Dick, John 73007 ( - 1917)

Gunner, 261st Siege Bty. Royal Garrison Artillery

Buried at Divisional Collecting Point Cemetery and Extension

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Gunner John Dick, whose sisters reside at 71 West Cumberland Street, belonged to the older generation of Hillhead High School pupils. He joined the School soon after it was opened, and continued there till he went into business. More than twenty-two years ago he joined the firm of Messrs. Law, Dawson & Co., hosiery warehousemen, 56 Queen Street, Glasgow, and continued in their service till he joined the Army.

He was held in the greatest esteem by his principals, and for a number of years he acted as one of their buyers. Mr. Dick was a keen golfer, and acted as match secretary of the North-Western Golf Club. His bright and cheery disposition and frank, open nature made him an ideal secretary, and secured for him lasting friendships in all the relations of life. At the beginning of the war, though near the age limit, he volunteered for service, but was rejected owing to defective sight. On two or three other occasions he made unsuccessful efforts to enlist, but finally, in March, 1916, when the need for men was greater, he was accepted. He proceeded to France in the autumn of that year, but was invalided home owing to an injury received while on duty. In June, 1917, he again returned to France as a private, although he had been repeatedly urged to take a commission.

He was engaged in continuous heavy fighting for some months, and on 21st September, 1917, he was killed instantaneously by a German shell. His commanding officer writing to the relatives said, " He was an excellent man, and served his King and country faithfully."

No one who knew John Dick will question the appropriateness of this epitaph.