MacLaren, Ronald Gordon 2202 (1893 - 1915)

Lance Corporal, 6th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Helles Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lance-Corporal Ronald Gordon MacLaren had just completed his twenty-second year when he received his death wound on the slopes of Achi Baba during the memorable charge against the Turkish positions on the 10th July, 1915.

His connection with Hillhead High School was continuous from childhood to the completion of his studies. He was as keen on his lessons as on his games, and won distinction in both, gaining a scholarship, and being elected captain of the School cricket team.

When war broke out he was acting as freight clerk to Messrs. James Little & Co., shipowners and shipbrokers. With him there was never any doubt as to where his duty lay. His one thought was to join the regiment most likely to be first in action, and so he joined the 1/6th H.L.I., and so also he now lies still in far-off Gallipoli.

His friend, Private Bertie Barry, in a letter to the stricken mother says, " I found him in one of the trenches after the charge, and he asked me if I would write you in case anything further happened to him. At that time I told him there was no necessity for that, as if sheer pluck could pull anyone through it should certainly have done so in his case. I really think he was the bravest boy I ever met. He never thought anything about his own wounds, but wanted to know how all the other boys were getting on - a real hero."

In death as in life he upheld the honour of his name and the prestige of his School, and has left to his friends the memory of a glad, pure, radiant life.