Neilson, John Towers (1890 - 1917)

Lieutenant, 1st/8th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Buried at Gaza War Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant John T. Neilson was the only son of the late Mr. William Neilson and of Mrs. Neilson, Holyrood Quadrant, Glasgow. He received all his education in Hillhead High School. At School he distinguished himself by taking several prizes, and gained one of the School scholarships.

At the close of his School career he entered the office of Messrs. Aitken, Mackenzie & Clapperton, stockbrokers, and continued in their service till he joined the University O.T.C. in the summer of 1915.

In November of the same year he received his commission in the 8th Scottish Rifles. After a period of training at Ripon he left for Egypt in March, 1916. He came safely through the battles of Romani and Gaza, but in the subsequent heavy fighting in Palestine he fell mortally wounded while leading his platoon in a successful attack on the Gaza defences, 2nd November, 1917.

The chaplain, writing to Lieutenant Neilson's mother, says, "Your son was a great personal friend of my own, and I went often to see him both when he was in camp and when he was moving up and down in the armoured train. I shall miss him most tremendously, and so shall we all, as he was most popular with all ranks."

Lieutenant Neilson was well known in musical circles as an amateur performer of much promise. He was an enthusiastic member of the Lyric Club, and was held in the greatest esteem by his fellow-members. He was a singularly loving and devoted son and brother and the School desires to express the deepest sympathy with his widowed mother and sisters.