MacLean, William Archibald (1887 - 1915)

Lieutenant, 1st Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Guards Cemetery, Windy Corner, Cuinchy

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

Lieutenant William Archibald Maclean, the fourth son of the late Reverend E Maclean and of Mrs Maclean, 52 Southbrae Drive, Jordanhill, was born on 14th February 1887 in Newport (Monmouthshire, Wales). He was educated first at Hillhead High School and later at Fettes College, Edinburgh.

On leaving School he took his Arts course at Glasgow University, where he graduated MA in 1906. While at University he took an active part in its social life. He was president of the Temperance Society, and in connection with the Students' Settlement he started and carried on for several winters the children's play evening.

After qualifying as CA he joined the staff of Nobel's Explosive Company, Limited. While at the University, and for some years thereafter, he was a keen member of the OTC, where he held the rank of Sergeant.

On the outbreak of war he at once volunteered for service, and early in September was gazetted to the 3rd Battalion Highland Light Infantry and after a course of training joined the 1st Battalion in France.

He was killed in action near Neuve Chapelle on the 12th March 1915.

He took a very active interest in the various agencies in connection with Hillhead Baptist Church. He had a genius for friendship, and his early death is mourned by a very wide circle.

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