Duffus, Gordon Craig 148670 (1894 - 1916)

Lance Corporal, 78th Bn. Canadian Infantry

Buried at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lance-Corporal Gordon Craig Duffus is still remembered at School as a quiet, reserved boy of studious habits and refined tastes. He held one of the School bursaries, and was regarded by all his teachers as a youth of much promise. He took no active part in School games, but found exercise and relaxation in roaming over the surrounding hills and fields. Nature made strong appeal to him, and he loved it in all its moods.

After leaving School he entered the office of a firm of advocates in Aberdeen, where he served for one year. He then received an appointment in the Canadian Bank of Commerce, where he rapidly rose to the position of accountant in their branch at Kamsack, Saskatchewan. There he found full scope for his interest in country life, and proved himself an expert with rod and gun. Photography also
attracted him, and he sent home many interesting views of Western life and scenery.

No one who knew his high and keen sense of honour was surprised when news came that he was one of the first to join up. To his Army life and work he brought the same spirit of enthusiasm and devotion that marked his peace activities. He was soon promoted Lance-Corporal, and letters from his officers show that he was singled out for early promotion to commissioned rank when he was wounded in the Battle of the Somme.

He lingered on in Rouen Hospital till the 24th December, 1916, but never a murmur came from him at any time. From the first he had counted the cost, and he "laid him down with a will."