McLagan, James (1895 - 1916)

Second Lieutenant, 61st Div. Lowland Field Coy. Royal Engineers

Buried at Sighthill Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Second Lieutenant J. McLagan was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. McLagan, 11 Sutherland Street, Hillhead. He came to Hillhead High School in 1901 and passed through all the classes in the School, leaving in 1911. Throughout the course he proved himself to be a pupil of much promise, and took a foremost place in all his classes. Games claimed his attention as much as books, and he was a regular member of the Rugby and Cricket teams. His ability, sincerity, and frankness made him a favourite with all his fellows, who were all sure James would "make good."

On leaving School he entered the University with the intention of taking his B.Sc. in Engineering. He was a member of the O.T.C. when war broke out, but was reported unfit for service owing to the effects of a severe illness he had had the previous year. In April, 1915, he was capped B.Sc., and received his commission in June of the same year in the Highland Field Company of the Royal Engineers, whose headquarters are in Jardine Street.

Later he was transferred to the Lowland Field Company, with which he proceeded to Witham, Essex, where he had charge of a company erecting barbed wire entanglements and machine gun emplacements. After a course of bombing on Clapham Common he returned to his old unit as bombing instructor. There, through the accidental bursting of a bomb, he was instantaneously killed, 8th June, 1916, and a career of bright promise brought to a close ere it was yet noon day.

His colonel, writing to his parents, says-" During the fortnight previous to his tragic death he was almost continuously beside me as assistant adjutant. I had thus full opportunity to appreciate his sterling worth of uprightness, and I can assure you that his death is not only a personal loss and grief to me, but a loss to the Army."

Major Jackson writes-" He was one of the best officers and most conscientious performers of duty that ever I came across. No work I could give him was too hard, and no obstacle was too complicated for him to overcome, and when I gave orders I knew that they would be rigidly obeyed."

Many other touching tributes were received from brother officers and men, all going to prove that the fine qualities which endeared J. McLagan to his School-fellows had stood the rude test of Camp and Army life.