The Royal Bank of Scotland Casualties

A Modern photograph of The Royal Bank of Scotland’s war memorial in 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh. The wall-mounted elements were created for the Great War memorial. The marble plinth at the bottom

was subsequently added as a Second World War memorial.

Lance Corporal Andrew Aitken, Royal Scots, was the only son of John F Aitken, an Ironmonger, and Margaret Aitken, of 15 Bank Street, Airdrie. He was born in Airdrie, New Monkland and worked at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 19 June, 1915, age 26. Surviving sister was Margaret. Air Mechanic 2nd Class Thomas Elliot Armour, Royal Air Force, was the son of Harry Armour, an Oilworks Manager, and Margaret Armour, of Niddry Mains, Winchburgh, West Lothian. He was born in Livingston and worked as an Inspector of Branches, at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh. He died on 12 April, 1918, age 27. Surviving brother was John. Private John Berwick, King's Own Scottish Borderers, was the son of John Berwick, a Farmer, and Emily A Berwick, of 36 Low Glencairn Street, Kilmarnock. He was born in Kirkcaldy and worked at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 26 October, 1917, age 23.

Private Robert Cecil Brockie, Royal Scots, was the son of Archibald Brockie, a Bank Clerk, and Florence Lilian Brockie, of 69 Comely Bank Avenue, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Leven Street branch of the Royal bank of Scotland. He died on 28 June, 1915, age 18. Second Lieutenant James Tod Brown, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was the son of James Tod Brown, a Spirit Dealer, and Jane Brown, of 36 Dudley Gardens, Leith. He was born in Leith and worked at the North Leith branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 27 April, 1918, age 22. Surviving siblings were Albert, Thomas and Rendall. Lance Corporal George Storrie Campbell, Royal Scots, was the son of Thomas Campbell, a Butcher, and Jessie Campbell, of 1 Learmouth Place, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Haymarket branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 9 April, 1917, age 20. Surviving siblings were Thomas, John, Edward and Hector. Private Henry Nicolson Craigie, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was the only son of Henry Nicolson Craigie, a Law Clerk, and May Reid Craigie, of 83 Brunswick Street, Leith. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Hope Street branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 4 November, 1917, age 21. Surviving sister was Mary Edna. Private William J K Cullen, Royal Scots, was the only son of William J Cullen, a Postman, and Elizabeth H Cullen, of 7 Howard Street, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Hope Street branch of the Royal bank of Scotland, He died on 31 July, 1918, age 19. Private Alexander Hay, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was the fourth son of John Hay, a Joiner, and Jeanie Hay, of "Mayfield", Duddingston. He was born in Duddingston and worked at the Edinburgh branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 8 January 1918, age 18. Surviving siblings were Mary, Thomas, Isabella, John, Janet, William, Susan, Catherine and Hilda. Private Arthur Orr Hay, Lothians and Border Horse, was the eldest son of David Hay, a Coach Body Maker, and Eliza Orr Hay, of 28 Ivy Terrace, Slateford Road, Edinburgh. He was born in Manchester and worked at the Granton branch of the Royal bank of Scotland. He died on 15 September, 1917, age 19. Surviving siblings were William, Harry, Eliza, Arthur and Emma.

Lieutenant Henry William Richard Huie, Royal Scots, was the only son of Henry Packitt Huie, JP, a Distiller and Wine Merchant, formerly a Lieutenant, Royal Scots, and Rebecca Nellie Reid Huie, of 17 Braid Avenue, Edinburgh. He was born in 1893, and educated at

Viewpark School, of which he was Dux. He attended George Watson’s College from 1907 to 1909, and thereafter worked at the Newington branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Enlisting in the 9th Royal Scots in November, 1914, he got a commission in the Battalion four months later, and became Lewis Gun Officer in November, 1916. After a spell of home service, he was ordered to France in May, 1918, and there attached to the 5/6th Royal Scots.

