Anderson, Robert F. 310 ( - 1916)

Sergeant, 10th Bn. Royal Fusiliers

Buried at Thiepval Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

The report of the death in action of Robert F. Anderson (better known as Bertie) caused profound sorrow in School circles, and justly so, as he had been associated with the School from his earliest years, and to the very last took a keen personal interest in all its activities. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Kelvin Drive, Glasgow. He was a leading member of the 1st Fifteen during season 1909-10. When he gave up playing he, still followed the fortunes of the team with lively interest, and was usually to be found cheering them on from the touch-line. For several years he acted as secretary of the School Club, and added greatly to its effectiveness and its membership. The present Headmaster remembers well how warm and sincere was the welcome Sergeant Anderson extended to him on his appointment when writing in his official capacity to congratulate him, and to assure him on behalf of all the old pupils of their
constant support in every effort for the good of the School. This promise he and they have most generously redeemed.

Several years ago he received an important appointment in London as shipping superintendent in Edward Lloyd's, Limited. There the great world upheaval found him, and he was one of the first of our old boys to offer his services. He joined the Royal Fusiliers as a private, and surely never was soldier gayer than he. The hardship and privation of camp and field could do nothing to damp his spirits, and when he went to France he sent back the brightest and cheeriest of letters. Writing to the Headmaster a few days before the Big Push began, he says, "I shall be delighted to receive the School Magazine. In fact, anything connected with the School interests me immensely, so much so, in fact, that last month I got engaged to one of your old pupils."

Sunt lachrymae rerum, et mentem mortalia tangunt.

In the great advance of 15th July, 1916, he was leading his platoon when he was hit in the shoulder, but continued to press forward till, later in the day, he was shot through the head, death being instantaneous. An officer writing to his sister, says, "He is a tremendous loss to the company; he was one of the best of non-commissioned officers. We greatly need men of his stamp at the moment."

In Sergeant Anderson was found a rare combination of qualities--high spirits, bright wit, unfailing courtesy, and a high-souled integrity in every relation of life.