Wilson, John Alexander
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Son of John C. Wilson, engineer ; born Glasgow, 21 May 1890 ; educated Aberdeen Central School ; graduated M.A., 1913. Prior to enlisting he was an English Master at Campbeltown, and latterly at Fraserburgh, Although he made an able and enthusiastic teacher, it was his real intention to follow out a Divinity course. He took a keen interest in social work, especially in the athletic side of the Y.M.C.A. and Boys' Brigade. In April 1915 Wilson joined the 5th Gordons, and was commissioned in November 1915. After taking a special course in bayonet and musketry work he embarked for France ; six months later whilst serving as Intelligence Officer, he was killed in action, 13 November 1916, at Beaumont-Hamel, during an advance on the Somme. His comrades bear testimony to his leadership, courage and keen sense of duty in the field.
Date of Death: 13 November 1916
Burial Details: Buried at Hunters Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel, Grave 6.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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