He fell in storming the village of Parvillers, Picardy, on 11 August, 1918, age 24. Gunner David Lumsden Hunter, Machine Gun Corps (Heavy Branch), was the first son of David Thomson Hunter, a Draper, and Elizabeth Lumsden Hunter, of 8 Union Place, Montrose. He was born in Glasgow and worked at the Bathgate branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 25 July 1917, age 36. Surviving siblings were James, Lilian and Elizabeth. Private Robert W Johnston, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was the fourth son of Thomas Johnston, a Fisherman, and Mary D Johnston, of 11 Elcho Place, Cockenzie, Prestonpans. He was born in Cockenzie and worked at the Musselburgh branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 22 August, 1917, age 22. Surviving siblings were George, Adam and Thomas. Private Robert Brown Johnstone, Scottish Horse, was the only son of Samuel Johnstone, a Postman, and Jeannie Johnstone, of 27 Comely Bank Street, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Pitt Street branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 23 October, 1915, age 21. Second Lieutenant James McKercher Lawson, King's Own Scottish Borderers, was the only son of Duncan Lawson, a Gardener, and Mina Lawson, of Abbey Street, Bathans, Duns. He was born in Ponteland ans worked at the Head Office of the Royal bank of Scotland. He died on 1 July, 1917, age 23. Surviving siblings were Janet, Margaret and Wilhelmina. Lieutenant William Henry MacIntosh, Gordon Highlanders, was the younger son of William MacIntosh, an Electrical Engineer, and Margaret Henry MacIntosh, of 31 Gillespie Crescent, Edinburgh. Leith. He died on 9 November, 1918, age 22, Surviving siblings were Grace and George. Captain Samuel McKnight, Royal Scots, was the only son of James McKnight, an Engine Fitter, and Agnes W McKnight, of 41 North Hamilton Street, Kilmarnock. He was born in Kilmarnock and worked at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 29 September, 1918, age 25. Second Lieutenant Charles Paterson, Royal Scots, was the third son of James Paterson, a Tailor, and Ann Paterson, of 53 St Leonard’s Hill, Edinburgh. He was born in Newington and worked at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 28 June, 1915, age 29. Surviving siblings were Alexander, James, George, William, Ann, Julia and Joseph. Private William Matheson Ross, Royal Scots, was the only son of Donald Ross, an Engrossing Clerk, and Marion B Ross, of 17 Teviotdale Place, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Head Office of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 26 December, 1915, age 26. Surviving sister was Caroline.

Gunner Peter Thomson Simpson, Royal Marine Artillery Unit, was the second son of John Simpson, a Grocer, and Isabella Simpson, of Woodend House, Denbeath, Methil, Fife. He was born in Buckhaven, Fife and worked at the Edinburgh Hunter Square branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 15 August, 1918, age 21. Surviving siblings were William and Helen. Private William Lachlan Sutherland, Cameron Highlanders, was the son of William Fraser Sutherland, a Fishmonger, and Hannah Richardson Sutherland, a Boarding House Keeper, of 3 Ness Walk, Inverness. He was born in Chelmsford and worked at the Edinburgh Leven Street branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 2 October, 1918, age 21. Surviving child was Emily. In the 1901 Census, the lodgers in the Boarding House were Balvert Routledge, an Actor Manager, and Mary Routledge, his actress wife, a Licensed Shopkeeper, a Law Clerk, a Grocer’s Assistant, and a Wholesale Grocery, Wine and Spirit Merchant. Private David Swan, Royal Scots, was the son of William Swan, a Railway Goods Guard, and Ann Swan, of Peffermill Cottages, Craigmillar, Edinburgh. He was born in Portobello and worked in the Portobello branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 12 July, 1915, age 29. Surviving sister was Christine. Second Lieutenant David Borthwick Tait, Royal Scots, was the son of James Guthrie Tait, an Inspector of the Poor, and Annie Tait, of Glenholm, Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh. He was born in Cramond and worked at the Edinburgh Haymarket branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He died on 11 August, 1918, age 23. Surviving siblings were Eleanor and Louise.

