Harper, John Alexander (1889 - 1917)

Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps

Buried at Guards' Cemetery, Combles

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Captain John A. Harper was the second son of Mr. Alexander R. Harper, J.P., and Mrs. Harper, 8 Brighton Terrace, Ibrox. Educated at Hillhead High School and Glasgow University, he had a brilliant scholastic career, carrying off many prizes and bursaries. He was, however, no mere book worm, but took as high a place on the Rugby and athletic field as in the academic. His was a singularly bright and sunny nature, and he radiated happiness and brightness wherever he went. In 1911 he graduated M.B., Ch.B., and for a time acted as house physician in the Western Infirmary. After a visit to India and America he settled down to private practice in Govan, where he also held several public appointments.

In December, 1915, he went to France as medical officer to the 7th Yorkshire Regiment, which was at that time holding part of the Ypres salient. There his devoted and fearless service soon gained for him the Military Cross. The official record states that it was granted for "conspicuous gallantry when leading stretcher-bearers during operations. On one occasion when three of his bearers were wounded he went alone under heavy shell fire to the aid post."

A brother-officer describing another of his gallant deeds says, " John Harper (who is likely to get his D.S.O. for his work) went out time after time in the teeth of a whirlwind of machine gun fire right up to the German trenches and carried in the wounded on his broad back."

These incidents, and many more could be cited, are typical of the man who was by nature cast in a heroic mould. The adjutant of the regiment writes, "It was his greatest pride that he never once left one of our wounded in the trenches or in 'No Man's Land' when the battalion was relieved, and, as 80 per cent of this battalion's casualties occurred in ' No Man's Land,' this is a most wonderful record."

Colonel Harold Barron, A.D.M.S., 17th Division, testifies, " He had earned the respect and admiration of us all through his continued gallantry and devotion to duty and his modesty of bearing. We have lost one that we are proud to have called a friend."