Selbie, Colin Mackenzie
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: 11th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)
Biography: Son of Professor Selbie, Aberdeen U.F. College ; born Birsay, Orkney, 24 February 1889 ; educated Maryculter East School and Aberdeen Grammar School; graduated B.Sc., 1910, with distinction in Geology ; appointed Assistant Naturalist in National Museum, Dublin, 1911. Specialized in the study of Myriapoda and Crustacea, published "The Decapoda Reptantia of the Coasts of Ireland, Part I, Palmura, Astacura and Anomura". Part II, dealing with Paguridea, was nearly ready for publication when, in October 1914, he enlisted as a private in the Royal Scots. Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 11th Scottish Rifles in January 1915, he went to the Front in November, was slightly wounded the following February, but soon returned to duty. On two occasions for considerable periods, he commanded his company in the absence of the Captain. He fell at Longueval on 14 July 1916, when, to quote the Adjutant "he led his men gallantly throughout the assault, and had the satisfaction of seeing the position won before he was killed by a rifle bullet while heading a bombing attack." His death cut short a very promising career both as a scientist and a soldier. "He was a born naturalist, a love of animals being one of his most marked characteristics." He had also a sense of humour which materially helped him to endure the discomforts of life in the trenches, while his coolness and courage never gave way in the hour of danger.
Date of Death: 14 July 1916
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Thiepval Memorial Pier and Face 4 D.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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