Urquhart, John S.
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 14th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Biography: Son of Duncan Urquhart, farmer ; born Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire, 23 January 1885 ; educated at the local school ; matriculated at Aberdeen University 1903 ; graduated M.A., 1906. He also attended the United Free Church Training College concurrently with the University, and acted for one year as Editor of the College magazine. After graduating he taught in Edinburgh for a short time ; he then received a post in Wick Academy where he remained for three years, and thereafter spent five very useful years as English Master in Gordon Schools, Huntly. In August 1914 he was appointed to a similar post in Ardrossan Academy. Urquhart joined up before the end of 1914, receiving a commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He proceeded to France in June 1916 and was soon recognized as an efficient officer. Coming successfully through the great attack at Bapaume he was killed by a stray bullet the following morning, 24 April 1917, while talking to a brother officer. He was an inspiring teacher and a great favourite with his pupils. Generosity, kindliness and fidelity were the outstanding characteristics of this very fine Highlander.
Date of Death: 24 April 1917
Burial Details: Buried in Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetery, Plot A, Row A, Grave 19.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.