Minto, William Bain Griffiths
Rank: Lieutenant-Colonel
Regiment: Royal Garrison Artillery
Biography: Son of William Minto, late Professor of English and Logic, Aberdeen University ; born Aberdeen, 13 November 1880 ; educated at the Grammar School ; graduated M.A., 1901 ; student in Law, 1901-03; qualified as Law Agent, and became a member of the firm of Messrs. Williamson Booth, Mintos & Morrison, Aberdeen. Minto served in the Volunteer Forces for many years before the war, being gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Aberdeenshire Royal Garris on Artillery (Vol.), 1900 ; Major (North Scottish) R.G.A 1908. He was mobilized on the outbreak of war and put in command of Torry Battery, Aberdeen. From August 1916 to August 1917 he served in France in command of the 151st Siege Battery, R.G.A., and was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, 6 August 1918. On returning to Aberdeen he resumed command of the Torry Battery, and was subsequently appointed Garrison Commander, the chief military post in the city. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in May 1919, and died 2 July 1919 from injuries received while firing the peace salute at Aberdeen. Minto was a most efficient officer with a thorough knowledge of Artillery work. Firm and exacting in handling men, he was at the same time very popular. He combined great organizing ability with social gifts of a high order and his frankness, vivacity and bonhomie made him welcome in every circle. His speech was, like his figure, neat and well-knit and there is no doubt that if he had lived to resume practice, he would have gained distinction as a ready pleader in the courts. There remains with all who knew him the memory of a versatile and attractive personality.
Honours: Territorial Decoration
Date of Death: 02 February 1919
Burial Details: Buried at Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen, C. 182.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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