Chisholm, John Oliver (1896 - 1918)

Lieutenant, 1st/8th Bn. Royal Scots

Buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery

Commemorated at Scottish National War Memorial

Lieutenant John Oliver Chisholm, the only son of Dr. John Oliver Chisholm, 15 Windsor Terrace, was born in Glasgow in October, 1896. He was educated at Hillhead High School and Allan Glen?s. He was an enthusiastic member of the 1st Glasgow Company of Boy Scouts, and after he left School much of his leisure was devoted to the movement.

On leaving School he began his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. Smith & Sons, Possil Engine Work and was in his second year when war broke out. Loyalty and service were the keynotes in his character, and it was but natural therefore that he should throw aside his career and offer himself for service as a Scout in Maryhill Barracks and the camp at Scotstoun. When he came of age, he joined the OTC of Glasgow University, and soon obtained a commission in The Royal Scots.

Like so many more who have fallen, he was a soldier only from duty, not at all from choice. His refined and sensitive nature revolted at the whole ghastly tragedy, but he found in an absorbing sense of duty the inspiration and strength to play his part. At the first Battle of the Somme he was wounded and was for some months in Yorkhill Hospital. He returned to France in May 1918. His battalion was one of those sent to aid the French at a critical stage in the second Battle of the Marne.

There on the 23rd July 1918, he fell at the head of his men with the knowledge that victory was already assured. The French General has paid a magnificent tribute to the splendid gallantry of these British troops, who were the first to stay the onset of the advancing Germans. It should be some slight consolation to those nearest and dearest to him that he fell in the full tide of victory, and that his sacrifice was not in vain.

Reproduced with permission from the University of Glasgow Roll of Honour: http://www.universitystory.gla.ac.uk/ww1-intro/