Coutts, William Ernest
Rank: Captain
Regiment: 6th Battalion Black Watch
Biography: Son of William Coutts, sanitary inspector ; born Ellon, 8 October 1886 ; educated Ellon H.G. School; graduated M.A., 1912 ; Science Master at New Deer and at Galston, Ayrshire; appointed Headmaster, Port Elphinstone School, 1913. During his University career Coutts was an enthusiastic member of "U" Company, and enlisted on the outbreak of war, receiving a commission in the 6th Battalion Black Watch in September 1914. He went with his Battalion to France in May 1915, but was invalided home in July and, after attending several courses of instruction, in which he took high places, was appointed Instructor with the Reserve Black Watch. He rejoined his Battalion in France in November 1917, and was reported "wounded and missing" on 22 March 1918 during the German advance. Later his grave was found near the Bapaume-Cambrai road. Captain Coutts gained the esteem of the officers and men of his Battalion as he gained, in his profession, the respect of his pupils and the confidence of their parents.
Date of Death: 22 March 1918
Burial Details: Buried at Lebucquière, Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot 4, Row D, Grave 16.
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
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