National Bank of Scotland Second Lieutenant John Petrie Alexander, Royal Flying Corps, was the eldest son of William Alexander, a Hatter, and Helen Morrison Petrie Alexander, of "St. John," Burgess Terrace, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh, attended George Watson’s College from

1900 to 1910, and left to join the Edinburgh Haymarket branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He played for Newington and Watsonian 'A' XVs, and was a good all-round athlete. Enlisting in the Royal Highlanders in 1914, he was later given a commission in the 14th Royal Scots, rose to be Lieutenant and Acting Captain, and came through some severe fighting round Loos. Applying for a transfer to the Royal Flying Corps, he got his pilot's certificate in the record time of seven weeks. Returning to France in September, 1916, he proved himself a most intrepid airman, but his career was unhappily cut short by an attack of pleurisy, traceable to previous gas poisoning. He made a gallant struggle for life, but finally died in Craigleith Hospital on 14 May, 1917, age 24. Surviving siblings were William and George. In the 1901 Census, the household included a Domestic Servant.

Private George Cooper Calder, Seaforth Highlanders, was the third son of John Cooper Calder, a House Factor, and Agnes Cooper Calder, of 5 Waverley Place, Leith. He was born in Leith and worked at the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 15 December, 1917, age 20. Surviving siblings were John and William. Corporal Andrew Cheyne, Royal Scots, was the third son of Robert Cheyne, Clerk to the Church of Scotland Foreign Mission Committee, and Violet Cheyne, of 11 Denham Green Place, Trinity, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Leith Walk branch of the National Bank of Scotland . He died on 14 April, 1915, age 19. Surviving siblings were Violet, Robert, Agnes and Henry. Private Smollett David MacGregor Clerk, Royal Scots, was the son of Claude Louis Clerk, Eastern District Telegraph Service, and Lily Clerk, of 5 Braidburn Crescent, Edinburgh. He was born in Singapore in 1895. Coming to Scotland at an early age, he entered George Watson’s College in 1905, came up the Classical side, and left in 1910 to work in the Edinburgh Leith Walk branch of the National Bank of Scotland. When war broke out, he enlisted in the 4th Royal Scots, accompanied his Battalion to the Dardanelles, and fell in action on 28 June, 1915, age 20. Private Charles Cunningham, The Black Watch, was the son of Robert Cunningham, a Bank Clerk in the Accountant's Department of the National Bank of Scotland, and Mary Cunningham, of Maryville, Duddingston, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh on 23 May, 1898, and joined the Edinburgh Portobello branch of the National Bank of Scotland on 7 September, 1914. He died on 14 September, 1917, age 19. Private Norman Gilbert Finlayson, Seaforth Highlanders, was the first son of Gilbert Finlayson, of Bankipore, India, and Frances Charlotte Ellen Finlayson, of 64 Findhorn Place, Edinburgh, described in the 1901 Census as living off her husband’s income in India. He was born in India and worked at the Edinburgh Leith Walk branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 10 April, 1917, age 31. Surviving child was Reginald.

Private John C Knight Fyall, Royal Scots, was the fifth son of Thomas Lang Fyall, an Iron Merchant, and Annie Knight Fyall, of 90 Murrayfield Gardens, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Gorgie branch of the National Bank of

Scotland. He died on 19 April, 1917, age 21. His brother, Private Andrew Fyall, Canadian Scottish, was the eldest son, born in 1886, and entered George Watson’s College 1896. After a term of service in the iron trade, he went to Canada and took up farming. Joining the Canadian Forces, he crossed with the 2nd Contingent to France in 1915. He was twice wounded in the Somme battle of 1916. Transferring to the 16th Canadian Scottish in 1917, he took part in the heroics of the regiment at Ypres, Festubert, and Givenchy. On 17 August, 1918, he was fatally wounded at Chaulnes, and died in the Canadian Casualty Clearing Station the same day, age 31. Surviving siblings were William, Thomas, Robert and James.

