Ferguson, Thomas McDowall 33573 ( - 1918)

Private, 1st Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Basra Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Private McD. Ferguson was the only son of Mr. George Ferguson, Craigpark Avenue, Dennistoun, and grandson of the late Mr. Thomas McDowall, Jordanhill.

At School he was known as a reserved and studious youth of refined character and gentle nature. He was schoolfellow and inseparable companion of John McIntosh, an old boy who also made the supreme sacrifice. They were very much alike in their tastes and pursuits, and both were noted for their sterling uprightness in word and deed. He took an active part in games, but books, music, and Nature in all her aspects made strong appeal to him.

He trained as a teacher under the Provincial Committee and in the University. While engaged in munitions work soon after the outbreak of war he strained his heart, and had to rest for almost a year. On his recovery he enlisted in the H.L.I., and after a short period of training he was sent in January, 1917, to Mesopotamia.

He shared in the perils and the honour of the great advance there, but in the last attack on the Turks at the end of October, 1918, he was wounded in the knee and captured by the enemy. He was taken to a Turkish hospital, but a day or two later the Turks retreated, leaving the patients and hospital staff behind.

It was found necessary to amputate the leg, and though he rallied for a time, he passed away on the 2nd of November.

War and strife of any kind were utterly abhorrent to his gentle nature, but the chaplain wrote home--" He is quite the bravest and most cheerful of men." He now rests close to the banks of the Tigris and near the ancient city of Nineveh.