaciten3tr- (1888-96), Corporal, High-

land Light Infantry, was killed in action in France on 1st July, aged 35. He served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. James Abernethy and Company, Ferryhill Foundry, and thereafter was for eighteen months with Messrs. Mayor and Coulson, Ltd., electrical engineers, Glasgow. From 1905 to the outbreak of war he was in the service of the Glasgow Corporation Electricity DepartHe enlisted in ment. the Commercial Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry.

3-obit illSattbew Murray (1881-84), Engineer Lieutenant Commander, R.N., was killed in action on H.M.S. Queen Mary on 31st May, aged leaving the On 43.

Grammar School his education was continued at the Academy, Galashiels, and the Heriot-Watt Technical College, Edinburgh. After some time in Glasgow, learning engineering, he spent some years in New Zealand; and after returning to Glasgow to complete his training, he passed into the Royal Navy by direct entry- -obtaining his commission as Engineer SubLieutenant in 1898, Engineer Lieutenant 1902, Engineer Lieutenant-ComHe served mander 1910. successively in H.M. ships Thetis, Resolution, Ramillies, and King Edward VII., and

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

17

•

then held a commission for four years at the R.N. College at Dartmouth, during part of which time H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was under his tuition in the science of engineering.

On leaving Dartmouth he was commissioned to H.M.S. Pandora on the South African station, and subsequently to H.M.S. Actaeon.

Shortly before the outbreak of war Engineer Lieutenant-Commander Murray joined the staff of the re-opened Naval College at Keyham. In the first stage of the War he served on H.M.S. Magnificent, from which he was appointed to H.M.S. Queen Mary. He was proficient in most athletic sports, and was chosen to play, on his return from the Pandora, for the Navy against the Army at Lord's.

He was devoted to his profession, and worked hard for the success of the new scheme of training officers. Personally he was a man of singularly unassuming and lovable character.

By his death the country has lost a highly skilled and gallant officer, and his friends, as one of them has written, mourn " one of those rare men whom to know is to love."

(1902-04), Lieutenant, Indian Army Reserve of Officers, attached Supply and Transport Corps, died of enteric fever at Basra, Persian Gulf, on 22nd September, aged 29. On leaving the Schcol he entered the head office in Aberdeen of the Union Bank of Scotland, and served the usual apprenticeship there. In December, 1909, he received an appointment on the staff of the Bank of Bengal, and proceeded to Calcutta in the following month.

When the War broke out he joined the Calcutta Scottish Volunteers, but obtained a commission in the Supply and Transport Corps of the Indian Army in the spring of 1915. After a year spent at Meerut and Lucknow, he was sent to the Persian Gulf and stationed at a base in charge of supply and i transport. On 19th Sep- ' tember the India Office intimated that he had been admitted to the British General Hospital, Basra, seriously ill with enteric fever, and about a week later that he had died on 22nd September.

junbsap 'Ross ogg. -

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

George ISfixter Oliver (1909-13), Second Lieutenant,

Royal Field Artillery, was killed in France on 17th June, aged On the night 20. before his death he was on duty at battalion headquarters, and about 2 a.m., hearing that one of the machine-gun officers was going down to the trenches, he volunteered to accompany him.

As they were passing a low part of the parapet in the fire trench, what was probably a stray bullet struck Oliver in the right shoulder, and he died as he was being carried to the dressing station.

fret, Scott* (1908-14), Private, Gordon Highlanders, died at Rouen Base Hospital, on 23rd July, of wounds received the same day, IIe left the aged 20. highest class of the School in June, 1914, intending to study at the University in Arts and Science, but joined the 2/4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders in October of that year, and was drafted to France in November, 1915. He was just about to come home to train for a commission fatally was he when wounded in a charge.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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Eteganber 'Mather 'Robertson (1893), Captain (retired), 5th Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), Honorary Lieutenant in the Army, serving in the Berkshire Regiment, was killed in action on 1st July.

He was formerly a partner in the firm of Messrs. R. & A. W. Robertson, solicitors, Peterhead, and latterly was in practice in Winnipeg. At the outbreak of the Boer War he offered his services, and went to South Africa in charge of a draft of volunteers, who joined the 2nd Gordon Highlanders at Ladysmith, Natal.

He served as lieutenant with this battalion during its advance through Natal and the Transvaal, and was decorated with the Queen's medal and three clasps.

Cottn inactien3te %Mlle* (1902-06), Second Lieutenant, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), was killed in action in France on 15th July, aged 27. He graduated B.Sc., with Special Distinction in Geology, at Aberdeen University in 1910, and in the following year was appointed Assistant Naturalist in the National Museum, Dublin, having obtained first place in the examination for the vacant post. At the request of the Irish Fisheries authorities he reported on the valuable collections of Crustacea made mostly in deep water off the West Coast of Ireland during the cruises of the Fisheries s.s. Helga.

The result of his work was a report on three groups of the Crustacea published in the " Scientific Investigations " of the Irish Fisheries, and illustrated by fifteen plates beautifully drawn by himself. One very remarkable species he brought to light is a new " Spiny Lobster " (Palinur us Titomsoni) captured in more than 200 fathoms off the south-west coast, and named " in honour of my first instructor in Zoology, Professor J. Arthur Thomson, of Aberdeen." He also wrote a descriptive account of the Hermit Crabs of Irish waters, which has not yet been published. He devoted considerable time to the study of the Myriapoda, and published three papers on them, and had also a general list of the Irish Myriapoda in preparation.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

When the War broke out he enlisted first as a private in the Royal Scots, and in January, 1915, received a commission in the Scottish Rifles. He went to the Front in November last, and was wounded in February, but quickly recovered. He fell in France in the early days of the great fighting on the Somme.

Ernest Ultiitiam Simpson (1898-1909), Private, Royal Fusiliers, was killed in action in France on 4th August, aged He received all 23. his education at the School, and on leaving it became apprenticed to the drug trade with his father in Aberdeen.

About the beginning of the present year he joined the Bankers' Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and after six months' training Was draftOrl to France to transferred and another battalion of the same regiment.. He had been in France for only about a month when he was killed.

When in Aberdeen he took a leading part in the work of the Junior Chemists' Association. lie was also a talented musician, and recognised as a very tasteful player on the organ.

Militant EltIOUtb telln011 (1909-13), Private, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), fell in the course of the desperate assault of Foureaux or High Wood on the night of 23rd He was only in his 20th year, and had left the July.

School two years prior to the outbreak of war to become an apprentice engineer with Messrs. Hall, Russell & Cc., Ltd., Aberdeen. While there he joined the " Grammar " Company of the City Territorials, and when the need arose offered himself at once for foreign service. He was in the platoon of another F.P., Second Lieutenant Douglas M. W. Leith, who in a letter home deplores the loss of his friend. " He was most conscientious in everything he did, ever ready to volunteer for any difficult job, and continually bright and cheery. Had he been spared, non-commissioned rank would soon have been his."

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Ebwarh Martin Coolies tennant (1909.13), Second Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), died of wounds in France on 16th October, aged 20.

He joined the Territorials while a pupil at the School, and when the War broke out had completed his first year as a Science student at the University. Ile received his commission in May of last year, and was sent to France in the following month.

In September, 1915, he was 'sevei•ely wounded at Hooge. On recovering, he was stationed in England for a time, and returned to France in May of this year. His death was due to a wound received while he was in charge of a party covering a raid on some German trenches.

His Captain writes of him : —" He was always bright, willing, and keen, always punctual and painstaking in his duties, and ready to do anything that was asked of him without the slightest grumble. I always could rely on anything he had to do being carried out correctly, and without any fuss."

3Douglas Christian Matson* (1892-1:,00), died in hospital at Athens of paratyphoid fever on 16th June, aged 32.

On leaving the School he served a pupilage as civil engineer under Mr. William Dyack, burgh surveyor, Aberdeen, from 1901 to 1904, and thereafter continued in the same office for seven years as an assistant engineer, taking part in several important schemes. He was an Associate Member of the Institute of Water Engineers. In 1911 he was appointed Chief Assistant Water Engineer to the Municipality of Colombo, Ceylon; and almost immediately after his arrival there was made Acting Water Engineer for Colombo (while the Water Engineer was home on furlough). While holding this position he was presented with a silver medal for his work in connection with the water supply at the "All Ceylon Exhibition," for the installation of which he was entirely responsible. On the return of the Water Engineer, Watson was appointed Resident Engineer at Labugama Waterworks, and remained there until he returned home on the outbreak of war. He was in this country

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

only two weeks when he was appointed Assistant Water Engineer to Messrs. MacDonald, Gibbs & Co., Consulting Engineers to the War Office, and was sent to Salisbury Plain in connection with the installation of a water supply there. When this work was completed, he proceeded in July, 1915, to France with a commission as Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, and at once proved his worth in the good work he did in organizing "A" Company, 1st In November, L.B.R.E. 1915, having been promoted Captain, he was sent East as one of the British Mission with the Royal Serbian Army, and rendered very important service in the extrication of the Serbians.

His Colonel writes :— "Since the formation of the Mission, I can personally testify to the splendid work he has done . . . it was largely due to his personal efforts on the River Mati in December last year that the route to Durazzo was rendered practicable and the Serbian Army, then utterly worn out, was induced to undertake the final march to safety.

It was thanks largely to his untiring efforts that the entire Army got away. Without these efforts many hundreds more must have died, and possibly many thousands would have been captured. He continued his invaluable work in Albania until February, and then commenced at once almost equally important and valuable work in Corfu."

I must say perThe doctor with the Mission writes : sonally the loss of Douglas Watson was a great blow to me.

I had lived with him for two months, and had got to know him well. He was one of those men whom it is lucky to have as a friend, and a really great misfortune to lose. His work in Albania, Corfu, and here [Salonika] was really appreciated both by his seniors and by the Serbian Army; his work in Albania did much to save the Serbian Army, and he was instrumental in passing over three rivers over 40,000 Serbs, thereby both saving their lives and doing a great work in the Allied cause."

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&obn $bahespeare Matson* (1902-05), Private, 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles, was killed in action at Ypres on 2nd June, aged 27. He was a student at the Royal Veterinary College, London, till 1911, when he migrated to Canada to seek his fortune. After varied experiences, he settled in Calgary, Alberta, and in that far-off town was always coming across Former Pupils of the School. Indeed, for a considerable time he shared rooms with an old classfellow, and many memories used to be revived and numerous incidents recalled on the arrival of the Magazine, with its news of schoolfellows who had been lost sight of since the parting of the ways.

At the outbreak of the War Watson offered himself for enlistment, but was rejected owing to varicose veins.

Tfe subsequently took scarlet fever, and whilst in hospital thought it a suitable opportunity to have the offending veins removed. When the operation had been successfully accomplished, he again went to the recruiting office, and this time was accepted.

After considerable training by the edge of the Prairie he eventually came to England in October, 1915, with the 12th Canadian Mounted Rifles, and was stationed at Bramshott, Hants.

He was offered a commission in the Veterinary Corps, but refused it, preferring to remain with his friends.

His regiment was sent to France in January, 1916, and not long after was moved to the firing line.

After taking part in much heavy fighting, the Canadians in the beginning of June bore the chief burden of the Third Battle of Ypres. There was a prolonged bombardment of unprecedented severity by the Germans, and it was during this that John S. Watson laid down his life for his country, The fight was an unequal one, the Canadians being outnumbered and outgunned, but (wrote a special correspondent) " when they saw the enemy coming, they climbed from the trenches to meet them and—some blind and deaf and staggering—they charged magnificently but pitifully to their death, with no weapons but broken rifle butts, bits of

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A h ertle en Grammar School Magazine.

I do not entrenching tools, and, in some cases, their fists. know where in war you will look for a more tragic or more thrilling episode."

Elfreb Vouolas 1Xliseir (1909-14), Second Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was killed in action in France on 11th September, aged 19. His death was caused by a German trench mortar bomb, which in bursting also killed Second Lieutenant King, formerly a teacher in the Grammar School, and two men.

Wisely joined the Territorials as a private while a pupil in the second highest class of the School, and had been on active service from the commencement of the War. He received his commission in August of last year, and was sent to the Front in August At the of this year. date of his death he had been out only five weeks, but in that short time he was recognised as being one of the smartest officers of his Battalion.

His men had a great regard for him, for having himself spent a considerable time in the ranks, he knew their point of view and was The very considerate.

Commanding Officer under whom he served at home writes :— " Keen and efficient, he was a splendid officer, and gave promise of great things. Everybody loved him. I am sure there never was a better officer here." Another who knew him well says : —" In many ways I thought him one of the noblest young Scotchmen I had met—strong, pure, and very gentle." To this it need only be added that his nature was quiet and modest, and his personality particularly charming.

A MASTER'S TRIBUTE. Of the seventeen members of Classical V. in the Session 1913-14 nearly all are now members of H.M. Forces, and the few who are not are doing Government work in connection Ten of the class enlisted as Territorials with the War. before the end of the session, and were, of course, called out

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

26

for active service at the outbreak of hostilities. With one exception all so far have been spared by Providence from death or wounds. It is only a few weeks since we heard with deep sorrow that Second Lieutenant Alfred Douglas Wisely had made the great sacrifice.

Wisely had gained in every way the regard and esteem of his teachers, all of whom speak highly of his sterling qualities. He stood second in his class in each of the four terms of his last year at school; his work was excellent in all his subjects; and he had every likelihood of a brilliant future before him. He took a prominent part in games, and was popular with his classfellows.

We mourn the untimely end of a bright young life, but it is some consolation to think that Wisely has not lived in vain.

He has given his life for all that we hold dearest, and to save Europe from the yoke of Prussian despotism.

G. M.

3aines S. lbasttnos* (1903-09), Second Lieutenant, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), died at Ripon on 25th June, aged 25. He graduated M.A, at Aberdeen in 1912, and prior to the War was on the teaching staff of Cults Public School.

He enlisted as a private, and rose to the rank of sergeant. Having been recommended for a commission, he was gazetted in January of the present year.

As the Magazine has been passing through the press, two more Old Boys have died at the Front. of these will be given in the next issue. Biographical notices Their names are :-

3 an flbalcolin leolLaren* (1896-1901), Private, London Regiment, killed in action on 7th October, aged 33.

3ames allexanber ttnpson* (1899-1903), Second tenant, Royal Flying Corps, died on 23rd October, aged 31. Lieu-

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School.

Military Honours and Rewards.

Order of St. Michael and St. George.

