Cowie, William ( - 1916)

Second Lieutenant, 13th Bn. Royal Scots

Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

These two brothers (see Daniel Cowie), sons of Mr James Cowie, formerly of Messrs. John Mercer & Co., Glasgow, now of Sydney, New South Wales, were educated at Hillhead High School and, prior to the war, were engaged in business in Glasgow. They were both keen and zealous officers, and earned their promotion by hard work and resolute
leading.

They came safely through all the heavy fighting of 1915 and 1916 till the big advance of 17th September, when so much ground was gained by our troops. The Highland Light Infantry and the Royal Scots played a memorable part in the struggle, and the two brothers were mortally wounded during the action.

Captain Daniel Cowie died of his wounds on the 17th September, 1916, but Lieutenant William Cowie lingered till the 25th September. The two brothers were determined and resourceful leaders, and had in the fullest measure the confidence of their men.

The youngest brother, James Cowie, is a sergeant in the Glasgow Highlanders.