Gordon, Eric Alexander (1899 - 1918)

Second Lieutenant, 10th/11th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Arras Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Eric A. Gordon, the only son of the late Mr. Robert Gordon, Kandy, Ceylon, and of Mrs. Gordon, 19 Highburgh Gardens, Glasgow, was a pupil in Hillhead High School for over nine years. The intimation of his death in action fell upon the School like a thunderbolt; for the School had taken Eric Gordon to its heart of hearts. He was its hero, almost its idol, and great things were looked for from him. Nature had fashioned him on big lines, and showered her gifts upon him with full hands. His frank, open nature, his lovable disposition, his generous spirit, his prowess on the playing field, all combined to give him a unique place in the affection of his fellows. At Rugby he was probably the greatest three-quarter the School ever had. Powerfully built, of great speed, and absolutely fearless, it was no easy task to stop him once he was set agoing.

For two seasons he held the tennis championship, and when only fifteen years of age won the School championship at the sports in June, 1914. At cricket and water polo he was for several years the mainstay of the teams. With such a record it might be expected that his work in the classroom would seriously suffer. This, happily, was not the case. Possessed of marked ability and creditable, though not excessive, industry, he was always to be found in the first flight among his compeers. At the close of his course he obtained the Group Leaving Certificate, with passes in the Higher Grade in six subjects - English, French, mathematics, science, dynamics, and analytical geometry.

He had also another side to his character, known only to his intimates. He was passionately attached to his home, and was a most devoted and dutiful son. In the winter of 1916 he obtained a commission in the H.L.I., and proceeded to France in the summer of 1917. While there he had some minor illnesses which kept him out of the fighting line for a time. In March, 1918, he was due home on leave, but the opening of the great offensive detained him with his regiment.

On the morning of the 21st March, while still a long way behind the firing line, a chance shell landed near one of the officers' huts, causing several minor casualties, and mortally wounding Eric Gordon, who survived but a few minutes. Captain Christie,
his commanding officer, says, "He joined my company when he first came out, and it did not take me long to find out his true worth. He was one of the best, and never hesitated to do what was required. I shall miss him much, for he was one of
the mainstays of the company."

The heartfelt sympathy of the School goes out to his widowed mother and sister.