Major and Brevet Colonel (temporary Brigadier-Ceneral) Andrew Skeen (1881-86), 24th Punjabis, Indian Army, was in June appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for services rendered in connection with Military Operations in the Field. He entered the Army in 1891, and was appointed to the Indian Army in 1893. He passed as a general staff officer, 2nd grade, at the Staff College, Quetta, in 1912, and in the present War has been on the staff of the Australian and New Zealand Forces. He was mentioned in General Ian Hamilton's Dispatch of 12th June, 1915, and specially referred to in that General's Dispatch of 11th December, 1915, describing the operations at Anzac and Suvla Bay. He was promoted to be Brevet Colonel in June, 1915.

Distinguished Service Order.

Captain Joseph Ellis Milne* (1882-84), M.A., M.D., was in October appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of the fact that " he has repeatedly tended the wounded under heavy shell fire, and has shown himself utterly regardless of personal safety."

Before the War he was in medical practice in Aberdeen.

Distinguished Service Cross.

Lieutenant William Rodger Mackintosh* (1900-02) was in July awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. It will be remembered that he was in command of the patrol vessel Olivine, which captured the crew of the Zeppelin L15, wrecked in the estuary of the Thames on 1st April last.

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Military Cross.

Temporary Captain Archibald Stirling Kennedy

(1900-06), M.A., M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps Anderson (attached Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment), was in August awarded the Military Cross " for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. He was untiring in attending to the wounded, though on more than one occasion his aid post was struck by shells. He went out fire to the assistance of the wounded." under heavy shell Second

Lieutenant John Middleton Clyne* (1902-09), 17th Battalion London Regiment (T.F.), was awarded the Military Cross on the King's Birthday (3rd June).

Before the War he served an apprenticeship as marine engineer in Aberdeen.

Second Lieutenant Allan Cruickshank Hendry* (190744), Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was awarded the Military Cross in October. " When a raiding party which he commanded was held up in the enemy wire, it was due to his fine leadership and determination that an entrance was effected. turned into a great success what would otherwise have He been a failure." He left the School in June, 1914, with a view to studying medicine at Aberdeen University. On the break of war he joined the Aberdeen Engineers, and outquently received a commission in the Gordons. He issubse20 years of age, and is, so far, the youngest F.P. only officer to receive a reward for gallantry.

Temporary Captain John Moir Mackenzie* (1905-08), M.A., M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps (attached Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, T.F.), was in 6th awarded the Military Cross " for conspicuous gallantry July devotion to duty. Though wounded in the foot and armand refused to go to hospital, and, four days later, during he heavy hostile bombardment, he went up through the enemya artillery barrage and tended many wounded men, though in considerable pain himself."

Temporary Captain Kenneth William Mackenzie* (18931897), M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Military Cross in October, in the following circumstances:— " His aid post was continually shelled, but he carried with great determination. He personally assisted some on of the walking cases across the shelled area, and, when water ran out, went himself across the open to get some. He showed an utter disregard of personal safety." graduating in medicine at Edinburgh in 1905, he in the After year entered the Indian Medical Service. He served same with the Mohmand Field Force, and received medal and clasp.

In 1913 he retired from the I.M.S., having the previous

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

year entered the Theological College of the Scottish Episcopal Church. He was subsequently ordained by the Bishop of Brechin for work at St. Paul's Cathedral, Dundee.

Immediately on the outbreak of war he joined the R.A.M.C. Temporary Captain Archibald Douglas Spark* (1905-10), Gordon Highlanders (T.F.) and Machine Gun Corps, was awarded the Military Cross in September for conspicuous gallantry in action. " When ordered to keep his guns close behind our attack until a strong point was captured, he was informed that all the company's officers had become casualties. Leaving his guns with his sergeant he took command of the company under very heavy fire. He finally covered the retirement, and personally shot four of the enemy."

Temporary Captain James Smith Stewart* (1901-08), M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps, was awarded the Military Cross in September, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations. " When the advanced dressing station was heavily shelled he worked continuously tending the wounded, and went up and down the road for the same purpose. He personally assisted in rescuing seven buried men under heavy fire." He has twice been mentioned in dispatches. For the first 15 months he served with the Scots Guards, and since then has been attached to the Highland Field Ambulance.

Military Medal.

(1909-13), City of Aberdeen Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, was recently awarded the Military Medal " for good work and devotion to duty." He joined in February, 1915, and has been in France since January of this year.

Corporal James William Mathewson*

Mentioned in Dispatches.

Old Boys were mentioned in General Sir following The Douglas Haig's Dispatch of 30th April, published on 15th June : — Major William Forbes Lumsden (1887-?), Royal Artillery (on General Headquarters Staff). He was previously mentioned in Field-Marshal Sir John French's Dispatch of 14th January, 1915.

Major Patrick B. Sangster* (1884-88), 2nd Lancers, He was Indian Army (on General Headquarters Staff). previously mentioned in Field-Marshal Sir John French's Dispatch of 31st May, 1915, and received the D.S.O. on the King's Birthday this year.

Captain James Noel Thomson (1896-1900), Royal Artillery (on General Headquarters Staff).

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Major

James

William

Carden*

Brigade, Royal Field Artillery (T.F.).

29

(1886-95), Highland

Temporary Lieutenant David Adam* (1898-1904), Royal

Engineers.

Temporary Captain George William Johnstone Chree

(1900-08), Royal Scots. He was awarded the Military Cross in May, and was killed in action on 14th July (see p. 6).

Temporary Second Lieutenant Guy Harold Corke (18961901), Service Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.

He was killed in action on 17th September (see p. 8).

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Ceorge Alexander Smith* (1888-91), Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), commanding

a Service Battalion, Royal Lancaster Regiment.

He received the D.S.O. on the King's Birthday this year.

Major (temporary

Lieutenant-Colonel)

(1886-89), Gordon Highlanders (T.F.).

Robert

Bruce*

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) William George

Maydon (1882-95), M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps.

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Alexander MacGregor Rose* (1883-94), M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps.

He was made a prisoner of war at Ypres in November, 1914, and was repatriated in June, 1915, since when he has been again on active service.

Captain William Samuel Trail (1896-1901), 57th Wilde's Rifles (Frontier Force), Indian Army. He was mentioned in Field-Marshal Sir John French's Dispatch of 31st May, 1915, and received the Military Cross on the King's Birthday this year.

On 21st June, 1916, a series of dispatches covering the military operations in Egypt from November, 1914, to March, 1916, were published. In a dispatch respecting the operations in the Suez Canal zone, Major-General Sir A. Wilson specially recommended Major Oliver St. John Skeen (1881-86), 62nd Punjabis, Indian Army, who " displayed great promptitude and courage in charging the enemy when disembarking from their pontoons on the 3rd February, 1915. His skilful leading in the attack of the 4th February was instrumental in causing the surrender of the enemy, upon whose trenches he brought to bear an effective enfilading fire." It was on the night of February 2-3, 1915, that the Turks made a determined attempt to cross the Canal. The attack failed, and by 10th February the enemy had retired from the neighbourhood of the Canal. It appeared subsequently that the defeat of the Turks on 3rd February was more severe than had been at first supposed, and the demoralization of the force, consequent on its retreat across

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Aberdeen Gramatar School Magazine.

the desert, necessitated a considerable pause for reorganization. For his services at the Suez Canal Major Skeen received the D.S.O. in October, 1915.

He was killed in action at the Persian Gulf on 21st January of this year.

Major James Henry Morison Davie (1881-85), 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse, was mentioned by Major-General Townshend in a list published on 13th July in connection with the operations under his command in Mesopotamia.

Major Davie was on the General Headquarters Staff, and was taken prisoner by the Turks at Kut-el-Amara.

He has recently been promoted to be Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, with effect from 3rd June, 1916, in respect of services rendered before the siege of Kut began.

a

I

In Lieutenant-General J. C. Smuts's dispatch from General Headquarters, East Africa, of 8th May, published on 30th June, the following Old Boys were mentioned : — Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Henry Frederick Lyall Grant* (1888-95), Royal Artillery (with General Headquarters Staff). Before going to East Africa he was on the General Headquarters Staff of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and was mentioned in General Sir Ian Hamilton's dispatch of 22nd September, 19-15.

Rev. James Tindal Soutter* (1898-1902), Temporary Chaplain, 4th Class.

He was ordained minister of St. Andrew's Church, Nairobi, British East Africa, in 1913.

In the previous year he competed as one of the representatives of Great Britain in the Olympic Games at Stockholm.

In Lieutenant-General Sir Percy Lake's dispatch from General Headquarters, Indian Expeditionary Force " D," Basra, of 24th August, published on 19th October, the following Old Boys were mentioned : — Captain John Cray (1894-96), 36th Sikhs, Indian Army (killed in action).

Major Norman Walter Mackworth* (1892-96), M.B., F.R.C.S., Indian Medical Service.

In Admiral Sir John R. Jellicoe's dispatch of 15th July, published on 15th September, Major Arthur George Troup (1888-90), Royal Marine Artillery, was " recommended to be noted for brevet or early promotion " in respect of service in action, and on the latter date was promoted to be Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel. He entered the Royal Marine Artillery from Woolwich in 1896.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

31

ROBERT AITKEN* (1897-1903), who, when the War broke out, held an engineering appointment at the New Arsenal Works of the Greek Government at Athens, came home and joined the 2nd Artists Rifles Officers Training Corps.

The following doctors left in August for service abroad :— Captain HAROLD EDGAR SMITH* (1889-97), M.A., M.B. ; Captain ROBERT RICHARDS* (1899-1904), M.A., M.B. ; and Captain NORMAN DAVIDSON* (1884-94), M.B. CAPTAIN

JAMES

STUART

GORHAM

COLLIE*

(1905-10),

R.F.A., is now attached to the Royal Flying Corps, and obtained his " wing " as a qualified observer in July.

HARRY ALEXANDER HOLMES (1904-08) is a dispatch rider attached to the Aberdeen contingent of the Royal Engineers.

He was wounded in July.

JAMES HENRY MASON BANNOCHIE (1900-11) enlisted ill the Highland Light Infantry, and subsequently transferred to the King's Own Scottish Borderers. With this regiment he fought at the Dardanelles, where he was wounded. He has latterly been attached to the Scottish Rifles in France, and was wounded again in July.

WILLIAM YOUNG (1903-07), who served at the Front with the London Scottish in the early months of the War, now holds a commission in the Cameron Highlanders, and was recently severely wounded.

ADAM ALEXANDER RITCHIE* (1903-08), M. A . , B. Sc. , science master, Aitcheson College, Lahore, India, joined the Punjaub Light Horse as a trooper in April, 1915.

JAMES JOHNSTON (1897-99), who before the War was in the service of a firm of cotton importers and brokers in Liverpool, took part in the Dardanelles campaign with the 4th Cheshires. He had a fairly rough time out there, and was invalided home with dysentery and a crushed ankle.

He has now been transferred to an Officer Cadet Unit.

Lieutenant JAMES GORDON DANIELLSON* (1896-1901), of the Highland Brigade, R.F.A. (T.F.), has been transferred to the artillery of the Lahore Division of the Indian Army in France. Before the War he held an important position in the New York office of the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank, and came home in September of last year to join the Army.

JAMES H. FRASER* (1892-1900), who with his brother ALEXANDER G. FRASER* has been resident for a number of years at Dunneedaw, Rangoon, Burma, came home and in January last received a commission in the 9th East Kents.

JOHN JAMES JOHNSTON* (1905-06), who has been overseer on a plantation at Port Mourant, Berbice, British Guiana, holds a commission in the British West Indies Regiment, and has been training at Georgetown, British Guiana.

32

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

DOUGLAS PARODA CAPPER (1906-08) was recently gazetted a Flight Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service, and is engaged on seaplane work in the North Sea. DAVID HARRY HALLIDAY* (1904-07), who for several years has been with the Anglo-Chilian Nitrate and Railway Co., Ltd., at Tocopilla, Chile, has returned home and joined the Gordons.

GEORGE NEIL FARQUHAR (1903-09), son of JOHN NICOL FARQUHAR (1882-83), D.Litt., gained a scholarship at Hertford College, Oxford, in 1915, from Mill Hill School. He now holds a commission in the 150th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery.

JOHN GILBERT SMITH* (1891- ?), steam trawlowner, Fleetwood, has been serving with the Motor Transport of the Army Service Corps. His elder brother, LAURENCE ARTHUR SMITH* (1891-94), also served as a private in the Motor Transport, and was at the Front for nine months.

He is now in the O.T.C. of Trinity College, Cambridge.

ANDREW SMITH* (1897-1905) a younger brother, who has been engaged in farming in New Zealand, is also on active service.

JOHN ARCHER RATTRAY* (1903-05), who before the War was in business in Montreal, returned home and is now serving with the 3rd Gordons.

ARTHUR HALLAM DAVIDSON (1882-92) is serving as a private in the 4th Australian Imperial Force.

Lieutenant JOHN FREDERICK FERGUSON* (1904-09), 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry, has been promoted to be Captain and Adjutant.

Lieutenant HARRY GRAHAM SIMPSON* (1899-1912) has been transferred from the 4th Gordon Highlanders to the Machine Gun Corps, and is at present home from France for a special course of training.

JAMES GARDINER* (1905-07), who was formerly in the Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue, is now a gunner in an Anti-Aircraft Battery at a northern port.

WILLIAM MACDONALD* (1914-15), Lairg, is serving as a private in the 1/5th Seaforth Highlanders.

MURDO MACLEOD (1908-09), who was working on a farm in Ontario, has been serving as a private with a Canadian Motor Machine Gun Battery in France.

WILLIAM JAMES ROSS-HURST (1912-13) has passed fifth out of the Cadet College, Quetta, and got a commission in 58th Vaughan's Rifles, Frontier Force, Indian Army.

DOUGLAS GRZEME ROBERTSON (1904-15) and CHARLES ALBERT HENDRICK (1906-15) have recently passed for Indian Army cadetships at Wellington, India.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

33

JAMES HENRY SWAN BENZ IE* (1906-16) CRAIG' (1902-14) passed some months

cadetships at Quetta.

and GORDON ago for Indian Army

DONALD A. DAVIDSON (1905-15) passed into the Military College, Sandhurst, after the examinations Royal held in June, and JAMES FIDDES* (1904-14) after the examinations held in September.

DOUGLAS MAITLAND BISSET* (1901-08), Second tenant, Gordon Highlanders, has been seconded for dutyLieuwith the Royal Flying Corps, Military Wing, and gazetted as Flying Officer.

JOHN HALL RITCHIE* (1903-09), M.A., B.Sc. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Central Provinces, (Agr.), was recently gazetted Second Lieutenant, attached India, to the 103rd Mahratta Light Infantry.

