Macharg, Ebenezer Maitland (1882 - 1916)

Captain, 3rd Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Buried at Thiepval Memorial

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

Born on 18th January 1882, Ebenezer Maitland Macharg was educated at the Glasgow High School, where he excelled in sport and played for both the 1st XI and the 1st XV. Later he played for Glasgow High School FP (Former Pupils).

In 1906 he graduated MA and three years later LLB, having earned a first class certificate of distinction in the class of Forensic Medicine in the course of his studies.

After graduation he spent a number of years in the office of Glasgow firm Messrs. Mitchell, Johnson & Co. Before the war broke out he had served for five years in the University OTC, and was well prepared for military service when the time came. Immediately on the outbreak of hostilities he applied for a commission, but at first, to his great disappointment, he was unsuccessful because of his age.

He was determined, however and his persistence was rewarded. He joined the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He was initially attached to the 9th Battalion at the training camp of Bordon, and afterwards to the 3rd Battalion at Nigg. His previous experience and general ability quickly procured him promotion to the temporary rank of Captain. He fell, at the Somme, on the 23rd October while gallantly leading his men into action. He was 34.

His younger brother James Anthony Boyd Macharg, who was also a member of the University of Glasgow OTC, was also killed in action just a few days later, probably on 29th October. He was 32. The brothers are both commemorated on Panel D of the Thiepval Memorial.

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