Captain William Knight Good, Royal Scots, was the younger son of John Good, an Iron Merchant, and Jane Good, of 1 Millbank Terrace, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 27 February, 1918, age 31. Surviving siblings were Janet, Alexander and Edith. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Domestic Servant. Lance Corporal Ronald Stuart Gunn, Cameron Highlanders, was the younger son of John Leith Gunn, a Commercial Traveller, and Mary Gunn, of 1 Shandon Terrace, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Canonmills branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 25 September, 1915, age 25. Surviving siblings were Graham and Agnes. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Cook. Lieutenant James Herdman, Royal Scots, was the younger son of James Herdman, a Mechanical Engineer, and Isabella Herdman, of Ramsey Lodge, Trinity Road, Leith. He was born in Leith and worked at the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 9 May, 1917, age 22. Surviving siblings were Andrew, Agnes, Anne and Isabel. In the 1901 Census, the household also had two Domestic Servants. Private Peter Keddie, Royal Scots, was the second son of James D Keddie, a Bank Messenger, and Georgina Keddie, of 10a George Street, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh on 17 November, 1897, and joined the Leith Walk branch of the National Bank of Scotland on 28 August, 1914, transferring to the Edinburgh Portobello branch in October, 1917. He died of pneumonia on war service on 9 November, 1918, age 20. Surviving siblings were Catherine, James, Georgina and Roderick. Private George Charles Morison, Royal Scots, was the elder son of George Morison, a Merchant, and Emma Marion Morison, of 17 Queen’s Crescent, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh High Street branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 2 November, 1917, age 26. Surviving siblings were Caroline and Leslie. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Cook, a Nurse and a Housemaid. Second Lieutenant David Taylor Neill, Royal Scots, was the fourth son of John Neill, an Engineer and Machine Hand and Mary Hood Neill, of 33 Thirlestane Road, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh Tollcross branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 3 May, 1917, age 30. Surviving siblings were Cecilia, John, William, Jessie, George and James. Second Lieutenant Ernest Arthur Norris, King's Royal Rifle Corps, was the younger son of Albert Norris, a Professor of Music, and Gertrude Norris, of 17 Coltbridge Avenue, Murrayfield, Edinburgh. He was born in England and worked at the Edinburgh South Side branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 22 March, 1918, age 29. Surviving siblings were Albert, Gertrude, Ethel and Alice.

Second Lieutenant Harry Morton Porteous, Highland Light Infantry, was the elder son of Alexander Porteous, a Surveyor, and Ellen Porteous, of 17 MacDowall Road, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and educated at George Herlot's School. He worked in the Inspector's Department in the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. Having served for ten years with the Edinburgh Territorials, on the outbreak of war he rejoined his old regiment on 5 August, 1914, and was given a commission in the Highland Light Infantry on 18 December, 1914, continuing his training at Cambridge. He went to France on 10 July, 1915, and was killed in action, age 27, at the Battle of Loos, when gallantly leading his bombers to attack the German first line trench, on the morning of 25 September, 1915. Close to him fell the three other officers of his platoon. At Glasgow Cathedral, on 23 April, 1915, he married Helen Mason, a daughter of James Mason, Inspector of Poor, and Clerk to the Council and District Board of Control. Surviving siblings were Catherine, Alice, Jane and Arthur. Private Robert Leman Purdom, Royal Scots, was the third son of Robert Purdom, a Solicitor and Banker, and Helen L Purdom, of Westwood, Hawick, Roxburghshire. He was born in Wilton, Roxburghshire and worked at the Edinburgh West End branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 21 March, 1917, age 32. Surviving siblings were Thomas, Henry, Mabel, Elizabeth and Angus. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Nurse, a Cook and a Housemaid, and Helen Purdom’s mother, Emma Webb. Lieutenant John Reid, Highland Light Infantry, was the son of Grace Ramsay Reid, a Dressmaker, of 68 Comely Bank Avenue, Edinburgh. He was born in London ans worked at the Edinburgh Canonmills branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 4 April, 1918, age 25. Second Lieutenant James Renny, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), was the second son of William Renny, a Police Sergeant with Fife Constabulary, and Jane Ann Renny, of "Roselea," Victoria Street, Kirriemuir, Forfarshire. He was born in Kirriemuir and worked at the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 26 September, 1917, age 27. Surviving siblings were William and David. Captain John Robertson, Royal Scots Banker's Company, was the son of Alexander Robertson, and Annie Mackenzie Robertson, of "Holmiry", Glenisla, Alyth, Perthshire. He was born at Glenisla, educated at Glenisla Public School, and Harris Academy, Dundee, and worked at the Edinburgh Blenheim Place branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He served for a few years with the 5th (Volunteer) Battalion of the Black Watch, and joined the Queen's Edinburgh Rifles (4th Royal Scots) in January, 1893; received a commission in the same Battalion in January, 1910, and was promoted Captain in November, 1913, succeeding to the command of the well-known Bankers Company. Volunteering for foreign service on the outbreak of war, he left for the East, landed at the Dardanelles on 11 June, 1915, and was killed in action there on 28 June, 1915, age 41, “gallantly leading his men". He had the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