Major WILLIAM B. G. MINTo* (1888-98), Second Lieutenant IAN M`BAIN* (1904-14), Second Lieutenant ALEXANDER R. MUTCH (1899-1901), and Lieutenant FREDERICK D. ROSS-KEYT* (1901-12), of the North Scottish Group, Royal Garrison Artillery, have been seconded for duty with Regular R.G.A. DOUGLAS LYON* (1900-11), who graduated M.B. in July, has been commissioned in the Highland Field Ambulance, R. A. M. C. MAXWELL CAMPBELL WRIGHT* (1902-14), who was in the " Grammar " Company of the 4th Gordons when War broke out, has recently been gazetted Second Lieutenant and posted to the 5th Gordons.

WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT* (1904-10), Dux and Gold Medallist in 1910, holds a commission in the Garrison Artillery, and is at present stationed in India.

FRANK ROBERT ANDERSON (1893-96) joined the Australian Imperial Forces at the outbreak of the War, and served with the Anzacs at Gallipoli and afterwards in France.

RICHARD OGILVIE GIRDWOOD*

Chemists' Corps, Royal Engineers.

(1907-15) has joined the

WILFRED GORDON WILSON (1892-94), Temporary Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, holds a staff appointment in the British West Africa Expeditionary Force. Before the War broke out he was in the Belgian Congo with a prospecting and exploring expedition.

Lieutenant-Colonel PETER MACKESSACK (1887-89), M.B., of the Royal Army Medical Corps, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel whilst acting as an Assistant Director of Medical Services of a Division.

34

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

DOUGLAS F. H. CROMBIE* (1876-83) has been gazetted Temporary Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 1st City of Aberdeen Volunteer Regiment. He served for over 33 years in the 1st V.B. Gordon Highlanders and 4th Gordon Highlanders (T.F.).

Of the 28 members of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen who are now serving with the colours, the following 17 are F.P.'s:—Captain A. J. R. TRAIN, M.A., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.); Lieutenant A. E. SMITH, jun., M.A. (T.F. ,Protection Co., Royal Reserve); Captain D. S. ROSE, Defence Corps (T.F.); Lieutenant J. B. RENNETT, M.A., R.E. (T.F.); Captain JAMES HAY, M.A., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.); Lieutenant-Colonel JOHN EVERARD RAE, M.A., R.F.A. (T.F.); Lieutenant-Colonel G. H. BOWER, M.A., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.); Captain WILLIAM LITTLEJOHN, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.); Captain JOHN D. MACDIARMID, M.A., B.L., A.S.C. (T.F.) ; Major JAMES W. GARDEN, M.A., B.L., R.F.A. (T.F.) ; Captain HENRY J. BUTCHART, B.L., Scottish Horse (T.F.); Major ROBERT BRUCE, M.A., B.L., R.E. (T.F.); Captain J. HASTINGS EDWARDS, M.A., LL.B., R.F.A. (T.F.); Major J. B. GILLIRS, B.L., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.); Private N. J. J. WALKER, M.A., LL.B., A.S.C. (T.F.); Lieutenant-Colonel GEORGE A. SMITH, D.S.O., K.O. Royal Lancaster Regiment (Major, Gordon Highlanders) (T.F.); Captain C. D. PETERKIN, M.A., LL.B., Gordon Highlanders (T.F.).

JAMES T. OG I LV I E* (1881-90) joined the Royal Garrison Artillery at Falmouth some months ago. He has recently been promoted Bombardier.

JOHN W. ANGUS (1890-92), who has been in command of an Admiralty transport since the beginning of the War, and was present at the bombardment of Kiao-Chau, has recently been commissioned as Lieutenant, Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers, with the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force.

Lieutenant WILLIAM STEPHEN ANGUS (1898-1903), M.B., R.A.M.C., is now with the British forces in Macedonia.

ALFRED CHALMERS HAY* (1895-1900), of the Indian Police, has come home to serve as a commissioned officer in the Army.

ALEXANDER A. Tnomsow (1895-98), who is an expert in mining, and prior to the War was manager of Tanganyika Concessions, Ltd., in Katanga, Congo-Beige, is now at the Front as a Lieutenant in the Tunnelling Corps.

One afternoon lately a group of F.P.'s home from the Front on leave were chatting in a Union Street tea-room.

Amongst them was HARRY A. HOLMES (1904-08), who had

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

35

been buried alive by the bursting of a shell. He was saved from suffocation by his " tin " helmet, and was dug out by LEONARD J. SMITH* (1890-1902). The latter was just leaving the room when Holmes, catching sight of him, cried out: " Hullo, let me rush after Smith. This is the first time I have seen him since he saved my life " !

ALEXANDER FORSYTH BUTHLAY (1900-09), Lieutenant, 22nd London Regiment (The Queen's), was in September attached to the Machine Gun Corps and sent for training to Grantham. He has had two spells in France, and been wounded once.

ROBERT SEMPLE (1898-1905), M.D., of the West African Medical Staff, was at the rounding-up of the Germans in the Cameroons.

He has recently been home, and seized the opportunity to get married.

Captain CLEMENT LEE COBBAN (1891-96), of the Indian Army, who is a General Staff Officer at the War Office, and is qualified as an interpreter of the Russian language, had a narrow escape, we understand, from accompanying Lord Kitchener on his ill-fated expedition to Russia.

CYRIL G. JOHNSTON-STUART* (1904-09), Lieutenant, East Yorks Regiment, was wounded in July in the " Big Push."

He ran against FRED. CONNER, of the Seaforths, and had a chat with him very shortly before he " went over " and was killed (see p. 7).

JOHN MCPHERSON* (1900-03), M.B., is a Captain in the Australian Army Medical Corps, and is attached to the 36th Riflemen's Battalion, which has recently been completing its training in England. His brother, HUGH MCPHERSON (19001903), who was a Deputy Assistant Magistrate in India, is in Mesopotamia as a Lieutenant in the 102nd King Edward's Own Grenadiers, Indian Army.

THEODORE G. GRAY* (1895-1901), M.B., is a Captain in the New Zealand Medical Corps, and has come to Europe with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

CHARLES T. GILES* (1900-03) is a Private in the Headquarters Signallers, 20th Battalion, 2nd Canadian Expeditionary Force, now in France.

Rev. ALEXANDER M`BAIN* (1900-03) was for the first thirteen months of the War senior subaltern of a company guarding German prisoners in Ireland. Thereafter he was granted a chaplaincy, and since last December has been with the Territorial Highlanders in France.

JOHN R. DANSON* (1897-1903), who came home from Buenos Aires when the War broke out, is now a SergeantMajor in the London Scottish.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Deputy Surgeon-General JAMES LAWRENCE SMITH (18771879), M.V.O., M.B., has been promoted to the rank of There is only one higher rank in the Surgeon-General. medical department of the Navy, that of Director-General.

Sir ALEXANDER OGSTON* (1855-58), K.C.V.O., is at present working with the British Red Cross Society First British Ambulance Unit for Italy, which is part of the 6th Italian Army Corps. The motor ambulance cars of the Unit have been working in the vicinity of Gorizia.

Captain WILLIAM ALEXANDER HUNTER* (1898-99), of the Cameron Highlanders, who served in the Dardanelles campaign and was wounded, is now on the Headquarters Staff, Home Forces. He is employed at the War Office translating German letters picked up in the battlefields and elsewhere.

Here his extraordinary knowledge of colloquial German, acquired through many years' residence in various parts of Germany and Poland, will prove of inestimable value.

Lieutenant A. F. VERE STEPHENSON* (1894-99), of the Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was in July reported " missing," and has not been heard of since. He was formerly in the Public Works Department of the Federated Malay States, and came home in May of last year to join the Gordon Highlanders.

Captain ERIC WILLIAM HARCOURT BRANDER* (1894-1901), Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), was in August appointed Brigade-Major, attached to Headquarter Units, and holds the temporary rank of Major while so employed.

Lieutenant-Colonel FRANCIS KELLY* (1879-85), M.D., Highland Field Ambulance, is acting as Assistant Director of Medical Services of a Mounted Division, with the temporary rank of Colonel.

Major ROBERT BRUCE* (1886-89), Gordon HigWanders (T.F.), has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

He has been twice mentioned in dispatches.

Major WILLIAM RAE* (1888-1900), D.S.O., Canadian Infantry, has been made a Lieutenant-Colonel. He was promoted Major last year, was mentioned in dispatches by FieldMarshal French, received the D.S.O. in January last for services in the field, and was appointed commandant of a Divisional School organised at the Front for the training of He was in command of the Canadian Canadian officers. detachment which, at the second battle of Ypres, recaptured four 4.7 guns that had been taken by the enemy. He was reported wounded in July.

Lieutenant-Colonel WILLIAM ROSE BLACK* (1882-85), Seaforth Highlanders, has been appointed to command a battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

37

Major WILLIAM FORBES LUMSDEN (1887- 1), Royal Artillery, was in June appointed Assistant QuartermasterGeneral, and to be temporary Lieutenant-Colonel whilst so employed.

Lieutenant-Colonel GEORGE HADDON BOWER* (1881-87), of the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), in July relinquished his commission on account of ill-health, with permission to retain his rank and to wear the prescribed uniform.

Lieutenant-Colonel GEORGE MILNE (1867-72), C.B., of Logie, relinquished his commission in the Royal Field Artillery in August. He took a leading part in the raising of the 157th Brigade, City of Aberdeen Artillery, and was in command of the Brigade during its period of training.

ALEXANDER GORDON GRANT* (1904-06) has received an appointment with Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., Glasgow, to take charge of and superintend the building and testing of motor engines for War Office use.

GEORGE A. M. WYLLIE (1898-1908) has been interned at Ruhleben, Germany, since November, 1914.

JOHN NICOL FARQUHAR (1882-83), M.A. (Oxon.), has received the degree of Doctor of Letters from Oxford University. This degree is given only on account of literature which has been published at least a year, and which is recognised by the examining board as forming " an original contribution to learning." The books submitted by Dr. Farquhar were his " Primer of Hinduism," " Crown of Hinduism," and " Modern Religious Movements in India."

He is Literary Secretary of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A.'s of India and Ceylon.

Rev. GEORGE PITTENDRIGH* (1872-76), M.A., Professor of English Literature in the Christian College, Madras, has been re-elected representative of the University of Madras in the Governor's Council for another term of three years.

JAMES Woon (1894-97), M.A., B.Sc., has passed the final examination of the Institute of Chemistry.

Rev. GEORGE WALKER* (1852-57), M.A., B.D., ministeremeritus of Castle Douglas, and for 40 years Clerk of the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, has received the degree of D.D. from St. Andrew's University.

ALEXANDER

GEORGE

ROBERTSON

MACKENZIE*

(1894),

F.R.I.B.A., was recently appointed President of the Architectural Association. He is a partner in the firm of Messrs: A. Marshall Mackenzie Sr Son, architects, London and Aberdeen, and has been engaged on many important buildings, including the Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, and Australia House, Strand (for the Government of Australia). While serving

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

as a battalion scout with the London Scottish he was severely wounded at Messines in October, 1914, and lost his right leg. Now he has returned to work in London, and walks long distances with an artificial leg, made of aluminium by a Frenchman.

FRANCIS GRANT OGILVIE (1872-74), C.B., LL.D., is a member of the Committee recently appointed by the Prime Minister to inquire into the position occupied by Natural Science in the educational system of Great Britain, especially in secondary schools and universities. He has been Director of the Science Museum, London, since 1911.

GEORGE HOWIE (1906-08) recently passed, with honours, the final examination for M.R.C.V.S., at the Royal (Dick) He was the most distinVeterinary College, Edinburgh. guished student of his year.

Rev. Principal PETER TAYLOR FORSYTH* (1859-64), M.A., D.D., is the author of a recently-published book entitled In reviewing the book, " The Christian Ethic of War." The Times said :—" It will shock and surprise the majority But it is a vigorous and manly essay; of its readers. the writer states his opinions with a refreshing absence of qualification ; and sometimes he has our entire sympathy, as when he denounces the hypocrisy of those who wish to abolish national wars only in order to promote equally ruthless and more ignoble class wars, to be conducted partly by revolutionary strikes planned to starve society into surrender. Dr. Forsyth is a whole-hearted patriot, and if our modern Ironsides require a prophet who will cry ' The sword of the Lord and of Gideon ' they will find him in this learned Nonconformist minister. We can fancy him standing by the side of Cromwell and echoing his prayer on the morning of Dunbar, ' Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered! ' The Amalekites would get no quarter from him."

ALEXANDER FINDLAY* (1882-91), M.A., D.Sc., F.I.C., Professor of Chemistry in the University of Wales, has written a book, which was published in the summer by Messrs. Longmans, entitled " Chemistry in the Service of Man." The basis of the work is the Thomson lectures which Professor Findlay delivered before the United Free Church It is a work of College, Aberdeen, at the end of 1915. striking appeal, planned with skill, and carried out with unvarying success.

JOHN HAY LOBBAN (1882-88), M.A., is the editor of " The Granta Shakespeare " now being published by the Cambridge University Press.

JOHN RAE* (1882-85), who was last year promoted to be joint general manager of Parr's Bank, has recently been appointed assistant treasurer of the Bank of Scotland.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

39

Rev. JAMES ALLAN* (1843-44), M.A., D.D., has intimated his retirement from the parish of Marnoch, after a ministry of over 60 years. He has now come to reside in Aberdeen.

Rev. JAMES WESTLAND ROSE (1881-86) has been called from the English Presbyterian Church, Lewes, to Kemnay U.F. Church.

WILLIAM DUTHIE* (1853-55), of Collynie, the renowned breeder of Scotch shorthorns, recently obtained 2,200 guineas for a red roan bull calf six months old. This price constitutes a world's record, the previous record being 2,000 guineas paid to Mr. Duthie four years ago. This year he sold 38 calves, which realised £16,737, the average price of 23 bull calves being £616, and of 16 heifer calves £177.

It is said that when Mr. Duthie first realised an average of £80 at a sale of his shorthorns he expressed the fear that he would not be able to keep it up !

Through the generosity of a number of friends a representative work of CAMPBELL LINDSAY SMITH (1889-91), who was killed in action in Flanders in November of last year, has been presented to the Aberdeen Art Gallery.

The picture is " The Flute Player," a highly sensitive and accomplished piece of work.

Sir GEORGE STEGMANN GIBB* (1860-65) is a member of the Committee of Production, one of whose duties is to settle certain wages questions. The secretary of the Committee is HARRY JAMES WILSON* (1883-86), formerly Deputy Superintending Inspector of Factories for Scotland and North Ireland.

