Gillies, James Brown
Rank: Major
Regiment: 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Biography: Son of T. R. Gillies, advocate in Aberdeen ; born Aberdeen, 29 July 1886 ; educated at the Grammar School ; matriculated, 1904 ; B.L., 1908 ; served his apprenticeship with Messrs. C. & P. H. Chalmers, Advocates, and Messrs. Tods, Murray & Jamieson, W.S., Edinburgh; member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen and a partner in business with his father. While at King's College he enlisted in the University Company of the 4th Gordon Highlanders and subsequently became Brigade Signalling Officer, retiring in 1912 with the rank of Captain. Immediately on the outbreak of war, although his health at the time gave cause for anxiety, he rejoined his Battalion with his former rank of Captain, and was retained as Adjutant to the reserve unit for over a year. Ultimately he was posted to the 4th Gordons in France, and after participating in the whole of the Somme Battle, during which he rendered most valuable service in his own efficient way, he was killed in action near Beaumont-Hamel on 13 November 1916. Major Gillies was a man of singular personal charm, frank, fair and fearless, whose sound judgment, knowledge of humanity and professional attainments gave promise of a most useful and successful career. Apart from business he was an enthusiastic golfer and mountaineer, and as Secretary of the University Club and of the Cairngorm Club was held in the highest esteem by a wide circle of friends, to whom, as well as to his profession, his untimely end was a tragic loss.
Date of Death: 13 November 1916
Burial Details: Buried at Mailly Wood Cemetery, Maily - Maillet, Plot 1, Row A, Grave 21.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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