Herbertson, James Dougall (1880 - 1919)

Lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, H.M.M.L. "No. 378"

Buried at Portsmouth Naval Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant James D. Herbertson, R.N.V.R., was the son of Mr. James D. Herbertson, measurer, Glasgow. He came as a scholar to the Infant Department of this School when it was first opened, and his whole School life was passed here. Being of an agreeable and sunny disposition, he was well liked, and is affectionately remembered.

A few years after leaving School he joined the Lanarkshire Artillery Volunteers, and found in the ranks of the battery to which he was posted quite a number of his old School companions.

At the outbreak of war in August, 1914, he enlisted in the Scottish Horse, and served in the Gallipoli campaign. He was invalided home with a severe attack of dysentery, and on his recovery was granted a commission in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. During the war our coasts were patrolled by a fleet of swift motor launches manned by the R.N.V.R., and to one of these Herbertson was appointed, with headquarters in Bantry Bay and at Queenstown. He was on duty there from the beginning of 1916 until November, 1919.

On the 30th of that month, while on his way to Southampton to be demobilised, the engine of the motor launch broke down and left it at the mercy of the waves. As there was a heavy sea running at the time, the various boats of the flotilla had been compelled to part company, and this one was driven on to the dreadful reef at Longships Lighthouse, Land's End, and immediately broke in two. The lifeboat of the Royal National Lifeboat Association stationed at Sennen went to the rescue, and with great difficulty and gallantry succeeded in saving all the crew except Lieutenant Herbertson, who was seen to disappear just as help was at hand.