The following appeared recently in Punch :—" Reasonable questions are invited," says The Leeds Mercury in its correspondence column. Here is one of the answers:— " T. B.—No, it is not General Sir William Robertson, but the Rev. Sir William Robertson Nicoll who edits The Britixh meekly." Sir W. R. NrcoLL* (1866) is one of the Honorary Vice-Presidents of the F.P. Club.

Professor J. WIGHT DUFF* (1877-82), M.A., D.Litt.

(Oxon.), from whose pen a very welcome article appears in another part of the Magazine, is announced to give before the Society of Antiquaries, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a lecture illustrated by lantern slides in description of " Sites of Greek Civilization "—a subject of some significance in view of the relation of Greece at present to the international situation. The slides represent not only Athens and other parts of the mainland, but Crete also, which has the interest of being the country of M. Venizelos, and the Troad round Hissarlik and Kum-Kaleh, of which a good deal was heard during the operations on the Dardanelles.

40

Aberdeen

Grammar School Magazine.

JOHN LOCKE IRVINE (1908-12), M.A., is at present employed at the British Legation, Copenhagen.

JOHN CAMPBELL (1894-96) has been in Petrograd for several years.

He is in business in an Automatic Fire Alarm Company, and also does surveying. He met Captain Hunter at Lodz. He could a tale unfold if the Censor permitted, and we hope to put this tale before our readers when the War is over.

In his travels in Russia he notes the marvellous improvement in the condition of the people since the sale of vodka was prohibited.

We have received a breezy letter from Cadet ALFRED JOHN HAYWARD (1908-16), of the British India Steam Navigation Company. He likes the life of a sailor well, and has visited many strange places since he left School. DOUGLAS J. C. DAVIDSON (1910-13), Broomhill Park, Aberdeen, is a cadet on the same vessel.

Go KHEK GHEE* (1904-08) has obtained the degree of B.Sc. at Glasgow University.

JOHN MINTO ROBERTSON* (1894-1901), M.A., Turriff, has written a memoir of the late ALEXANDER MACKIE (1870-72), M.A., Principal of Albyn Place School, Aberdeen, and made a selection from his writings, to be published immediately under the title " Alexander Mackie: Prose and Verse."

At the Summer Graduation of Aberdeen University degrees were conferred on the following Old Boys:— Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)— JAMES EWING* (1901-07), M.A., B.Sc., Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, U. S. A .

Thesis--" The Composition and Development of the Brush-Prairie in the White Earth Indian Reservation."

Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) and Bachelor of Surgery (Ch.B.)DOUGLAS MORRISON MILNE FRASER* (1898-1910), M.A. ALEXANDER JOHNSTONE* (1904-10), M.A. GORDON JAMES KEY* (1900-11).

DOUGLAS LYON* (1900-11).

DOUGLAS SOMERVILLE SCOTT* (1907-11).

GEORGE SMITH LAWRENCE* (1897-1907), M.A., passed the special final examination for M.B., Ch.B. in October.

MARRIAGES. RonsoN (1880-83 and 1889-90).—At the Welsh Calvinistic Chapel, on 16th August, R. BOYD RonsoN, Capt., R.A.M.C. (T.), younger son of the late Rev. John Robson, D.D., and Mrs. Robson, Aberdeen, to Bathsheba Jane, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ashton, Carno, Montgomeryshire.

A

4

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GILLANDERS (1881-95).—At Spynie Church, on 4th October, Lieutenant MINTO R. GILLANDERS,* 4th Field Surrey Co., B.E.F., to Mary Elizabeth, elder daughter of the late Alexander Wattie and Mrs. Wattie, Kintrae, Elgin.

MITCHELL (1882-91).—At Aston Parish Church, Birmingham, on 30th September, THOMAS N. MITCHELL, M.B., Ch.B., of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, to Beatrice, daughter of William Bate, Aston, Birmingham.

BISSET (1882-92).—At the United Free Church, Fyvie, on 25th October, Rev. JOHN H. J. BISSET,* Fyvie, to Edith Agnes, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Howie and Mrs. Howie, Meikle Gourdas, Fyvie.

DAVIDSON (1883-89).--At the Imperial Hotel, Aberdeen, on 24th June, JAMES DAVIDSON,* jun., shipowner, to Sarah Watson Shepherd, eldest daughter of Alexander Kennedy (Messrs. Gray, Kennedy, & Dickie), 19 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen.

GAULD (1892-95).-At 70 Forest Road, Aberdeen, on 28th June, ROBERT M ' HARDY GAULD, to Bella Monro, youngest daughter of Alexander Mackie, 27 Thomson Street, Aberdeen.

JAMESON (1892-1902).—At Edinburgh, on 30th September, W. WILSON JAMESON,* temporary Captain, R.A.M.C., son of the late J. Wilson Jameson, Bank of Scotland, Perth, to Pauline Frances Mackenzie, youngest daughter of J. P. Holm, Conchra, Lochalsh.

BROWN (1893-1906).-At Banchory, Coupar Angus, on 12th September, JOHN BROWN,* Yr. of Redhall, Fordoun, Major, Gordon Highlanders (T.F.), to Margaret Jackson, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Gardiner, of Banchory, Coupar Angus.

CRAIGEN (1894-97 and 1900-02).—At the Church of the Sacred Heart, Lauriston Street, Edinburgh, on 19th September, Major WILLIAM GORDON CRAIGEN,* No. 5 Reserve Brigade, R.F.A. (T.), Scotton Camp, Yorkshire, to Catharine Grant, daughter of the late Andrew Cameron, P. W.D., Sholapur, India.

GORDON (1897-99).—At Cape Town, South Africa, on 18th May, JAMES BREBNER GORDON, manager, National Bank of South Africa, Limited, Messina, Transvaal, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Gordon, of Kaimhill, to Minnie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, " The Whins," Radnor Park, Glasgow.

MILNE (1897-1901).—At the Imperial Hotel, Aberdeen, On 7th October, Second Lieutenant CHARLES WRIGHT MILNE,* R.E., 10 Hamilton Place, to Doris Overton, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hill, " The Links," Peterhead.

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Aberdeen, Grammar School Magazine.

ADAM (1897-1902).—At St. Cuthbert's Church, Gwelo, Southern Rhodesia, on 27th November, 1913, HECTOR ROBERT ADAM* (Metallurgical Department, South African School of Mines), to Gertrude O'Connor, daughter of Mrs. Reed, Gwelo, Rhodesia.

CHRYSTALL (1898-1902).—At Portland, on 14th October, ANDREW M. CHRYSTALL (late Of Bucksburn), to Carroll, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M'Collom, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. SEMPLE (1898-1905).—At Woodfield, Banchory, on 29th June, ROBERT SEMPLE, M.D., West African Medical Staff, eldest son of Rev. Robert Semple, Ruthrieston, Aberdeen, to Flora, younger daughter of J. M. Ferguson, I.S.O. ADAM (1898-1908).—At Edinburgh, on 9th September, ALASTAIR T. ADAM,* A.R.T.C., to Euphemia, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Ritchie, Musselburgh.

FORGAN (1898-1908).--At the East U.F. Church, Aberdeen, on 1st August, ROBERT FORGAN,* Captain, R.A.M.C. (S.R.), to Winifred Mary, only child of Robert Cran, 2 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

LYON (1900-04).—At St. Paul's Church, Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 7th August, JOHN BLAKE LYON, Sao Paulo, eldest son of Mr. James Lyon, Woodside, Aberdeen, to Beatrice Mennie, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Valentine, Aberdeen.

SEMPLE (1901-06).—At Vancouver, on 26th September, DAVID W HARDY SEMPLE, manager, Catton, Neill & Co., engineers, Honolulu, to Barbara W. Gordon (Barrie), third daughter of J. F. Gordon, 102 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen.

OBITUARY. Lieutenant-Colonel JOHN GREIG (1848-53), M.B., died at West Ealing in August.

He graduated in Medicine at Marischal College in 1858, and after further study at Edinburgh entered the Army Medical Service. He served through the Afghan War of 1878-80, and was decorated with the Afghan Medal.

ALEXANDER EASTON Gime' (1852-53) died at Haversham Grange, East Twickenham, on 10th October, aged 76. He was the senior partner of the firm of Messrs. Easton Gibb and Son, the contractors for the construction of the Naval Base at Rosyth. He received his training as an engineer in Aberdeen, and one of his first contracts was for the construction of the Aberdeen Waterworks, which were opened

by Queen Victoria in 1866.

Among other contracts he executed were the Callander and Oban Railway, the Dundee Waterworks, the Laydon and Hawes Railway, now part of

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the Great Eastern system ; the Rhymney Railway, Cardiff ; the Bradford Waterworks, and Kew Bridge, which was opened by King Edward. VII. in 1903. He also built docks at Ipswich and Newport, the latter of which is said to be the largest single piece of water dock in the world. He was a brother of Sir GEORGE STEGMANN GIBB,* and of Professor JOHN Ginn, of Cambridge, who died in April, 1915.

WILLIAM HARPER (1852-55), M.A., retired schoolmaster of Cluny, died at Woodside, Aberdeen, on 8th August, aged 78. He graduated M.A. at King's College in 1860, and in the same year was appointed parochial schoolmaster of Cluny, where he continued to teach until his retiral in 1912.

GEORGE PETRIE HAY (1854-55), M.D., of Edintore, Keith, died on 22nd October, aged 78. He practised his profession first at Keith, then at Ballindalloch, and thereafter at Forres, where he remained for nearly thirty years, retiring in 1907.

GEORGE JAMIESON SHEPHERD* (1856-61) died in AberHe was for many years a deen on 12th July, aged 72. partner in the firm of Messrs. Souter & Shepherd, wholesale druggists, Aberdeen. He was a brother of Rev. JAMES SHEPHERD,* M.D., D.D., the Indian Missionary.

Rev. JOHN ADAM (1860-62), M.A., died in Edinburgh on 30th June, aged 75. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1866, and was minister of the Evangelical Union Church in Thereafter he was in Dunfermline from 1869 to 1874.

In 1891 he was Carluke, and in 1886 went to Carlisle. appointed to Kirk Memorial Congregational Church, Edinburgh, and retired after a ministry there of sixteen years.

ALEXANDER SIMPSON SUTHERLAND (1862-66) died at Ballater on 27th July, aged 66. He was formerly a stockbroker in Aberdeen.

JOHN PETER REID* (1864-67) died at Ellon on 19th September. After some training in mercantile office work in London, he went to Japan in 1870 to join the English merchant firm of Messrs. W. M. Strachan & Co., and eventually became a partner in it. He left Japan finally in 1897, and on returning to London, took the leading part He was a brother of Sir in the control of the concern.

JAMES REID,* Bart.

DUNCAN HARLINGE CAMPBELL* (1868-69) died in Aberdeen on 3rd August. He was for many years in the Inland Revenue Department in Aberdeen. In his younger days he took a leading part in local amateur theatrical productions.

Rev. JOHN GORDON SMITH NAPIER (1869-70), M.A., minister of the parish of Kelso from 1883, died on 7th April, aged 59.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

JAMES HADDEN (1876-77) died at Wellington, New Zealand, on 29th July. He entered the mercantile marine, but subsequently left the sea and went to the United States.

After being there for seven years he went to Natal and entered the employment of the Government Railway.

CHARLES MANN CROMBIE (1884-87), marine engineer, died in Aberdeen on 30th August.

YEW CHEUK Loo* (1907-15) died at the European Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, on 30th July, aged 18. He left the School only last year.

PETER BARTON SALISBURY SIMPSON* (1897-99 and 19021903), died on 18th July, aged 30. He was associated with his father in the business of Messrs. Simpson & Morgan, boot and shoe factors, Aberdeen.

A TRIBUTE. It is with genuine sorrow that the F.P. Club records the death of Peter B. Simpson, a member who took the keenest interest in all its doings. The Dramatic Section, in particular, will feel his loss very keenly, for he was one of its pillars.

He made his first appearance on the stage at a School Debating Society Finale, and from that time his interest grew in things theatrical. On his return from a business training in England, he threw himself in his leisure hours wholeheartedly into the organization of the Dramatic Section, which in a short time became one of the most flourishing offshoots of the Club, and gave several finished performances in the School Hall.

Had Peter Simpson not given himself up to business he would doubtless have made a name for himself on the stage.

What a number of pleasant recollections crowd upon one when one remembers the nights of rehearsal in that dimly-lit Hall of ours ! Parts of scenes sometimes seemed to be going very badly; very well, let them be done over and over again, said the stage-manager. Tempers began to get short, gloomy

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looks were directed at the clock, the prompter yawned loudly in the wings, when suddenly Peter, with John Craigen, breaking away from the book of words, would engage in some wild burlesque of the scene, now imitating Harry Lauder, now George Formby, now a " Buchan hummlie," sometimes perhaps our masters, till everyone burst into hearty laughter. Good temper was restored, and the rest of the rehearsal went with a " snap."

His, indeed, was a cheery nature, and after passing an hour or two in his company, whether on the golf links, or motoring, or in his own family circle, one left feeling that the world was indeed a pleasant place to live in. He turned the most confirmed pessimist into an optimist. And when the clouds of ill-health began to loom threateningly, he never changed this bright outlook on life. His one regret was that he had through illness to give up his commission in the Gordons, otherwise he would have been among the first to leap forward at his country's call.

Very loving memories will always remain with us of a companion so charming, so kind, so simple-minded, of a heart of gold.

D.

Death of Sir James Stirling.

A Former Lord Justice of Appeal.

The Right Honourable Sir JAMES STIRLING* (1846-51), S. , P .C. , an M . A . (Aberd . and Cantab .), LL .D., Honorary Vice-President of the Former Pupils' Club, died at Finchcocks, Goudhurst, Kent, on 27th June, in his 81st year. He was born in Aberdeen on 3rd May, 1836, and entered the Grammar School in October, 1846. After going through the complete curriculum, he left in October, 1851, as Dux and Gold Medallist. The Rector of the School at that time was Dr. James Melvin, and of his • method of teaching and characteristics Sir James gave a most interesting account in an article which he contributed to the Maga•:hie no longer ago than February of this year. In 1906 also, when he addressed a memorable gathering on the occasion of the celebration of the School's 650th anniversary, Sir James bore testimony to the benefit he had derived from his education at the Grammar School. He said that Dr. Melvin was a man who was gifted with a genius for In that connection Sir James did not proaccuracy. fess to have attained to perfection, but he contended that he had for a great part of his life kept company with people of accurate minds, and he confessed that he had never found anybody that came so near the standard of perfection in this direction as Dr. Melvin. The great benefit which was derived from the Grammar School in his time was the

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importance of accuracy. Again, in the article referred to above, Sir James wrote :—" He [Melvin] was au excellent and successful teacher, and all that he taught was sound and good.

