MacKenzie, Francis Ramsay (1884 - 1916)

Second Lieutenant, 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders

Buried at Thiepval Memorial

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Frank R. Mackenzie was a pupil in Hillhead High School during the years 1895-99. On leaving School he entered the employment of Messrs. J. & W.Campbell, warehousemen, Ingram Street, Glasgow. He was an enthusiastic Volunteer, and served for nearly ten years in the 1st L.R.V. and 5th Scottish Rifles.

In August, 1915, he joined the University O.T.C., and in November obtained a commission in the 10th Seaforth Highlanders. After a short period of training he went to France in March, 1916, and was attached to the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders.

In the Big Push of 1st July, 1916, the Seaforths broke far into the enemy's lines, but were unable to hold all the ground they had gained. The major of the battalion states that Lieutenant Mackenzie fell wounded in the advance close to the third German trenches. When the regiment was compelled to retreat he was seen in a shell hole with a bandage round his head, but they were unable to bring him back to the British lines. The hope was expressed that he had been picked up by the German Red Cross, but no word has since been heard of him, and it is now presumed he must have been killed by a shell. The uncertainty surrounding his fate must still be an agony to his wife and sisters, with whom the deepest sympathy is felt.

Lieutenant Mackenzie was an earnest student of social questions, and took a deep and active interest in all social and religious work for the uplifting of the young in the poorer districts of the city.