Organisations > Hillhead High School war memorial volume

Hilihead High School
blood. He was one of the first to volunteer for the South African War, and
there he won for himself the reputation of being a dashing and resolute soldier.
When war broke out in August, 1914, he helped to raise a Legion of Frontiers-
men in Vancouver, and offered their services to the Government. The Govern-
ment, as usual, was in no hurry to come to a decision, and the eager soldier,
chafing at inactivity when great deeds were afoot in Europe, wired his offer to
Lord Roberts, and through his good offices the corps was soon in England.
Here, however, it was disbanded, and its members merged in other regiments.
Captain Sloan was offered and accepted a captaincy in the 2nd Scottish Horse,
and proceeded with them to Gallipoli. It was characteristic of him that he
should meet his death while trying to bring one of his wounded men into a
place of safety. He was the soul of kindness and good fellowship, and in the
opinion of all who knew him a very gallant gentleman. A fellow officer,
Lieutenant Aitken, writes of him, " I had the honour to call George my best
friend, and can assure you that I never met a finer soldier and gentleman. If
I could have been taken and he left, the Empire would have been the gainer, but
we have not the arranging of these things."
GEORGE EVANSTON SMITH
Lieutenant, 2nd Batt. Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders)
George Evanston Smith was born 5th April, 1894. He was educated at
Hilihead High School and the Technical College. He was passionately fond of
music, and as a boy was soprano soloist at St. Mary's Cathedral. Had he lived
he would have won distinction for himself both as pianist and organist. He
was an active member of the 49th Glasgow Troop of Scouts, and for some years
acted as Scoutmaster. He was also a member of the Officers' Training Corps.
By profession he was an analytical chemist, and when war began was studying
at the Technical College preparing for the final examination for his degree.
The tumult and the discord of battle must have been highly distasteful to his
sensitive and artistic nature, but all this he put resolutely aside, and the urgent
call of King and country found him ready. In August, 1914, he received a
commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 2nd Battalion, and after
a period of training he proceeded to France. He fell gloriously at the head of
his men on the fatal 25th of September, 1915.
GEORGE L. SOMMERVILLE
Captain, King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
Captain George L. Sommerville, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. James
Sommerville, Ardvar, Lansdowne Avenue, Anniesland, was deeply attached to
his old School, and seldom lost an opportunity of looking in upon his old masters.
At School he took a high place in Science and Mathematics, and excelled in all
forms of games. He was a keen Cadet, and on leaving School transferred to the
University O.T.C. (Senior Section). Prior to the war he was an analytical
chemist in the employment of Messrs. Brotherton & Co., Glasgow and Leeds.
When the call to service came he made instant response, joining Lochiel's Camerons
as a private. Through his O.T.C. connection he was soon offered a commission.
He saw much service and gained rapid promotion, being gazetted captain shortly
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