For myself, I gratefully acknowledge the benefit which I received from his training."

Passing from the Grammar School, the future Lord Justice entered King's College, and graduated M.A. in 1855, being awarded the Simpson Greek prize and other honours.

He then went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and specializing in mathematics, came out in 1860 as Senior Wrangler and first Smith's Prizeman. Refusing as a dissenter to subscribe to the formularies of the Church of England, he was deprived in those days of ecclesiastical tests of the rewards he had won by his scholarship.

His case was much discussed at the time, and contributed in a marked degree to the movement which resulted after a few years in the abolition of tests.

Called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn in November, 1862, he carried on chamber practice for a number of years, combined with practice in the Chancery Courts.

In 1881 he was appointed Junior Equity Counsel to the Treasury, and five years later was raised to the Bench as a Judge of the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, receiving at the same time the honour of knighthood. In the following year Aberdeen University conferred on him the honorary degree of LL.D. In a noteworthy appreciation of him which appeared at the time of his death, The Times remarked :—" As a Judge, Stirling was painstaking and accurate, somewhat slow and over-cautious, and perhaps a little narrow. Shy, reserved, and diffident, he was unwilling either privately or publicly to ' let himself go.' Davey is reported to have said of him that his opinion was the best in Lincoln's Inn if one could only get it. His judgments displayed no wit or humour or literary grace—he was a somewhat austere Scotsman—but they were lucid and to the point and not often reversed."

In 1900 Sir James became a Lord Justice of the Supreme Court of Judicature, thus attaining to one of the highest legal positions in the country, and was at the same time made a Privy Councillor. " The same qualities were displayed in the Court of Appeal which had characterized him as a judge of first instance; but his diffidence and almost undue deference to the opinions of others were accentuated."

Sir James retired in 1906, having sat on the Bench for about 20 years. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and took a keen interest in mathematical and physical science. " He was," to quote The Times in conclusion, " learned, patient, accurate [thanks to Melvin !], and invariably courteous and considerate. In a word, he possessed in a high degree all or nearly all the qualities which go to the making of a good judge."

THE RT. HON. SIR JAMES STIRLING.

COLONEL SIR WILLIAM S. S. BISSET.

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Death of Sir William S. S. Bisset.

Late Government Director of Indian Railways.

Colonel Sir WILLIAM SINCLAIR SMITH BISSET* (1854-55),

R.E. (retired), M.A., K.C.I.E., died at Hill House, Stoke Poges, Bucks, on 30th July, in his 73rd year. Like Sir James Stirling, he was an Honorary Vice-President of the Former Pupils' Club, and like Sir James, too, he took part in the celebration in 1906 of the 13th jubilee of the School.

In the course of his speech on that occasion he referred with regret to the fact that the accommodation at the School for playing games was somewhat limited, and recommended the School Board to see that the recreation ground was enlarged.

It must, therefore, have been a source of satisfaction to him to know latterly that his recommendation was being carried out, and had he lived a few weeks longer he would have learned of the completion of the New Playground Scheme.

In the same address he spoke of the need for training boys to bear arms, and expressed the hope that the School would contribute largely to the Volunteer force of Aberdeen, and establish that character of the School for patriotism which Aberdeen had always maintained.

This hope, too, has undoubtedly been fulfilled.

From the School Sir William passed to Marischal College, where he graduated M.A. in 1860, before he was 17 years old. He entered the Royal Engineers in 1863, and three years later joined the Public Works Department in India. He superintended in 1870 the survey which prepared the way for the construction of the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway. Becoming deputy consulting engineer for guaranteed railways in the Calcutta circle in 1872, he served later as manager of the Holkar State Railway, on special duty in connection with the Madras famine relief works in 1877, and then in the Afghan War, where he gained the medal and the brevet rank of Major. Thereafter to 1893 he was first manager of the Rajputana Malwa Railway, and then agent (or chief executive officer) of the Bombay, Baroda, and Central India system, with which the former line was incorporated in 1884. His combination of tact and ability took him to headquarters in 1893 to be acting Director-General of Railways, and then he succeeded to the highest post, at that time, in the Public Works Department—namely, that of Secretary to the Government of India. He filled it until 1897, when he was knighted, and returned to this country to become Government Director of Indian Railways. He retired from the India Office in 1901 on election to the chairmanship of his old company, the Bombay, Baroda, and was also chairman of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway. For many years he exercised considerable influence on fluctuating Indian railway policy.

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Memories of 1877-1882.

I entered the Grammar School in August, 1877, when the First Year Class in Latin was opened by the Rev. James W. Legge, M.A. Those were days before the division had taken place into Lower, Middle, and Upper School, or into Classical and Modern sides, there being simply five classes above the preparatory department; and the classical master who " opened " the First Year Latin Class continued to teach in their second, third, and fourth years such boys as went regularly forward. Thus, in each alternate year Mr. Legge taught the first and third classes, and his colleague, Mr. Still (" Boxer ") taught the second and fourth, with the result that my Latin teacher throughout, until I reached the Rector's class, was Mr. Legge. Indeed, it is his personality that comes back across the years most vividly of all my Grammar School preceptors. I can see yet in the eye of memory those clean-shaven and finely moulded features which made him an appropriate outward embodiment of Latin learning, and seemed ideally to harmonize with his Roman qualities of dignity, exactitude, and discipline—firm, but not unkind.

In his class-room the roll was called and answered in Latin.

We sat at almost mathematically equal distances along the benches, and speaking or whispering to a neighbour during class-work was a serious offence. There was a regular scale of penalties for lapses in duty ; and the greater the heinousness, the more the pages of the Latin grammar which fell to be transcribed. Something absolutely inevitable appeared to characterise the mode whereby, detection having overtaken a delinquent, the fitting task was imposed, its particulars registered, and its performance exacted. All was perfect and serene justice, so that no boy could reasonably complain. I never knew strictness more truly beget affection.

The most exciting moment of the week always occurred when the benches were cleared to admit the new class-order, solemnly proclaimed according to merit shown in the Latin version. A hush fell, and the interest was tense to learn whether anyone had been fortunate enough to deserve " sine errore."

With Mr. Legge we read books of Cmsar, Sallust, Livy, Ovid, and Virgil, and he also taught us Ancient History and Classical Geography. Ovid in those days impressed me more than Virgil; probably it was unfortunate to begin one's acquaintance with the A eneid through the third book—every schoolboy knows there are better books. We read the whole of the Ingarthine War of •Sallust, and I have never ceased to retain a keen sense of its descriptive power and what one might call its North African atmosphere. And, of course,

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picturesque portions of Livy like Hannibal's crossing of the Alps were unforgettable.

My class began its drill in Greek accidence with the Rector, Mr. Alexander Martin, M.A., on whose business-like Latin Grammar we had been brought up. Keen-eyed, greybearded, and of gentlemanly bearing, he inspired respect by his looks, and was a clear and forcible teacher. Before we reached the highest class he had resigned, and we completed our classical studies at School under the new Rector, Mr. James Moir, M.A., who was a good philologist and an excellent teacher of continuous Latin prose. A certain amount of Greek syntax and composition we did with Mr. George Harvey, M.A. ; and with the Rector we worked on Cicero, Livy, and Horace in Latin, and on Xenophon, Thucydides, Arrian, and Euripides in Greek. We were systematically encouraged to read large portions of prose authors at sight.

In English, which was always a favourite subject of mine, I had a succession of teachers ; first, Mr. G. P. Macdonell, M.A., whom the boys found too disdainful, and whose withering admonition " Have a care, sir! " was at least intended to dismay the turbulent; next, Mr. John Beaumont, M.A., and later, Mr. Hugh Campbell, M.A., both of whom introduced us to a fair range of literature.

This was stimulating and refreshing in days when there was too rigid an adherence to Bain's works on English, which, though furnishing good mental discipline, were calculated to train the logical rather than the aesthetic sense. The junior classes had too much mechanical analysis of sentences inflicted upon them; but doubtless a sound grasp of the structure was obtained thereby. Among the books which I can remember studying in the English classes were Palgrave's Treasury of English Song, selections from Goldsmith, Pope's Essay on Man, Stopford Brooke's English Literature, Macaulay's ('live, Milton's Areopayitica, Bacon's Essays, Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice (Hamlet and' A Midsummer-Night's Dream were represented in elocution lessons), Spenser's Modern History Faerie Queene, and Chaucer's Prologue. and Geography were taught by different English assistants, among whom was Mr. James Morison.

Many of us enjoyed very greatly and profited by our elocution lessons with Mr. Alfred Macleod ; but boys seldom fully realise how much they may be able to contribute to their own and other people's happiness, if they are trained to enunciate clearly and to read well. The Debating Society was another useful adjunct.

Arithmetic and Mathematics were under the charge of Mr. Charles Sleigh, M.A., assisted in the later part of our time Mr. Sleigh could roar in

by Mr. A. V. Lothian, M.A. tones that made the idler quake, but under a rugged exterior he had a kind heart. I shall never forget how he announced

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to us one January morning that a classmate who had sat alongside of us a few weeks before had died during the Christmas vacation. Endowed with a considerable sense of humour, which was unfailingly vented at the expense of those who produced travesties of Euclid's proofs, Mr. Sleigh was a member of a circle of contemporaries who kept up the regular perusal of Horace from their college days. He had a distinct gift for inculcating method in arithmetic and logical argument in geometry.

Modern Languages were during most of my time taught

by M. Leon Klem, who certainly struck us boys as looking foreign. My French and German were taught me privately; and I took certain extras like ornamental writing under Mr. Samuel Pope, and drawing and landscape painting under Mr. John Mitchell, which made it impossible for me to be one of M. Klem's pupils; but tales used to circulate and sounds used to emanate from the Modern Languages' room suggestive of something less than immaculate discipline and order.

M. Klem, I believe, was a Pole, and it was understood that he had wonderful stories to relate about his hairbreadth escapes in " battles long ago." One of the extra subjects which I took in my final year at School was Phonography ; and the prize which I got for a now lost expertness in shorthand is one which I still treasure, though perhaps not so dearly as that gained for painting in water-colours.

In the earlier classes, among our games were so-called " tournaments," held at " The Slopes " which existed before the ground was fully levelled on one side of the School. One boy acted as a cavalier, and another as his horse; they challenged another pair, and very thrilling contests ensued before one of the contending knights was unhorsed or his steed overthrown. Cricket and football, though not neglected, were in those days, when the Grammar School. possessed no separate recreation-ground, less amply provided for than they will be henceforth. Our gymnastic instruction was given in the Hall of the School.

Looking back across an interval of a generation—for 34 years have passed since I left the School—one can also picture in a spirit of gentle melancholy the very looks and even the peculiarities of many schoolfellows who took their part in work and play. We were all of us fortunate in having so sound and systematic a training as the Grammar School afforded ; and to me in these present days of careless handwriting and ineffective reading it appears singularly wise that time was found to foster subjects like penmanship and elocution in the School. The latter in particular is a subject about which our modern educational authorities would do well to cull useful hints from the better points in the rhetorical academies of imperial Rome.

J. WIGHT DUFF.

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From " The Grammar" to the Guns.

Formation of Group B. Men born in the year 1899 may, if they so desire, be attested in the above Group on application at any Recruiting Office. Men in the Group will not be liable for service with the Colours before they attain 18 years of age.

War Office, Aug., 1916.

No announcement made by the State can ever have interested the Grammar School so intensely as this one, which meets one's eye on every hoarding up and down the country. It is not, of course, the first pronouncement that the State has had to make to the School: many Education enactments have preceded it: but it is by far the most important pronouncement ever promulgated to pupils in the secondary schools. It marks as nothing else could do the poignant immanence of War, and pushes into the region of antiquity most of the concepts on soldiering which obtained before the never-to-be-forgotten August of 1914.

The choice of that date for the outbreak of War was Germany's ironic way of celebrating the centenary of the end of our great soldiering effort to crush Napoleon : for, though the " Local Militia," who were intended to rope in everybody under a conscriptive scheme, came to a legal end by disbandment on April 24, 1816, there had been no training of that force after July, 1813, and the Thanks of Parliament had been voted to it on July 6, 1814. The subsequent revival of Napoleonism which was crushed at Waterloo in 1815 was more or less an unforeseen spasm ; and it may be said that the history of the Services, especially of the Army, during the next century were always more or less spasms, the result of the fear or the foresight of individual politicians and patriots, which were endorsed by the Nation as a whole only now and again.

The most important of these spasms was the creation in 1859-60 of the Volunteers, largely at the suggestion of Dr. John Charles Bucknill (1817-97); but the Regular Army continued to be neglected, more or less, with spasmodic reforms in 1870, 1872, and 1881, when a return was tentatively made to the Territorial system (which is the historic basis of our land defence forces) in the latter two years.

The great point, however, to remember is that during the whole century soldiering was conditioned mainly by social, rather than material or political, conditions.

Broadly speaking, the Regular Army was composed of Lords and Labourers, the two classes at the extreme ends of the social scale, which have really far more in common with each other than either of them has with the intervening classes from which the school like the Grammar is recruited. Indeed, no one has put the case more vividly than an Old Boy, Mr.

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R. J. MacLennan, in his capital little book, " In Yon Town " .— Miss Macpherson—" It's a terrible thing aboot Mrs. Thomson's loon, isn't it ?"

Mrs. Simpson—" 0, fit wis that? I didna hear o't."

Miss Macpherson—" He's jined the sojers."

Mrs. Simpson (raising her hands heavenwards)—" Jined the sojers, has he? Eh, my good ! An' his mither will be richt pitten oot. Aye, an' this her washin' day, too. Eh my !"

When I was a boy this was the universal attitude of most people in Aberdeen, certainly of all the better-off classes, to the Regular Army. To 'list was to be lost: from which it can be understood that the Grammar School boy who " jined the sojers " in the ranks was almost unknown.

Curiously enough, however, one of my own contemporaries, William Robb Gillanders, did " jine " the Gordons, to be followed to the Engineers by his brother James, who died in South Africa ; while Janitor Duncan's boys 'listed, although their father, an ex-sergeant of the Argyll and Sutherlands, was far from keen on the step. Well-to-do lads in temporary disgrace sometimes took the shilling; but as a whole the Army was almost entirely recruited from the ranks of the manual workers, and of unskilled labour at that.

Gradually, the same fact came to condition the Volunteers.

