Milne, William
Rank: Major
Regiment: Machine Gun Corps, attached to 1st Battalion Dublin Fusiliers
Biography: Son of George Milne ; born Boddam, 14 April 1893 ; matriculated 1911, graduated M.A., 1914. He continued to study Science, until the outbreak of war diverted his energies. Having joined the R.A.M.C. in 1910, he applied for a commission in a combatant unit and in September 1914 was gazetted to the 14th H.L.I. and was sent to Aberdeen to recruit for his regiment in the North. Although conscientious in his duty he cordially disliked being kept at home to point out to others what to him was so obvious. After training as a machine gunner, he succeeded in getting abroad as M.G. officer with the 1st Battalion Dublin Fusiliers. He served through the whole of the Gallipoli Campaign and went to France in time to take part in the Somme battles in 1916. In recognition of his services and unflinching bravery in holding an important position in Belgium, he was decorated, April 1918, with the Croix de Guerre by a French General, and promoted Major. A few days later, on 24 April 1918, he was severely wounded and captured at Kemmel Hill. He died as the result of his wounds at Soldau, Germany, 25 July 1918. He was of an unassuming nature, as reliable in classes as on the football field and as he later proved to be on service ; in short, he was one of the best.
Honours: Croix de Guerre
Date of Death: 25 July 1918
Burial Details: Buried at Hamburg Cemetery, Ohlzdorf, Plot 4, Row A, Grave 9.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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