Pirie, William Shewan
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 5th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers
Biography: Son of James S. Pirie ; born Duffus, Morayshire, 16 September 1887 ; student in Arts, Aberdeen, 1905-07 ; U.F.C. Training College ; taught at Muirkirk, Ayrshire. Pirie joined the Gordon Highlanders about ten years before the war and was later transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. In his Territorial days he was a keen shot and competed at Bisley and Darnley on several occasions. He was mobilized as Colour-Sergeant at the outbreak of war and was stationed at Stirling until May 1915, when the Battalion was sent to Gallipoli. For his distinguished services he was awarded the D.C.M. in July 1915, and promoted Lieutenant in the Field. He was also mentioned in Sir Ian Hamilton's Gallipoli dispatch. After the evacuation of Gallipoli, Pirie went to Egypt and Palestine where again his valuable services were recognized by two mentions in dispatches. He rose to the rank of Captain and was killed in action at the Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917.
Honours: Distinguished Conduct Medal
Date of Death: 19 April 1917
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Jerusalem Memorial, Panel 18, Column 1.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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