The middle classes who first filled the ranks largely disappeared, although they supplied the loudest platform advocates of " National Service " ; and that disappearance became more marked with the introduction of the severer course of service involved by the conversion of the " Volunteers " into the " Territorial Force," a transformation very cleverly designed (as we shall yet see far more clearly) to anticipate the present state of things.

The immense change which has been effected by the Great War was brought home to me the other week as I stood at the gate of Castle Hill Barracks and watched well-dressed lads coming up with the papers that summoned them to the Colours.

When I was a boy, and for long afterwards, scarcely any civilians in the town except loafers were ever to be seen at the " Berracks." The place, indeed, stood at the very poles of everything which citizenship represented ; it was a place apart, the sanctuary of the Crown, or rather of the Queen, as contrasted with the rest of the City, where the Municipal Corporation ruled supreme. Not one citizen in a thousand had ever set foot within the square. For myself, though no " militarist," the Barracks have had a strange fascination, largely as a place of mystery with something in it of the terror conjured up to the mind of Miss Macpherson and Mrs. Simpson over the 'listing of Mrs. Thomson's loon.

I think I got my interest in soldiering from a maternal uncle,

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who had in his youth been the cynosure of a sergeant recruiting for the Blues, but he had calmed his widowed mother's disturbed soul by joining the Artillery Volunteers instead, going through life with a minute knowledge of uniform and all its idiosyncrasies, which have fascinated me ever since. Still further back, I had two paternal great granduncles in the ranks—one in the 13th Light Dragoons, who fell in the Peninsular War, and another in the Highland Light Infantry, who became famous in after life as a brass founder of Napoleonic statuettes. A Rifle Volunteer belt which my father had worn in the early years of the Volunteer movement (in the same corps as his colleague, Sir George Reid, P.R.S.A.) also gladdened my boyish eye, but my own entry into the University Battery in the 'eighties was due to none of these things, but to the persistent enthusiasm of Dr. J. H. Skeen, who came of a " Service " family.

My later interest in the " sojers " arose from my predilection for Gordon genealogy, and was pursued (as history) for years to the mild amazement of my fellow-townsmen.

The scene has changed indeed, as Glassford Bell used to say in our " reading books." Everybody in Aberdeen, town and county alike, is poignantly interested in the Gordons.

The word Gordon is graven tragically in many a civilian soul to-day, for thousands of lads have passed into the " 92nd," and hundreds of them will never return from the fields of Flanders and France, on which their predecessors won immortality more than a century ago.

True, the Tartan with the Yellow Stripe had been growing more and more familiar to Aberdonians during the past forty years, beginning with the Army Order of December 8, 1879, which put the City Rifles into scarlet doublets and Gordon trews; but the Regular and Militia battalions remained a class apart, composed of men with whom the average wellto-do citizen had no association. Of course the men who did join them were proud of the fact, coming as most of them did from a social caste that had always been used to soldiering.

I remember as if it were yesterday looking at the serried ranks of them in the window of Hardie, the photographer, in King Street, in strange juxtaposition among prize cattle and prancing stallions; loons with " quiffs " and plaids borrowed for the camera from the pipers, posing proudly with their spengies beneath their arms. As for the 3rd or Militia battalion, there were memories of clodhopper chiels from the country at the beginning of every training season, and wild scenes in the Castlegate on the night on which they were paid off after their twenty days' taste of life in King Street Barracks.

These battalions, as I have hinted, were recruited almost

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exclusively from the " common people," who were the only hereditary military class (besides the landed gentry and Service families who supplied the officers), though the grossly ignorant pessimists who worked themselves into such a state of excitement after the outbreak of the War seemed to see in the " shirkers " nothing but that very class, in cloth caps and with scarves knotted round collarless throats. In my youth the middle class had no interest whatever in Regular soldiers, and even resented the praise lavished on the Gordons after Afghanistan and Dargai as the silly effusions of " Cockney journalists." To them soldiering was more or less a piece of lazy popinjayism, and " Cockney " praise of the local regiment a thing to be discouraged; while the young man who took a commission in the Territorials was regarded as a highly possible failure in " business."

As for cadet corps, quite a large number of people were in the same boat as the greatest fire-eater in our midst to-day—I need hardly say a converted pacificist—who, as I happen to know, had to be pleaded with by his wife to allow his son to join the corps of his school in Kent. The Boys' Brigade and the Scout movement were beginning to change that, but their success depended largely on the elimination of the military element.

Under the grim necessity of war all that changed for the moment, though we may veer back to the situation which followed our great military activity of 1757-1816, for we have never accepted the doctrine of militarism, and are never likely to do so, despite all the political " patriots."

For the moment, it is enough, in all conscience, to note that Grammar School boys who in the early part of 1914 were thinking of enrolling themselves at the age of seventeen as students of Arts must now become students of Arms. In 1914 they hoped to join the Group of Bursars.

To-day they must join Group B. In 1914 the hope was for a Scarlet Gown; in 1916 it is a Scarlet tunic, or rather its drab substitute, the khaki of war time. No Grammar School boy of to-day will ever forget the Gordons.

That is a transformation for you, fraught with many consequences which are still far from clear.

J. M. BULLOCH. (1877-80.)

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Ten Weeks with the Gordons at the Front.

Extracts from a Captain's Diary.

A member of the F.P. Club who during the spring of this year served at the Front with a Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, has kindly placed at our disposal the intimate narrative of his experiences which he wrote from day to day. It is much too long to reproduce completely, but the portion now printed gives a vivid picture of his life in France, and at the same time supplies many details which are lacking in official or semi-official descriptive reports.

Going up the Line.

Southampton, 3rd March.—We have just arrived here and reported at the Embarkation Office. We sail to-night about midnight. It rained and snowed all the way down, and does not promise a cheery crossing.

Base Camp, 5th March.—We have got other two stages on our lengthy journey now. It seems lengthy because of the time we take, not because of its distance. We are sent from one officer to another to report, like animated parcels.

In train on the way up the Line, 9th March.—We got our movement orders very quickly. Yesterday I was on parade [at the Base Camp] as usual till 12.30. I had just sat down in the Mess when the orderly came in with orders for myself We had to go to the M.O. [Medical and three others.

Officer] at once for examination, and have our valises packed and before the orderly room at 1.30. It was then ten minutes to 1, so we had to scurry. We ran over to the orchard where the M.O. has his hut. He asked a series of very personal, not to say impertinent, questions. He passed me all right, and then I scurried to my tent. We set out at 2.45 to go to the train. We arrived at 3.30 and were due to leave at 4.30, but had plenty to do. We went to a Y.M.C.A. hut, where some nice ladies gave us tea and a parcel for refreshment on the way. The four of us got one compartment, and then we drew rations. It was a very long train, and as we went round a curve near the station, it made a semi-circle.

It soon got dark, and we began to feed at seven, after which we composed ourselves to sleep. There was a keen frost, and I have seldom passed a more unpleasant night. I was cold to the bone. The kilt is a rotten dress for travelling in.

My legs were frozen till I stripped the cushion of a sort of antimacassar and whipped it round my knees. Then my feet grew frozen, and I could not get them warm. We halted often, and I occasionally got out and marked time to restore the circulation. About 4.30 a.m. an R.T.O. came along with a lantern, climbed up to us, and told us we were to halt here till 9.30, and we would get out after 6.30 and get breakfast

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at the hotel. I was glad when the hour came and we could go out. We were shunted on to a huge siding, where there were countless lines and trains standing. We walked across lines to the place indicated, dodged trains, and reached the Hotel de la Gare, where we got omelettes, coffee and bread, and a wash.

This warmed me up, and I felt all right.

When we returned we found we had to change trains. We got only 2nd class this time, and they were very filthy. We have been doddering along ever since 9. Just as I am writing an aeroplane has come in sight, so we are nearing the Front evidently.

Joining the Battalion.

10th March.—I have had a lot of moving about since I wrote the last bit. We were turned out of the train about 1.30 at a very small village.

There they did not know where our Division was or what to do with us. The R.T.O. telephoned somewhere and said the Division was sending a bus for us, but he did not know where it was—that it might not arrive till 10, but to come back about 6 on chance. He directed us to an inn about a mile away. We walked there and through the village. About 5.30 we got back to our station. No news, so we settled into the rickety little waiting room. We had scarcely composed ourselves for slumber when the R.T.O. rapped on the window and told us our bus had come. It was one of the London Omnibus 'Co.—a huge affair. We bundled our traps into it, a party of Tommies got on top, and we bowled away.

After driving about twenty minutes we got to a large village full of Highlanders.

Off again, quite dark now and very cold. Then another village, even larger, also full of our fellows. We dropped some of the Tommies here, and on we went.

We were stopped at a level crossing, and then the driver found we were on the wrong road, and we turned back and off in a new direction. This happened all along. Our men did not know the way, and stopped everyone they met to ask. We went on for hours—five in all—till I got my objective. The bus stopped on a steep hill, and we got out to reconnoitre, and found a red lamp above two large gates. This meant Brigade H.Q., so we went in to report. The Staff Captains put us right. The Brigadier was very affable, and asked me in to have a whisky, which was very acceptable.

He was discussing with a French officer the trenches which, it appears, our Brigade takes over to-night. We are only three miles behind the lines here, but I have not heard the guns yet.

However, to return to my journey.

It was after 12.30 when I got to the Battalion H.Q., about two miles from the Brigade H.Q. Everyone was asleep, of course. Ultimately I got the Adjutant's bedroom and woke him up. He told me to sleep on the mess-room floor downstairs.

It was a

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decent little house, so I got the orderly I had waked up to light a fire, and I unrolled my valise and got to bed. I was dressed and packed when the others came down to breakfast at 8. I saw Gillies and Brander. The former had arrived the day before, and had to march 16 miles with the Battalion yesterday. I have reported, but have heard nothing as to what is to happen to me. The Battalion H.Q. here is in a broken-down little byre with a kilt apron hung over the top half of the door to keep out the draught, and a fine dung-hill just close to it. Preparations for going into the trenches are going on, and I am writing in the little sitting-room where arrangements are being discussed.

We are to be in the trenches 12 days—six in support first, then six in the firing line.

Into the Trenches.

11th March.—Yesterday afternoon the C.O. told me I was to be attached to " D " Company for instruction, and would act as second in command meantime. I was to march off the Company into the trenches. In the afternoon I took a walk along the route we were to travel at night, so as to be able to recognise it. The companies were to parade at quarter-hour intervals. One officer per company had gone up to the trenches the night before to see what they were like, where the companies were to be stationed, and many other things. During our walk in the afternoon the guns were very active on our left. It seemed all to come from our side. Troops were moving continually along the road in small bodies, both French, with their nice blue tin helmets, and our own. When we returned, I came across a French officer on the staff of the Brigade we were relieving. He told us all about our front. After he left, the C.O. gave us all instructions as to where to go and what to do. At 8.20 we moved off, walking slowly because the men were carrying a lot, and arrived at our rendezvous in time. We were met by a bunch of guides—French, of course, but most talked English quite well. We explained who we were, and where we were going. Ultimately one man moved off with us, and another took our transport by a different route. We went on to a gloomy-looking upland region with rows of halfdemolished trees, and old trenches all round. We went for about two kilometres, and then reached a village which had been smashed to pieces. On going through it, we got on a pathway where a little tramway ran. After a kilometre of this, we came to an open space on the main road, up to which the transport came. There we had to go underground into the boyau, or communication trench. The trench was about 4 or 5 feet over our heads. For the first 50 yards the going was bad, but then we got on to trench boards and it was all right, only a little slippery. While we were outside,

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Very lights were going on both sides and lit up the place at times most brilliantly. About 500 yards along the C.T. I met M`Ii. at a cross-roads, which was our destination. He told me to come into his dug-out. I expected to crawl into a hole, but to my pleased surprise walked through a vestibule about 4 feet wide into an apartment 25 feet long by 10 feet broad at least, bunks in each end and a table in the centre, with a form and three veritable chairs. There was a coke brazier in the doorway, and two candles on the table lit up the scene. It was delightfully warm, but the fumes of the coke got one by the throat after a while, and became too oppressive. I slept well on my bunk. I woke early however, being too cold to sleep more, and putting on gumboots, went to explore about 6.30. Our trench is dug in the face of a ridge, and is very deep, about 20 feet in front. It is all laid with trench boards. The place fias plenty of mice, which spent part of the night eating my chocolate.

Two cats looked in in the morning and hunted about, but we have not seen them since. The mice run on the table under our noses. The country outside is full of rats. One could see them everywhere as we came up at night.

12th March.—Last night was quiet. We had out various fatigue parties. One, under Dunn, went to take a trench mortar up to the front line, as they have been bothered by the enemy with one there, and the only way to silence brother Boche is to give him two for one, which they are to do. I slept well, but was awakened about 4 a.m. by firing.

At 10 AUK. and I started off to explore with Geddes, who is a bombing officer. We had some trouble in getting our first destination, which was an S.T. [Support Trench], where we may go to-morrow. We next set out for the F.T. [Front Trench], along a C.T. [Communication Trench] which was being repaired. It was very narrow, not more than 2i ft.

The going was awful, knee deep in mud. My gumboots nearly came off every step we walked. It was warm, and as I had on a waterproof and my equipment, I was hot I can tell you. At one point we heard people approaching, who turned out to be an officer and his orderly. No one must go alone here, that is the rule. He told us we were in his S.T., and took us along to the front line. It was not an inviting place—mud awful, fire-steps broken, and the parapets were so low that the men crouch against them.

The enemy were about 100 yards away, the white lines of their trenches being very clear. I had peeps now and again through periscopes and loopholes, but, of course, did not see anyone. The C.T. we returned by is so bad that they are not allowed to work in it by day. We went out a sap very cautiously within 40 yards of the Boches, but heard nothing.

We have now got steel helmets to wear, flat pans like Mambrino's helmet, painted dark green. Hitherto I have

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been wearing the tammy, or Balmoral, as it is called. Most officers go about here without belts, the only equipment which must be worn at all times is the gas helmet, and a revolver if one goes in the firing line.

The Fascinating Aeroplane.

13th March.—This morning was very dull and misty, but the sun soon dispersed the mist, and it has been a lovely day. In the forenoon I went with Dunn and another to visit the battalion on our left, and incidentally to find my way about. One needs to know these subterranean passages, or one will soon get lost. Their line was only some 40 to 50 yards from the Boche, and one sap runs up to 10 yards. In the afternoon all " D " Company officers went off to inspect again the trench we are to take over. It is certainly better than the one I saw in the morning. Several aeroplanes came over, but very high up, the smoke puffs of the anti-aircraft shells go all round them but never seem to hit. It is a fascinating thing to watch the 'plane and the puffs of smoke following it. One that went over just now must have had at least 100 shells fired at it, and yet it sailed home unscathed.

