Campbell, Alexander Mather (1897 - 1918)

Second Lieutenant, 8th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders

Buried at Faubourg D'Amiens Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant Alexander M. Campbell was the only son of Mr. A. M. Campbell, 115 Roselea Drive, Dennistoun. All his School days were spent in Hillhead High School, and his interest in it never flagged. He had about him a singular charm of manner, and no one could look into his clear, steady eyes without feeling that here was one incapable of an ungenerous thought or an unworthy act. He joined the Cadet Corps as soon as he was of age, and remained one of its keenest members till he left it in 1914: for more serious service. In July, 1911, he was one of the Cadets chosen to represent the School at the great Review by the King at Windsor.

In December, 1914, he enlisted as a private in the Seaforth Highlanders, although he had gained his " A " certificate in the O. T. C., and might well have looked for a commission. His Cadet training stood him in good stead in his new sphere, and he was very soon promoted sergeant. His officers repeatedly urged him to apply for a commission, but he steadily refused till he had experience of actual warfare in France. In the summer of 1916 he had his wish, and proved himself a gallant soldier and a resourceful leader. In February he came home to take a commission, and was back again in France in the autumn attached to his old regiment.

Early in March of this year he was home on leave, and, as usual, paid a visit to his old School. Everyone was then struck by his tall, lithe, handsome figure and his gallant bearing. Two weeks later, on the 22nd March, 1918, he fell in action near Arras. His commanding officer writes-" We are all terribly sorry about it. He was always so keen in everything and so cheerful. He took an immense amount of pains over everything he did, and was a first-rate officer. I remember on one occasion finding him completely buried by a shell: He was being dug out, and was looking pretty bad when I arrived. But he assured me he was all right, and only wanted to know how it fared with the men who were buried with him."