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Hillhead High School
energy being used without stint in the service of his Master. His industry was un-
wearying and he had the gift of inspiring enthusiasm and cheerful service in those
with whom he worked. In addition to his regular work as missionary in Blantyre
and Zomba, he shared in the translation of the Bible into the native language, and
had the privilege of training the first native missionaries.
On the outbreak of war he took part in the defence of Nyassaland, doing
valuable service in charge of the native transport lines; later he served with the
native transport in German East Africa. His great linguistic attainments enabled
him to take the post of intelligence officer to the British Force, and it was while
attached as lieutenant to the 4/ 1st King's African Rifles that he fell in Portuguese
Africa on the 11th February, 1918. Fearless and zealous in the cause of others
he had gone forward to reconnoitre the enemy's lines, when he fell mortally
wounded.
Robert Napier was a man of winning personality, of lofty ideals, and sterling
character — unselfish, of deep religious feeling, prodigal of service. He delighted
in the bright side of social intercourse and loved all outdoor games and sports,
especially Rugby, swimming, and mountaineering. Rectorial elections of the
old days appealed strongly to him, and he was equally at home leading an
attack through a mist of pease meal, presiding at the councils of his party, or
writing clever electioneering pamphlets.
Robert Napier's loss can never be rightly estimated; his sun has gone down
ere yet it was noonday ; his memory lives and inspires. Here indeed was
"One who never turned his back, but marched breast forward,
Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, sleep to wake. "
JOHN T. NEILSON
2nd Lieutenant, Scottish Rifles
Lieutenant John T. Neilson was the only son of the late Mr. William
Neilson and of Mrs. Neilson, Holyrood Quadrant, Glasgow. He received all
his education in Hillhead High School. At School he distinguished himself by
taking several prizes, and gained one of the School scholarships. At the close
of his School career he entered the office of Messrs. Aitken, Mackenzie &
Clapperton, stockbrokers, and continued in their service till he joined the
University O.T.C. in the summer of 1915. In November of the same year he
received his commission in the 8th Scottish Rifles. After a period of training
at Ripon he left for Egypt in March, 1916. He came safely through the battles
of Romani and Gaza, but in the subsequent heavy fighting in Palestine, he fell
mortally wounded while leading his platoon in a successful attack on the Gaza
defences, 2nd November, 1917. The chaplain, writing to Lieutenant Neilson's
mother, says, " Your son was a great personal friend of my own, and I went
often to see him both when he was in camp and when he was moving up and
down in the armoured train. I shall miss him most tremendously, and so shall
we all, as he was most popular with all ranks." Lieutenant Neilson was well
known in musical circles as an amateur performer of much promise. He was an
enthusiastic member of the Lyric Club, and was held in the greatest esteem by
his fellow-members. He was a singularly loving and devoted son and brother,
and the School desires to express the deepest sympathy with his widowed mother
and sisters.
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