Dunn, James ( - 1918)

Lieutenant, Indian Army Reserve of Offcers, 2nd Queen Victoria's Own Sappers and Miners

Buried at Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant James Dunn was the second son of the late Mr. James Dunn, of Glasgow and Ardoch, Dumbartonshire. He was educated privately and at Hillhead High School. There he proved himself a youth of great promise, showing rare ability in Mathematics and Science.

He took a prominent part in raising the School Cadet Corps, and to the last was interested in its progress. On leaving School he served his apprenticeship as a civil engineer with the late Sir W. R. Copland, graduating A.M.I.C.E. in 1906. In 1908 he was appointed to the Public Works Department, Indian Civil Service, and was posted for duty in Burma, where he remained until the outbreak of war.

While still an apprentice in Glasgow he was given a commission in the 6th H.L.I., and took an active part in all its activities. Tall, broad-shouldered, athletic, he looked every inch the soldier. In Burma he found scope for his military zeal in the Mounted Rifles, and when war began he transferred to the 2nd Q.V.O. Sappers and Miners, with which unit he served throughout the war in the East and in German East Africa.

For valuable services rendered in the latter place he was mentioned in despatches. On the surrender of the German forces he set sail for India. On the voyage he fell a victim to the influenza which was then raging, and died of pneumonia three days after the signing of the armistice, and was buried at sea. A special pathos attaches to the fate of those who like Lieutenant Dunn passed unscathed through the hardships, diseases and perils of war only to be cut off in the moment of victory and peace.

The School will long cherish the memory of this gallant soldier, who was ever faithful to its highest traditions, and who is mourned by a wide circle of old schoolfellows and friends.