McMutrie, Robert Lindsay (1892 - 1918)

Captain, 1st Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers

Buried at Railway Cutting Cemetery, Courcelles-le-Comte

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant R. Lindsay McMutrie was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. L. McMutrie, Milrig, Cardonald. According to the testimony of all his teachers he was one of the most brilliant pupils who have passed through the School. Everything he did had a certain note of distinction, and his exercises were models of method and style. But he was no mere bookworm. In cricket and swimming he was in the front rank, and captained one of the best polo teams the School has had. Music and photography also claimed his interest, and in each he was a brilliant executant.

On leaving School he entered on his business career in an insurance office in Glasgow, and in 1912 he left for a post in the head office of the Crown Life Insurance Company of Toronto. There his abilities found ample scope, and his promotion was rapid. Soon after war began he returned home to do his "bit". One of his first visits was to the old School, and the headmaster vividly recalls the strong impression made on him by this volunteer from overseas. Strength of character and brightness of disposition, proof against all the slings and arrows of fortune, looked out from every feature.

On completing his training, he received a commission in the 6th Royal Scots Fusiliers, and left for France in June, 1915. After a period of strenuous fighting he received an appointment as Town Major at Molliens-au-bois. This, after the trying life of the trenches, he enjoyed to the full, and he had many amusing stories to tell of his experiences. He was gazetted full lieutenant in July, 1917, and was transferred to the 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers. Early this year he was appointed acting captain, and he fell at the head of his men on the 21st August, 1918, in a big attack at Courcelles-le-Comte.

Many letters have been received from brother officers speaking of the high regard in which he was held as a soldier and a man. Captain Mclnnes Shaw, M. C., writes, " He was one of the few personal friends I have now left. We had so many happy days together in the 6/7th that his loss is all the more severe. I can assure you he did his duty during the last show, as he always did, full of keenness and courage. His men, or the very few who were left, spoke of his leadership, and in losing him we have lost one of the real fine type of officers, one of the old hands of whom few are left."