MacIlwraith, William Symington
Rank: Pioneer
Regiment: Special Company, Royal Engineers
Biography: Son of William Macilwraith, ironmonger; born Elgin, 16 January 1885; educated at Elgin West End School and Academy ; he came up to the University in 1905, was a student in Arts from 1905-08, and student in Science 1908-09. Graduated M.A., 1908. The same year he became Science Master at Alva Academy, Clackmannanshire, and three years later was transferred to Tayport Academy, Fife, also as Science Master. Whilst at the University he was an enthusiastic member of "U" Company, 4th Gordon Highlanders. After the outbreak of war he was, owing to his profession, exempted for some time, but in September 1917 he was posted to the Gas Service, R.E., and in January 1918 proceeded to France with one of the Special Companies, R.E. He was killed in action at Steenwerck, Flanders, 10 April 1918.
Date of Death: 10 April 1918
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Panel 1, Column 6.
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.