Stirling, Alexander M. 14405 (1895 - 1914)

Private, 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at New Kilpatrick Cemetery

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Private Stirling's career as a soldier was short but highly honourable. He had no love for soldiering as such, but he saw clearly that personal considerations should sink before national needs, and so after more than one rejection he was enrolled in His Majesty's Forces.

At School Private Stirling took a high place in his classes, but specially excelled in Latin and Greek. He took a great interest in all School games, and was an invaluable member of the Rugby team.

On leaving School he entered the University, gaining a United Free Church Scholarship of £20 for three years. At the close of his first (and, alas, his last session) he passed in Latin, Greek, and Mathematics for the degree of M.A.

Private Stirling had a very high sense of duty and an extreme conscientiousness, and it seemed to his friends that he was predestined for the ministry. His own inclinations led strongly that way also, but when war broke out he joined the 16th Battalion H.L.I., and went into training at Gailes. There he contracted scarlet fever, to which he succumbed on 12th December, 1914, after one day in hospital.

His death was a great blow to his comrades in the camp, in the Church, and in the University.