Cameron, Waldo Hastie (1889 - 1917)

Second Lieutenant, 6th Bn. Cameron Highlanders

Buried at Monchy British Cemetery, Monchy-le-Preux

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Second Lieutenant Waldo H. Cameron was the youngest son of the late Mr. Robert Wilson Cameron, of John Cameron & Son, Greenock, and of Mrs. Cameron, 53 Lawrence, Place, Partick. He was educated at Hillhead High School, where his sunny nature and lovable disposition made him one of the most popular of pupils.

He was an original member of the Cadet Corps, and this early training may be said to have given direction to his whole after-life. Second Lieutenant Cameron had a high sense of duty and a passion for service. He was for years an active member and officer of the 32nd Company of the Boys' Brigade, and to the last followed the fortunes of his old boys with the keenest interest. Like many other Hillhead School cadets, he joined B Company of the 6th H.L.I., and rose to the rank of sergeant.

On the outbreak of war he, like a true Cameron, enlisted under Lochiel, and though offered a commission in another regiment he preferred to serve in the ranks under the chief of his clan. At the battle of Loos, where the Camerons covered themselves with glory, he was wounded and invalided home. In July, 1916, he was offered a commission in the 6th Camerons, and joined his regiment in France towards the close of the year.

Early in March, 1917, he was wounded a second time, but soon rejoined his battalion. On the 11th April, 1917, the Camerons advanced across a field swept by machine guns to capture the village of Monchy. Waldo took a leading part in this attack, which has been described as one of the most glorious incidents in that advance. According to his commanding officer, he fell during the hottest part of the fight doing his duty in the bravest and most gallant manner.

Thus in death as in life he fought a good fight and kept the faith.