In Edinburgh on 16 September, 1913, Captain Robertson married Janet Ritchie and they lived at 151 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh. Private John Cleugh Sinclair, Gordon Highlanders, was the son of James Henderson Sinclair, a Draper’s Assistant, and Emily Roberta Sinclair, of 3 Comely Bank Avenue, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Head Office of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 29 August, 1918, age 19. Captain Adam Davidson Smith, Royal Scots, was the youngest son of Adam Davidson Smith, a Chartered Accountant, and Ada Bewley Smith, of Dirleton Road, North Berwick. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Edinburgh West End branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 2 October, 1918, age 30. Surviving siblings were twins Margaret and Christina, Charles, Ada, Jessie and George. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Nurse and a Domestic Servant. Second Lieutenant Thomas Gibbs Gordon Sturrock, Royal Scots, was the son of John Sturrock, a Wholesale General Merchant, and Annie Marie Lloyd Sturrock, of 9 Links Place, Leith. He was born in Leith and worked at the Leith branch of the National Bank of Scotland. He died on 16 October, 1916, age 20. Private William Herbert Warden, Machine Gun Corps, was the eldest son of Thomas Warden, a Stationery Traveller, and Gertrude Mary Warden, of 6 Sea View Terrace, Joppa. He was born in Joppa on 9 July, 1896, educated at Royal High School, Edinburgh, and Dollar Institution, and worked in the Edinburgh Canonmills branch of the National Bank of Scotland. Joining the Scottish Horse on 29 November, 1915, he transferred to the 6th Reserve Regiment of Cavalry on 12 March, 1917, being attached to the Berkshire Yeomanry on 31 May, 1917, proceeded to Egypt on 19 June of the same year, served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine, and was killed in action on the Zeitoun Ridge on 27 November, 1917, age 21. In the 1901 Census, the household also had a Domestic Servant.

Commercial Bank of Scotland

A 1921 illustration showing Commercial Bank of Scotland’s war memorial tablets,

located in the bank’s George Street headquarters. The Bank subsequently left this building, and the tablets are now on display in The Royal Bank of Scotland’s

flagship branch at 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.

Private Ernest A Bailey, Royal Scots, was the son of Daniel Bailey, an Assurance Manager, and Annie Bailey, of 49 Regent Street, Edinburgh. He was born in Woodville, Burton-on-Trent and worked in the Newington branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 28 June 1915, age 21. Surviving siblings were Lucy Jane, Minnie, William, Henry, Anne, Elsie, Walter and Gladys.

Second Lieutenant James Hope Byres, Royal Scots, was the second son of George Byres, an Accountant’s Clerk, and Elizabeth Hope Byres, of 8 York Place, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and attended George Watson’s College from 1900 to 1910, was a

member of Cricket XI in 1909 and 1910, and later played for Watsonian 'A' XI. He worked in the Nicolson Street, Edinburgh branch, of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, and joined the Bankers' Company, 4th Royal Scots in 1911. Mobilised as a Territorial in the 4th Battalion on the outbreak of War, he served with this Battalion in Gallipoli and Egypt from 1915 to 1917, was gazetted Second Lieutenant on returning home in June, 1917, went to Belgium, and was instantaneously killed by a sniper on 27 August, 1917, age 26, the day after he reached his regiment at Frezenberg. Surviving siblings were George and Evan.

Second Lieutenant James Brown Elliott, Royal Scots, was the younger son of John. Elliot, a Law Cashier, and Margaret Elliott, of 59 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh, and attended George Watson’s College from 1902 to 1912. He played for

Cockburn House Rugby XV in season. 1911-12. On leaving School he worked in the Edinburgh West End branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, and in the following year joined the Bankers' Company, 4th Royal Scots. Mobilised as a Private in August, 1914, he went through the Gallipoli campaign. Promoted Corporal in 1916, he served in Egypt, Sinai, and Palestine. In August, 1917, he was gazetted to the 4th Royal Scots and attached to the 1/7th Scottish Rifles in Palestine. After coming through the severe fighting which preceded the capture of Jerusalem, he fell in action at Nebi Samwil - the ancient Mizpeh – on 22 November, 1917, age 22. Surviving son was John.

