Currie, Harold Maxwell (1897 - 1917)

Second Lieutenant, 1st/2nd Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Buried at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial

Commemorated at City of Glasgow Roll of Honour at Glasgow City Chambers

Harold Maxwell Currie was born in Partick on 26st July 1897, only son to Claude and Margaret Currie. He was educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School and before enlisting he worked with Nobel's Explosives Company.

He joined the University OTC on 18th October 1915, aged just 18. His service record states he was born on 9th July 1894 so he appears not to have wished to give his true age. He received his commission on 21st January 1916.

He was posted to France in August 1916 with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and was wounded in action on 29th June 1917. He remained with his battalion and was part of the 15th Division that attacked east of Potyze from Cambridge Road.

He was killed at Zonnebeke during the Battle of Passchendaele on 1st August 1917. He had just turned 20 years of age.

His Colonel wrote:
"From what I know of the circumstances and conditions, he must have done extraordinary fine work, and had he lived I should certainly have recommended him for an award of the Military Cross (MC)... I only hope that this gallantry and devotion to duty may be some slight consolation. All along he did wonderfully well, the more so considering his age."

His Chaplain wrote:
"He was one of those who do not think of themselves, but of others. He had great gifts of comradeship, and endeared himself not only to those of his own company, but to us all."

His father had already died before Harold went to war and his uncle, Arthur L Currie, informed the local newspaper of his death.

Harold's memorial is on Panel 22 at the Menin Gate Memorial, Leper, Belgium (see The War Graves Photographic Project website to view his entry and a photograph of the Menin Gate memorial).

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