McCombie, John Alexander
Rank: Sergeant
Regiment: 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Son of John A. McCombie, cycle agent; born New-hills, 22 May 1895 ; educated at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen; matriculated in Medicine, 1913. Whilst at Gordon's College he joined "E" Company of the 4th Gordons, was mobilized on the outbreak of war, went with his Company to Bedford (where he was attached Bde. H.Q.), and crossed with the 4th Battalion to France in February 1915. His medical knowledge was used to advantage in his appointment in May 1915 as medical orderly to the Battalion, a post after his own heart, and in this position he attained the rank of Sergeant. Wholeheartedly devoted to his duties, he gave of himself unsparingly and well, and won the appreciation of all who knew him. On 25 July 1916, he died of wounds received in action at High Wood. At School and College McCombie was deservedly popular, and from the Front his Medical Officer wrote of him : "He was a most dependable boy, a thorough gentleman, always kind, always calm, always brave—and willing."
Date of Death: 25 July 1916
Burial Details: Buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, Méricourt-l'Abbé, Plot 2, Row C, Grave 60.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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