Hall, David Sidney (1892 - 1917)

Captain, Royal Flying Corps

Buried at Longuenesse (St Omer)

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Captain and Flight Commander Sidney Hall was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hall, Berkfell, Helensburgh. Educated at Dunoon Grammar School, the Hermitage School, and Hillhead High School, in his short life he has gained honour enough to share amongst them. At Hillhead he was a contemporary of Steven Reith, and a rival of his for distinction in mathematics and science.

On leaving School he entered the office of Paterson & Benzie, chartered accountants, Glasgow. He was one of the first to answer the call for service, and in October, 1914, he joined the Commercial Battalion as a private. After a period of training with them
he received a commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and went to France in July, 1915.

In December of the same year he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he soon proved himself to be a daring and fearless pilot. On more than one occasion he received the congratulations of his commanding officer, and was promoted flight commander. Only a few weeks ago news came that he had been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action. He was looking forward joyfully to his promised leave of absence at Christmas, but on the 20th November, 1917, during the great advance near St. Omer, he was shot down, There is special pathos attached to the loss of this gallant officer, cut off while his hard-won honours were still fresh upon him. In conveying the sad intelligence to the parents his commanding officer wrote, "Captain Hall was one of the best pilots I have ever known, and a splendid leader. He was very keen, and was loved by all who came in contact with him. He was my right-hand man since I have commanded the squadron. It is always the best who go first and your son has gone. He has given his life for King and country, and no soldier can do more. He will be mourned and missed in our mess to-night."