One cannot settle down to write for watching this spectacle repeated over and over again. The duties of second in command here are not arduous, so I can spend most of my time sight-seeing, so to speak.

14th March.—About 9 a.m. the Boche gave us a regular morning " hate." We had a fine view of it from the top of our staircase. He sent over big stuff, 8 or 9 in., and a lot of it burst within about 200 yards of us, throwing up great clouds of black smoke. There• were also pip squeaks, i.e. smaller shells and shrapnel. They screamed, hissed, and rumbled right over us for an hour. Dunn has come back this moment and tells us that the colonel of the battalion in the trenches we are going to has just been killed, bit in • the head by a sniper. They met the stretcher party carrying him back.

1.15 .m.—M`K. and I were lunching in our D.O. [Dug-outf when there was a shout outside and someone said an aerop ane was down. We rushed out and up the stair along with a lot of others, and fixed our eyes on the smoke puffs, and in a little one could distinguish a 'plane like a I am great gull falling slowly, turning over and over. afraid it must have been ours, as it was well over the German lines.

15th March.—This morning M'IC. and I went along the trench to H.Q. It is a lengthy journey, part of it through a ruined village. I looked up Sleigh in his D.O. It is a. very small place. I also looked up Gillies and Brander, who have a comfortable place, with a door with a glass front.

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While I was talking there with them, there were several shells landed quite near.

While sitting on the top of my D.O. steps, some New Zealanders came past, and I had a long chat with one of them.

They are Engineers, and are here to do mining.

They gave us the pleasant news that the enemy have a mine a long way towards us. They had been on top of it in a countershaft, and their object is to blow it in. This should lend a certain liveliness to the front, if it comes off.

16th March.—We are busy getting ready for the relief, which is to take place at 7 to-night. We have had visits from the officers who are to come into our quarters from the front. At this game we play Box and Cox all the time with another battalion. They hold the line while we rest, and vice versa. We have told them about our quarters, the habits of our mice, etc., and they tell us about the habits of the Boche on our front, about the saps, and the mine crater.

We are dependent for our comfort a great deal on our servants. They cook for us, inter alia, and their efforts are very well intentioned but not always so successful as they deserve to be. We eat everything with the same knife and fork, and afterwards butter and jam our bread with the knife. It does not make much difference. If you want to stir your tea, you do it with your knife.

I do hate this kilt. I never seem warm in it, and would like to sit on a brazier all day and night. The cold in my legs wakes me up every night.

•

In the Firing Line.

17th March.—Well, I have had one night in the Firing Line, and it is an experience I shall remember on account of the weariness and discomfort of it.

It would take a more eloquent pen than mine to do full justice to these discomforts. The relief was accomplished, the sentry groups were posted as we went along, and after that was done I went along to report. Then work was organised. The saps were strengthened, and the parapet commenced at both ends.

The men worked well and built in a very large number of sandbags during the night. One could see very little as one peered over the parapet, and the enemy did not seem to be out.

There was some _desultory firing, and one burst of rapid fire, which gave one rather a start, coming suddenly.

It was a still night, and one wandered round the working parties and sentries, and at intervals sat on a fire-step and rested. It is tiring walking in the dark over slippery trench planks, many of which have gone off the level. Stand-to is 5 to 6 a.m., and all are out and ready to man the parapet.

At 5.30 we turned in and slept till 10. There is a most curious hammering noise to be heard underground when one

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lies on the ground. I am sure it is a mine going on, but WK. treats it rather lightly.

R. has one of the best jobs here. He is a sniper officer, and " snoops " about with his crowd of miscreants, watching for spots to waylay the incautious Hun. He is on his own hook. I spent a good deal of the day looking over the Hun lines through a periscope. 1 saw my first Hun, but he was fully half a mile away, and I would not recognise him if I saw him again.

"Mine? Yes, a Mine!"

18th March.—We had rather a quaint time last night.

Our report about the mysterious noise in our D.O. was evidently taken notice of, and a mining engineer from the Antipodes turned up and said he had come to investigate. I told him to go into M`R.'s bed, lie down, and listen. He did so and I read " Truth." We were thus disposed when Gillies and Ma. came in. They were silent as mice, and we all sat dumb and motionless, smoking and listening with might and main. I began to think our R.E. captain had fallen asleep, when his subaltern arrived. He thought he would hear better if he lay on the ground, so he stretched out and laid an eager ear on our earthy floor, and so we sat.

It seemed most comical. The N.Z. men were tough-looking nuts. They looked as if they had seen a lot of the world and plenty of work. I felt great confidence in them. At last they heard it, and then there was considerable debate.

The sub. was sure it was a drill. The captain would not commit himself, agreed it sounded like it, but it had too wide a sweep. Ultimately they arranged to come back in the daytime, and bring what they always referred to as This turned out to be a microphone. " the Machine."

When I turned in I heard the sound again most distinctly.

It resembled the noise of boring metal with a brace—at least I think that is what it is called.

Last night it was very lively. The battalion on our right arranged to let all their Lewis guns off at 9.30, so we went down to the firing line to hear the display. It came off all right, but invoked a most tremendous reply, which kept up the firing till daybreak. While WIC. and I made our way along to our left, like a thunder clap came the machine guns.

The bullets seemed close over our heads, cracking like giantwhips. We down on our knees on the mud till the storm passed. Our physical attitude was devotional, but our mental was anything but that. The Boche had been thoroughly roused, and shot at us without intermission.

Later we heard that the burst of fire had been more deadly than. we thought, and that two cyclist officers who were superintending work in the C.T. close behind us had been hit, and one killed. It was my spell of duty till 6 a.m., and at

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every dangerous corner the bullets cracked close overhead.

It was very brilliant moonlight, and it glittered on the top of our helmets, so I have no doubt they saw us turning the corners.

19th March.—Another Engineer turned up yesterday afternoon to listen. He played bridge with M'K. and me and the Trench Mortar man, and so heard nothing in spite of " the Machine."

He returned later and heard it all right. He is sure it is a drill, and was much excited, and crawled all over our floor with his ear on the ground.

Out of the Firing Line.

20th March.—We have now come out of the firing line, and are much more comfortably ensconced at the second support line. It is a great relief to be able to walk about without dodging round corners to escape view from Bocheland, and one can rest. The D.O. is excellent. Even my war-worn Captain with all his experience has never seen its equal, and positively raves about it. There is nothing to do here during the day, so I explored some of the trenches on our right.

23rd March.—We are back now in billets.

The four officers of " D " Company get a small room to sleep and eat in. There are four so-called beds or pallets in it.

Mine luckily was very comfortable, and I slept very well. There is nothing doing to-day, but resting and cleaning up.

28th March.—Well, our six days' rest has come all too quickly to an end, and we are back in the trenches again.

Trench Mortars and Bombs.

1st April.—I put our trench mortar men into action in retaliation for a rifle grenade which came our way. They were delighted to oblige, as they are not allowed to fire until ordered by the officer in charge of the sector. Their weapon is very formidable. The bomb is like a " soccer " football, with a steel stem on it of 2 inches diameter. It is for all the world like a poppy seed vesicle on a stalk. It " popped off " behind the German lines, and I watched results through a periscope. You can follow its flight all the way. We had three shots, and they all seemed to land in the enemy support line. The resulting explosion was splendid, and the noise tremendous even at our distance, 600 yards off. " That'll learn them."

8th April.-It has been a lovely day, but now that the shades of night are falling, it begins to get chilly. We use our old newspapers as tablecloths here, and when conversation flags, as it does very often in our mess, we read paragraphs as we eat.

If one looks up, one sees three necks screwed at different angles reading pars. at right angles to

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the line of sight, or even upside down. One often hits on notable pieces of news this way.

Shelling and Being Shelled.

9th April.—Last night our artillery had a great " strafe " from 8 to 8.30. Begg and I went out to see it. It was quite a sight. It looks finer at night. We could see the flashes as the shells burst over the Hun lines, and hear the tremendous " dunts " of the high explosive. The big trench mortar bombs left a trail of sparks behind, like a rocket, and came down with a terrific roar.

One demonstrative battery behind us fired salvoes, i.e. all the guns at once, and the noise was deafening. All through we could hear the rat-a-tat of the machine guns.

When two or three go together it is like the noise of rushing water, and the stream of bullets must be tremendous.

10th April.—This morning we were shelled more than we have yet been, and I put this down to the fact that a pioneer battalion which is working here threw up the earth too freely on the parapet. Major WK. and Gillies were with me, and I was showing them some new dug-outs when a shell whizzed over and burst ten feet before me. We all flopped into the bottom of the trench, and other two came instantly and banged close at hand. The inspection came to an abrupt close, and we crept back to the fire trench. We went further along on another inspection when other three came close over in rapid succession, and the smell of the explosion was all round us.

There was more banging as I approached my hole, and when I got there I found a shell had come right down in the trench two yards from my entrance and torn down the parados. Simpson and four men were near enough.

One shell burst just overhead, and he and three of the men crawled down the stairs just in time. The fourth man had time to lie down on the floor of the trench. He had a close shave. I did not like the subterranean abodes at first, but after a forenoon like this, I appreciate their good points. I deeply sympathise with the feelings of the hunted rabbit now.

26th April.—To-night about six began the worst " strafe " we have yet had. It commenced with trench mortars, which went on for half an hour or more. Several of us were watching together when all of a sudden a blast of shrapnel came over close above us, and burst not far away.

I ordered everyone downstairs, and another blast came over closer just as we were getting down. It went on for nearly an hour.

Every other minute there was a salvo, and the flashes glared down the dug-out. When the shelling ceased, I went round to see what damage had been done. The trenches were hit in dozens of places, and knocked in at many points. The men I found very cheery, but glad, naturally, it was over.

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28th April.—We scored by getting out yesterday, for our successors came in for a very heavy " rammie," i.e. row; five mines were blown up about 2 a.m. I had been asleep, but was wakened probably by the shock, which made the dug-outs rock. Then the artillery broke out in full blast everywhere. There was a fiendish row, which went on for two hours. When I got out about in the morning, I obtained particulars. The company which took our place had been heavily shelled, and had eleven men hurt: several with legs broken, but none killed.

Aeroplanes Brought Down.

30th April.—Yesterday and to-day have been days of broiling heat.

Moving about the trenches with a heavy revolver on one's belt and a heavy gas helmet on one's back is quite tiring. I am glad to get back to the coolness of my dug-out. At night I am too hot, sleeping in my clothes.

Luckily we are in reserve, and have little to do.

Yesterday forenoon an aeroplane was brought down about two miles behind us. I saw the beginning of its flight. I • thought it was a very steep volplane at first, but lost sight of it—the trench sides are very high here. It was a Hun all right, and had two men in it, who were in the expressive French term icrases. Another was brought down also, but fell in their own lines.

1st May.—Weather lovely. Little doing here but sitting in the mouth of our dug-out and getting the sun. The Huns have put a big poster out in front of their lines saying :— " gut-el-Amara fallen; 3000 prisoners."

It is very conspicuous. It is a bad affair that, and will hearten them up a lot. H. and I went forward after tea to read it, and could do so easily with my glasses. On returning, we heard a most peculiar noise like a train whistle when it enters a tunnel, but very prolonged.

I suggested it was a gas cylinder escaping, and when we got back we heard that gas was signalled from a sector on our right. I scrambled up the bank in front, and saw a cloud just behind the noticeboard, and several of our shells bursting over it. The wind seemed all wrong, and it did not look to me like gas, as it was rising too much. However, we are all ready.

4th May.—This morning as I was conducting my toilette operations, Gillies came up. As we were talking, a fleet of six 'planes came overhead. They were huge battle 'planes, and went over to the Hun lines.

They encountered a tempest of shells, but seemed to regard these with contempt, for they never altered their flight.

6th May.—At stand-to, we had twenty-nine mortar bombs, as counted by a sentry, and along with them, four salvoes of shrapnel. The former fell between the trenches,

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and the latter were just over us. I got our trench mortar to reply. He gave them five, and our artillery did a little, and peace followed. Altogether, the Hun must have put over 100 mortar bombs, and at least as many shells, in our little holding to-day. Casualties nil, unless he slew any of our rats. Moral and intellectual damage, nil also. The only effect is to hearten up our new recruits, who are much interested.

In Hospital.

12th May.—We were relieved two days ago, and are now back at rest. We were all glad to get back, as we had had a pretty bad time, and these mortars are rather unnerving.

Our big mortar stops them for a time, and they are usually silent for an hour or so, but always begin again.

The weather has been good, and I shall do more walking than last time. Littlejohn and I walked for three hours to-day, and visited several villages near. The fields are green now, and people labouring in them everywhere. Some of the winter wheat is about two feet high, and pink chestnut trees, lilacs, and may are in full blossom. There was a sausage balloon up aloft, and a few 'planes, but otherwise little sign of war.

18th May.—Well, I have had my first experience of a hospital. The motor ambulance soon trundled me back the six miles from our base to the field ambulance. I found that the man in charge was Colonel Robertson, sometime doctor in Albyn Place. I had tea with the doctors, and was then sent to bed. The ward was nice, airy and clean, and the fresh air was delightful after the stuffy dug-outs. This morning, the Major came to see us, and told us we had to go back another stage, and the motor would be waiting for us at 10, so we are now shaven, and dressed ready to go. Just after 10 we mounted our motor. Prosser, who is Quartermaster of this unit, came along to see us before then. We trundled along the crowded roads, seeing quantities of huge wagons unloading on the roadside, and food being sorted out there.

Motors full of fortunate officers dashed past. It was very The pleasant, and I could have done with more of it.

Hospital is at one of the large villages. It was thronged with troops and French people. We were sent to a hospice which I take to be a Poorhouse, and are domiciled in a wooden hut in the front garden. There are 14 beds—with sheets ! We have indeed got to the back of the Front. The doctor said I had probably trench fever, but to stay up for lunch, and go to bed after. There are nurses—also another evidence of returning civilisation. One is going round distributing sweets now—rather a pretty one, too! Have seen nothing for ages but these terrible old French women.

J. H.

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Basra.

[From the " home " letter of an F.P. now on active service.]