Corporal Ian Dalgleish Gowan, Royal Scots, was the third and youngest son of John Gowan, a Bank Inspector with the Commercial Bank of Scotland, and Margaret Gowan, of 20 Blackford Road, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and attended George

Watson’s College from 1904 to 1913. Adopting his father's profession, he had served one year of his bank apprenticeship in the North Bridge, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland when he enlisted as a Private in the 9th Royal Scots in November, 1914. He was promoted Corporal. in 1915, and in 1916 held the rank of Lance Sergeant in his Battalion After a period of strenuous service in France, he fell near Arras on 9 April, 1917, age 19, at the successful attack on Vimy Ridge. Surviving siblings were Euphemia, Anthony and Alastair. In the 1901 Census, the household also included a Nurse and a General Servant. Private Alexander Bell Graham, Scots Guards, was the third son of Adam Graham, a Railway Guard, and Jane Smith Graham, of 21 Viewforth, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh, and worked at the Leith branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 24 August, 1918, age 28. Surviving siblings were Ellen, James, John, Thomas and Williamina. Private Thomas Stalker Happer, Lothians and Border Horse, was the only son of William R Happer, an Assurance Superintendent, and Ann Happer, of 18 Townhead, Irvine. He was born in Dalkeith and worked at the Juniper Green branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, He died on 30 April, 1916, age 19. Second Lieutenant James Valentine Johnston, Highland Light Infantry, was the third son of Reverend James Valentine Johnston, Minister, and Mary M G Johnston, of 25 Joppa Road, Edinburgh. He was born in the USA and worked in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 3 April, 1917, age 22. Surviving siblings were Edith, Hester, Frederick and Frank.

Private William Hill Laing, Royal Scots, was the eldest son of John Laing, JP, a Railway Clerk, and Christina Laing, of 12 Gosford Place, Edinburgh. He was born in Leith and worked in the Edinburgh West End of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 1 October, 1918, age 37. Surviving siblings were John, James, Robina, Margaret and Christina. He left a widow, Annie Stewart Laing, of 49 Balfour Street, Leith. Private Marshall Lee, Royal Scots, was the only son of John Lee, a Retired Farmer, and Alice Lee, of 16 Saint Alban's Road, Edinburgh. He was born at Dollar, Clackmannanshire and worked at the Head Office of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 27 April, 1917, age 43. Surviving sisters were Agnes, Jean Mary, Ann and Elizabeth. Second Lieutenant George Lindsay, Royal Scots, was the fourth son of James Lindsay, a Shoemaker, and Elizabeth D Lindsay, of "St. Evox", Stanley Road, Leith. He was born at Leith and worked at the Head Office of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 6 May, 1917, age 24. Surviving siblings were Joseph, Elizabeth, James, John, Agnes and Grace. Private Benjamin Forbes Meiklejohn, Seaforth Highlanders, was the son of James Meiklejohn, a Labourer, and Alexandrina Meiklejohn, of Princes Street, Thurso. He was born in Thurso and worked at the Head Office of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 22 September 1918, age 30. Surviving siblings were William, a son from James Meiklejohn’s first marriege to Jane Henderson Meikle, and Elizabeth Jane and David Daniel. Lieutenant Charles Wallace Strettell-Miller, Machine Gun Corps, was the second son of John Charles Strettell Miller, WS, and Annie Eliza Robinson Strettell-Miller, of 35 Hermitage Gardens, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Home Street, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial bank of Scotland. He died on 6 October, 1918, age 23. Surviving brother was William Hogarth. In the 1901 Census, the household also included Mr Strettell-Miller’s Mother-in-Law, a Nurse, a Cook and a Housemaid. Second Lieutenant Eric Roy More, Gordon Highlanders, was the fifth and youngest son of George More, a Solicitor, and Isabella More, of 14 Hermitage Gardens, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Head Office of the Commercial bank of Scotland. He died on 27 October, 1918, age 20. Surviving siblings were David, William, George, Douglas and Ada. In the 1901 Census, the household also included a Domestic Servant and a Nurse. Corporal James David Cormack McAdie, Royal Scots, was the first son of William McAdie, a Mason, and Mary Ann McAdie, of 123 Viewforth, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Home Street, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 11 April, 1918, age 20. Surviving siblings were Donal and Jessie.

