Organisations > Hillhead High School war memorial volume

Biographies
leaving certificate, to take a commission in the Royal Air Force. All through his
course Arthur was accepted by his fellows as a natural leader, and his leading was
ever healthy and helpful. He had a singularly clear and logical mind — a very rare
quality in one of his years — exceptional power of concentration, and an indomitable
will. In Rugby, cricket, and tennis he was always in the first flight, and his imper-
turbable sang froid had a fin© steadying influence on a team. But, fond as he
was of games, he had strong literary interests. He acted for a term as Editor
and business manager of the School Magazine, and was an active member of the
Literary Society. At Easter, 1917, he joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet,
his high spirit and his natural aptitude alike impelling him to that service. He
obtained his wings in record time, and was flying in France before some of those
who started with him had finished their training. There he speedily proved his
mettle, and was promoted Lieutenant. In February, 1918, he was home on
short leave, looking the very picture of a self-possessed, resourceful, aerial pilot.
He was soon back again at the Front, where he won fresh laurels. On the morning
of 12th April he was informed that he had been awarded the Military Cross, and
was recommended for promotion to flight commander. About six the same evening
he set out on what proved his last flight. The story of it, as told by a Canadian
observer, is moving almost to tears, and should thrill and inspire Hillhead boys
for long years to come. It is unspeakably pathetic to think of the gallant boy
being cut down with his hard-won honours still fresh upon him. His squadron
commander writes — " He could have landed on the German side in safety at any
time, but preferred to try and get home to being taken prisoner. Ever since your
son joined me in November last he had done excellent work in the squadron, and
deserved, and more than deserved, the recognition which in the last day was his."
Lieutenant Arnot was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon A. Arnot,
6 Dryburgh Gardens, Kelvinside. To all his School contemporaries the memory of
Arthur Arnot will be a lasting and precious
RICHARD HUBBARD ARROLL
Lance-Corporal, Seaforth Highlanders
Few old pupils had a wider range of friends than Dick Arroll, and the intimation
of his death from wounds received in action aroused feelings of the deepest sorrow
amongst them. He was beloved by all who knew him, and his breezy, genial presence
will be long and gratefully remembered by the old boys of his time. All through
life he was a keen sportsman, and was well known in athletic circles. He was
specially interested in physical culture, and did much to advance the study and
practice of that art long before physical training had become something like a
fashion in our midst. When the war began he offered his services repeatedly, but
unsuccessfully, to the War Office as instructor in gymnastics. Throughout the
winter and spring of 191-4-15 he did splendid service by taking in hand the physical
exercises of several units of the Citizens' Training Force, and amongst them that
of our Former Pupils' Corps. No one who was privileged to attend Mr. Arroll's
class in the gymnasium of Church Street Public School is likely to forget the
devotion, skill, and geniality of the instructor. He was himself one of the hardest
of workers, and never asked the class to go through an exercise without sharing
in it himself. Then, when the serious exercises were over, what a dance " Dickie "
led the members round the gymnasium, doubling here and circling there in a giddy
maze, till even the youngest and strongest were fain to cry out, " Hold, enough.'*'