Sinclair, Donald M. F. ( - 1917)

Lieutenant, 40th Sqdn. and General List Royal Flying Corps

Buried at Orchard Dump Cemetery, Arleux-en-Gohelle

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Lieutenant Donald Sinclair was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sinclair, 32 Viewmount Drive, Maryhill. At School, as all through life, he
was the very embodiment of cheerfulness and good humour, and his superabundant spirits and hearty, boyish laughter were as a tonic to his friends.

He owed much to the Boy Scout movement in his early years, and this debt he amply repaid later, becoming patrol leader, and assistant scoutmaster in the 82nd Glasgow Troop, connected with Maryhill United Free Church.

On leaving School he entered the service of Napier Brothers, Glasgow, as an apprentice engineer. Between work and evening classes he had not much leisure, yet he found time to cultivate his rare musical gifts. His services as a vocalist were much sought after, and for the benefit of worthy causes were as willingly rendered.

On the outbreak of war he joined the 6th H.L.I. as a private, and speedily rose through all the grades of non-commissioned rank. He was soon recommended for a commission, and, after a period in a Cadet battalion, was attached to the 7th H.L.I. as second lieutenant.

After serving there for some time he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. There his knowledge of engines and his mechanical skill were of the greatest value, and he was frequently employed as instructor. Just before leaving for France for the last time he paid a visit to the School. His spirits were as high as of old, but underneath his care-free attitude there were signs of a keen realisation of the serious things of life.

He was only a few days in France when he was killed in an aerial engagement over the German lines, 18th December, 1917. His observer, writing home, says-" He had not been with us many days, but even in that short time we had all been particularly impressed by his capabilities as a pilot, by his pluck, his keenness, and his conspicuous cheeriness. When we lost him we lost a cheery companion and a brave colleague, one who would, without doubt, have brought further honour to the Royal Flying Corps."