Lieutenant David Stuart MacGregor, VC, Royal Scots, was the second son of David McGregor, a Talilor and Clothier, and Annie McGregor, of "Ferragon", Craigs Road., Corstorphine, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Stockbridge branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 22 October, 1918, age 23. Surviving siblings were James, Marjorie and Ronald. In the 1901 Census, the household also included a Domestic Servant. An extract from "The London Gazette" dated 13th December, 1918, records the following:-

"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Hoogmolen on 22nd of October, 1918, when in command of a section of machine guns attached to the right flank platoon of the assaulting battalion. Immediately the troops advanced they were subjected to intense enfilade machine-gun fire from Hill 66 on the right flank. Lt. McGregor fearlessly went forward and located the enemy guns, and realised that it was impossible to get his guns carried forward either by pack or by hand without great delay, as the ground was absolutely bare and fire swept. Ordering his men to follow by a more covered route, he mounted the limber and galloped forward under intense fire for about 600 yards to cover. The driver, horses and limber were all hit, but Lt. McGregor succeeded in getting the guns into action, effectively engaging the enemy, subduing their fire, and enabling the advance to be resumed. With the utmost gallantry he continued to expose himself in order to direct and control the fire of his guns, until, about an hour later, he was killed. His great gallantry and supreme devotion to duty were the admiration of all ranks."

Private Henry Robert Kilgour Sharp, Royal Scots, was the only son of Henry John Sharp, a Commercial Clerk, and Christina Clark, of 14 Bonnington Grove, Edinburgh. He was born in Edinburgh and worked at the Juniper Green branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 3 August, 1916, age 23. Surviving sister was Helena. Private Ralph Mackay Smith, Highland Light Infantry, was the son of William Smith, a Grocer’s Salesman, and Jane Guthrie Smith, of 20 Bonnyton Road, Kilmarnock. He was born in Kilmarnock and worked at the Morningside, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 21 September, 1918, age 19. Surviving sister was Jane. Second Lieutenant John G Speedie, Medaille Militaire (France), Royal Scots, was the son of John Speedie, a Grain Merchant, and Janet Speedie, of 32 Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh. He was born in Liberton and worked at the Juniper Green branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. He died on 14 June 1917, age 25. His brother, Private James Hodge Speedie, Cameron Highlanders, he began his employment in the Edinburgh Head Office of the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company in 1910, was a well-known amateur member of Heart of Midlothian Football Club and was killed in the Battle of Loos on 25 September, 1915, age 22. Surviving siblings were James and Margaret.

Second Lieutenant William Erskine Watson, The King's (Liverpool) Regiment, was the son of the Reverend John M Watson, a Minister of the United Free Church of Scotland, and Margaret Watson, of United Free Church Manse, Eccles, Berwick. He was born in Eccles, attended George Watson’s College from 1909 to 1915. After leaving School, he served for a short time at the Warrender Park, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, but left to join the 3rd Royal Highlanders as a Private in 1916. He was promoted Lance Corporal in October, 1916, and later received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Kings (Liverpool) Regiment. He died on 24 March 1918, age 20. Surviving siblings were Mariam, James, George, John, Norman and Margaret. In the 1901 Census, the household also included a Domestic Servant. Private Alexander Wilson, Cameron Highlanders, was the son of John Wilson, a Collector of Rates, and Elizabeth Wilson, of "Alton", Blackhall, Edinburgh. He worked at the Nicolson Street, Edinburgh branch of the Commercial Bank of Scotland and died on 3 November 1915, age 20. Surviving siblings were John, William, Ann and Andrew. Sources: Casualty research by Alistair McEwen from Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Soldiers Died Great War, Ancestry.co.uk, Scotland’s People and De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour 1914-1918. Images and basic casualty details © The Royal Bank of Scotland Group Archives. Contact archives@rbs.co.uk)