MacDonald, John
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery
Biography: Son of Alexander Macdonald, crofter ; born Gairloch, Ross-shire, 5 October 1879. After passing through the somewhat meagre training open to the "lad o' pairts" in the more remote districts of the Highlands he proceeded to Aberdeen University where he graduated M.A. in 1902. In the following year he was appointed Assistant Master in Castle Douglas H.G. School, where he revealed exceptional ability as a teacher of Mathematics. In 1910 he was appointed Mathematical Master in Hermitage H.G. School, Helensburgh, a post which he held at the date of his death. Thoroughly interested in his subject he continued his studies and secured in 1914 the degree of B.Sc. (Lond.) with highest honours. At the outbreak of war Macdonald, being refused permission to serve abroad, joined the Dumbartonshire Volunteers and rapidly rose from Private to C.Q.M.S. When the need for men became acute he joined the Artists' Rifles 3 May 1917, and after serving for a few months at Romford was transferred to the R.G.A. Cadet School, Uckfield, Sussex, whence in March 1918 he proceeded to France with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was killed in action 27 May 1918. Macdonald was a man of sterling sincerity and uprightness. He gave no half-hearted service and tolerated none. His loss is one which can never be filled.
Date of Death: 27 May 1918
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Soissons Memorial, Panel 2, Column 1.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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