Bruce, Charles James (1887 - 1917)

Second Lieutenant, 52nd Div. Cyclist Bn. Army Cyclist Corps

Buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Charles James Bruce was the third son of Dr. R. Wilson Bruce, and was one of five sons serving with the colours. At School he took a high place, and showed a marked capacity for mathematics and science. On leaving School he chose insurance as his life work, and made rapid progress in his profession. At the outbreak of war he was an inspector of the Scottish Widows' Life Assurance Society.

When the great world struggle began Charles Bruce, known to his friends as "Clunk," was one of the first to answer the call. He rejoined his old regiment, the Glasgow Highlanders, and went with them to France as corporal in November, 1914. In May, 1915, he was wounded at Festubert. Making a good recovery, he was given a commission in the Army Cyclist Corps, and proceeded to Egypt in May, 1916.

He came safely through the battles of Romani and Gaza, but immediately after the latter he contracted dysentery. His commanding officer writing to his own people lights up the closing scenes in the life of this gallant officer, "There is very sad news about Bruce. He took ill with dysentery, and was in a field hospital behind the lines. The second night he was there Fritz came over and bombed the hospital, and let off his machine gun. Bruce was badly wounded in ten places, but was moved down the line, and ultimately got the length of Cairo. Some days ago I heard he was out of danger, but I have now learned that he succumbed to his wounds three days later, on 21st May, 1917. I feel it very much, as he was such a fine fellow, so cheery, and one you could entirely depend upon to do the very best, no matter how trying the circumstances. He did so well also during the fighting."

The officer now in command of the company writes, " I have had no officer who was so popular and well liked by the men, and all the officers and many of the men found him a sincere friend." Many fine tributes have been paid to "Clunk," but one of the finest was the devotion shown to him by his batman, who refused to leave his side till he died. No one who knew "Clunk" will be surprised at this;
a big-hearted fellow himself, he called forth the best in all who were around him.