Harley, George Melven ( - 1915)

Captain, 12th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Loos Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Captain George M. Harley was one of a brilliant class that included Lieutenants Hamilton Dickson, Bertie Christison, and F. B. Davidson. These continued into later life their School friendships, and in death were not greatly divided.

While he was at School Captain Harley was an enthusiastic Cadet, and when he went to the University he transferred to the O.T.C. there. When war broke out he volunteered at once, and was given a commission in the Highland Light Infantry, being attached ultimately to the 12th Battalion. He attained rapid promotion, being gazetted captain a few months after joining. He was a student of the Anderson Medical College, the Dental Hospital, and the University, and was in the final year of his studies when the call came. Like so many more, he fell gloriously in the fatal field of Loos, 25th September, 1915. His commanding officer in a letter to his parents says, " It is with the greatest sorrow I write to tell you that your dear son was killed in action while gallantly leading his company against the German trenches. He died a hero's death, and I hope this may in some measure console you. I feel your dear son's loss very much. He was an officer in whom I placed the greatest reliance, and I indeed sympathise in your loss."

War means waste - waste of accumulated treasure, waste of potential energy, and, worst of all, waste of hopeful life, and nowhere does one feel this more than in recording the death of men like Captain George Harley.