From the onlooker's view the place is one of immense interest. It is a living Arabian night—it is life ! Let me take one example only—the people. Never, since the original cleavage among mankind at Babel, has there gathered a crowd so diverse in accent, and never was raiment so variegated in shape and line, ever seen on the plains of Shinar. These jostle one another in an unending procession along the dusty quays and wharves and "bunds." "Christiehatted " orientals of all degrees: topees, straw hats, turbans, skull caps, tarbushes, the nagal and kefih of the Arab and the elongated felt coal-scuttle of the Lur or Kurd ; Bushiri coolies, Bakhtiari in tight-fitting English frock coat and with bare feet, a Bengali in his dhoti, a Madrassi servant with rings in his ears, Tommies, Jack Tars, coal-black Arabs, issue of the slave trade, Seyyids—descendants of Ali, Armenians, Zanzibaris, Swahilis, Greeks, Jews of all countries—especially from Bagdad, Christians innumerable, Sabaeans, Chaldeans, Nestorians, Jacobites, Lascars from all the coasts of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, and every imaginable breed of Sepoy from the Konkan Mahratta to the Gurungs of Nepal, from the Usutzai to the wiry little Miras of the Mhairwara Hills, and probably heaps of others !

It is life ! Every Eastern custom is seen, uninterrupted by the passage of centuries and civilization. And yet, the place is an Elysium thinly partitioned from Tartarus! As the Arabs say, the date-palm has its feet in water and its head in Hell! Yet there is a certain lushness here, and some exotic beauty.

The humid atmosphere, too, engenders a lotus-eating, detached, philosophic attitude of mind which, unfortunately, cannot be indulged in. There is work to be done. There is no freshness in the dawn, and the very air seems to sweat. You have no energy, and little will power.

The ships in the stream are as hybrid-looking a lot as the people on shore. But amidst them all—Royal Navy, Merchant Service, Royal Indian Marine, smaller craft, and the humbler and picturesque native ships—the " bellum " and the graceful " mahaila "—there is one small vessel to which a Tommy will always take off his hat. She used to lie snugly against the steps under London Bridge. For a penny she would take you to Westminster or the Tower, and now, like others which are " doing their bit," she has come to the Shatt-al-Arab under her own steam. One of the Thames, steamers ! Home !

H. T. F.

Aberdeen

Grammar School Magazine.

67

With a Trench Mortar Battery.

Second Lieutenant JAMES WALTER STEWART THOMSON • (1904-14), who is with a Trench Mortar Battery attached to an Infantry Brigade in France recently wrote as follows to one of the Masters of the School:— " I have often intended to write to you during the past year, but •I always was a procrastinator, and so I have delayed till now. In these twelve months, which, by the way, seem to me more like twelve years, I have seen most parts of I spent some months in the the ' far-flung battle line.' immediate neighbourhood of that wonderful town Ypres, beautiful and majestic even in ruins. Then I spent many months near Arras, and was through a fair part of the titanic struggle for the ' Bois des Foureaux.' All this is ancient history, and as I do not intend to refer to my present whereabouts, I hope the Censor will pass it. " I have only been away from the Battalion on this new job for about a month, but I have ' strafed ' the Boche quite a lot already. I will attempt to describe a small ' strafe' on the Hun trenches. " In the morning we all synchronize our watches and register our respective targets. The time creeps on, and we Five have a last look at our mortars and ammunition. minutes—four minutes—' Is your gun all ready, Corporal? ' —` O.B., sir.'—One minute—' No. 1 gun fire.' At first you can pick out the different guns. The sharp shriek of the field guns, the hoarse cough of the ' hows.,' the hollow wail of the mortars, and the sharp, staccato `rat-a-tat ' of the machine guns. You take a look over the parapet. The darkness of night is illuminated by myriads of Hun star-shells, then, suddenly, there is a swish, and a red rocket leaves the Boche trench. Then another, yet another. A dull insistent roar comes from behind his lines, and then look-out for retaliation.

Weary Willies,' ' Whizz-Bangs,' Minnies,' Pineapples,' and other little pets come romping over, but the shooting is often wild. Then, quite suddenly there is quiet once more, and only a few star-shells break the sulphurous haze over ' No Man's Land.' For all this whirlwind of shrieking projectiles, you see something like this in the next communiqué There were reciprocal artillery duels in the sector north of last night. Considerable damage was done to the enemy front line system.' " Oh well, ' c'est la guerre,' but I shouldn't mind being back in your class reading Eisenhans, or reciting ` La fourmi (wilt chana,' etc. Graham Simpson, Ronald Brander, and others unite in kind regards to the staff."

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Opening of the New Playfield.

Saturday, 16th September, 1916, was a red-letter day in the history of the School, for on it the dream of our fathers and even of our grandfathers became a reality. The generations that from the 'Seventies have sighed for the acquisition of a playing-field worthy of a school such as ours at last had their wishes gratified. Their hopes had been so long deferred that they had begun to abandon all hope, in spite of encouraging speeches at many successive Prize Days.

But it was well worth waiting, for we now find ourselves in possession of the largest school-field in Scotland—twelve acres in extent.

The opening ceremony was in many respects worthy of the occasion, and the delightful weather contributed in great measure to the success of the day's proceedings. The beautiful sylvan scene to the west, still in full summer garb, lit up by the bright rays of the sun, formed a fine setting to the spacious and beautifully laid-out grounds. At the principal entrance in Harlaw Road flaunted, as was most appropriate, the banner of Saint Andrew of Scotland—symbol as well of our ally of Russia. At another gate flew the flags of France and Belgium, while in the centre of the field was displayed the flag of our common heritage—the Union Jack.

By way of vivid contrast we thought of our silent School Hall, where droops the flag with the double-headed eagle, captured in Togoland—first of the conquered colonies of Germany.

To those with the inner vision, the day was memorable as being the apotheosis of the athletic spirit which has always pervaded our School.

As evidence of this spirit we have only to look at the case of historic silver medals presented for excellence in archery in the Seventeenth Century. No other school in Scotland, and only one University—St. Andrews—can show such a record. And, strolling along the corridor of our School, who in these days of war can gaze unmoved on the photographs of the Cricket XI.'s or the Rugby XV.'s of the past twenty years? For almost everyone in the groups is serving his country. It stirs one like a glorious roll of drums. And. over the names of so many we wreathe with proud sorrow, Mortui pro Patric.

How small, how miserably small a thing in comparison seem all academic distinctions. Arma virumque canamus.

We paint the names of our intellectuals on the walls of our Hall.

What shall we do for the names of our military heroes? Praemia Mars ultor rapuit sacrata Menervae. On that Saturday, though we looked with admiring eyes on the teams of fleet young athletes in all their grace of boyhood, our thoughts went out in sympathetic waves to those happy

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

69

warriors who graced our fields in days not long gone by. In smiling ranks, group after group, they defiled before us, past the saluting point of happy memories. And the eye of fancy saw those others, that cloud of witnesses, who in their day ran the race, now gazing on their successors pressing onward to the mark.

Such reveries, however, were rudely shattered by the crash of military music.

The band of the Gordon Highlanders had taken its place in the centre of the field. But where were the pipers and drummers with their music so dear to every Scottish heart? This was the one thing lacking.

Naval and military uniforms of all ranks mingled with the gay colours of the dresses of our mothers, cousins, and aunts.

Captain Hunter of the Headquarters Staff, Home Forces, very obligingly acted as time-keeper on the Saturday. He was in business at Lodz before the War broke out, but at once offered his services in this country. We remember well when he first came to the School from abroad, with an imperfect knowledge of the English language, but with a most engaging smile.

It was a pleasure, too, to see Mr. C. W. Sleigh, of Strichen, a noted athlete in the School during the early 'Eighties—when there were giants in the land—and to observe that the athletic mantle of the father had fallen on the sons. Many naval and military convalescents from the hospitals were present at the Sports. Our genial F.P., Mr. Harry Holmes, had, with his usual generosity, brought them all up in motor oars, and they were well entertained during the afternoon, and given the seats of honour.

The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. Cruickshank, wife of Mr. A. T. Cruickshank, Convener of the Higher Education Committee of the Aberdeen School Board.

The School owes much to Mr. Cruickshank's untiring energy in carrying the scheme through. Indeed, to him and to the late Mr. James Esslemont it owes more than can be here set down.

The platform party comprised Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Cruickshank, Lord Provost Taggart, ex-Lord Provost Maitland, Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson, Mr. George Mackenzie, vicechairman of the School Board ; Mr. J. Carle, Mrs. Watson, Mr. D. L. Crombie, Colonel the Rev. James Smith, and Mr. Alfred Beaumont, members of the Board ; Mr. Thomas Hector, clerk of the Board ; Mr. J. M. Wattie, H.M. Chief Inspector of Schools ; Principal Iverach, United Free Church College; Professor Stalker, Professor Davidson, Rev. George Bartlet, and Mr. J. W. Milne, secretary of the Former Pupils' Club. Others present were the whole teaching staff of the School, Mrs. James Esslemont, widow of the late President of the F.P. Club ; Mr. Stodart M. Chrystall, interim secretary of the Club ; Mr. Theodore Watt,

70

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Sheriff Young, Professor A. R. Gordon, Montreal; Mr. John Clarke, Chanonry; Miss Ward, headmistress, High School for Girls; Mr. C. J. Davidson, advocate, of the Playfield Committee; Mr. A. Duffus, advocate; Rev. G. H. Donald, Rev. Robert Semple, Mr. Ralph C. Cowper, Dr. T. Wemyss Fulton, Mr. W. Maxwell, Mr. R. B. Finlayson, Mr. W. Keith Leask, Mr. J. Minto Robertson, Turriff; Naval Cadet Alexander Sands; Lieutenant John Clyne, M.C. The School Board, Grammar School, and civic representatives assembled at the entrance to the cricket pitch, where Dr. Morland Simpson invited Mrs. Cruickshank to perform the opening ceremony. A ribbon was cut, amid applause, and Dr. Simpson then presented Mrs. Cruickshank with the silver scissors which she had used. Mr. Cruickshank made a presentation to Mrs. James Esslemont, which took the form of a luminous clock. Both the scissors and the clock had the same inscription—" Opening of A.G.S. Playfield, 16th September, 1916."

The party then went to the platform, where Mr. Cruickshank delivered a short address. He said that the Grammar School, with its 600 or 700 years of history, had had many epoch-making days, but that ceremony was just as important as any that had ever taken place. They owed, in a large measure, to the Former Pupils' Club the field in which they were met. They owed it, in a particularly large measure, to the President of the Club, the late Mr. James Esslemont, who had taken an extraordinarily keen interest in the movement which led to the acquisition of the field. With all these, there was one body, sometimes a little overlooked, without which he was certain the field would never have been there—the School Board. (Laughter and applause.)

When the field was being laid down he was almost afraid at its extent, but those who came after them would look back upon its acquisition as something to the credit of the School Board of 1913. The facilities for games in the Grammar School had been restricted, but now for the first time in its history full justice would be done to them. One thing which had given a great deal of trouble had been the finding of a suitable name for the playfield. He believed the boys would call it " The Bleacher," which was not a particularly dignified name. He was afraid that unless something better could be devised that name would stick to it. The field would play a very important part in equipping the sons of the city who attended the Grammar School, and an important part, through them, in building up the Empire. It was with that object that those responsible had set themselves to prepare it, and he had the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the School Board and of the Higher Education Committee, in placing the field at the disposal of the School and its pupils. (Applause.)

Aberdeen Grammar Schaal Magazine.

71

i

/, i/

On looking into back numbers of the Magazine, we find that it becomes an editor, entering on office for the first time, to exhort his fellows to work hard during the new session.

Far be it from us to let this laudable custom fall into abeyance. We should therefore advise juniors to follow the example of the hard-working, persevering members of the Upper School, who have resolved to spend every available minute in working harder than ever. Such resolutions, it is true, are made every year. We trust, however, that the results of the Christmas examinations, " Leavings " and " Bursary Competition " will be as satisfactory as in former years, and that the School will now, as ever, prove worthy of her sons on active service.

The meetings for the election of office-bearers in the various School organisations were much better attended this year, a fact which bodes well for their success. The Literary and Debating Society has arranged, for the coming season, a particularly fine syllabus, which is bound to appeal to one and all by reason of its diversity. Tickets can be obtained for the modest amount of one shilling from the members of comThe " Debater " mittee or the office-bearers themselves. should come as a welcome relief to those unfortunate youths who, during school-hours, wish to deliver an oration before their friends, but unfortunately cannot. All that is necessary now to ensure a record season is the liberal support of a large and enthusiastic audience.

We are pleased, also, to note an increase in the membership of the School Library, and have no doubt that this gratifying result has been brought about almost solely by the praiseworthy pertinacity of those in charge of affairs in that quarter. Not to be a member of the Library is equivalent to starving oneself, and, from all appearances, our juniors do not seem to have that failing. Accordingly, many of them have straightway become members; and this is where they can show the seniors a thing or two.

72

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

This year our Athletic Sports took place on Friday and Saturday, the 15th and 16th September, when we were favoured, mirabile dictu, with good weather, although a little rain did fall on the first day. The Sports this year were held in our splendid New Field which was publicly opened on the Saturday, the opening ceremony being admirably performed by Mrs. A. T. Cruickshank, assisted by Lord Provost Taggart. There were even larger crowds than have of recent years been present, and the Sports were if anything more interesting than before, because of the new ground. tfl,

Al;

•

Many there were who deplored the absence of that " greasy board " which was wont to evoke so much mirth (from the spectators) in previous years, but the obstacle race proved as amusing as ever, especially when competitors reached the tub where floated the " rosy-cheeked " apples (to quote the remark of a member of the staff). The principal items of interest were filmed, and no doubt many youths expended their all in the vain hope of " seeing themselves screened." We have no intention, by this seeming paradox, of providing mirth in this column, much as the Literary Editor would be the better of our assistance, but he is just a little touchy on such matters as these. The Sports Committee must be congratulated on the able manner in which it kept at bay behind the fence the hordes of over-enthusiastic small boys. it) Football is already proceeding apace, and it is hoped that with the New Field at our disposal many will take a keener interest in the game. Several practice matches for the selection of the XV. have already taken place under the able administration of J. T. Sorley, the captain, and J. A. Spark, the secretary. We wish the XV. all success in the forthcoming matches, the results of which we shall wait with " a feverish tongue and a thirst that's intense." :2.

We cannot but mention the great honour which has fallen on one who only recently left the School.

We refer to Second Lieutenant Allan Hendry, who has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in the field.

We know our readers will join us in congratulating him on his success and wishing him good luck for the future.

The School has suffered heavily within the last few months, and we would extend our sympathy to the relatives and friends of the fallen, while ever remembering the gallant manner in which they upheld the fair renown of the old School.

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