Gilmour, Williejohn Oberlin
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Regiment: Scottish Horse, attached to South Nottinghamshire Hussars
Biography: Son of William Gilmour, B.A., headmaster of Cookney School ; born at Armadale, Sutherland, 30 May 1884 ; received his earlier education at various schools under his father. Eventually as a First Bursar for the County of Aberdeen, he proceeded to Gordon's College and then to Aberdeen University where he graduated M.A. in 1911. He was Assistant Master in Paisley Grammar School for a time, and then obtained an appointment in Leith Academy where he was employed on the outbreak of war. He enlisted as a trooper in the Scottish Horse on 7 August 1914, though offered a commission in the Gordon Highlanders. His old connection with the Scottish Horse, as a member of the University troop in his student days, was the deciding factor in this choice. He served with the Scottish Horse at home, was sent to Gallipoli as Quartermaster-Sergeant with the 1st Brigade, and rendered such valuable service that he was recommended for a commission. On the evacuation of Gallipoli he proceeded with his regiment to Egypt, where as 2nd Lieutenant he was for some time attached to the Lanarkshire Yeomanry. Rejoining his regiment, he went to Salonika in October 1916, acting as Adjutant on one of the transports. Later he was attached to the South Notts Hussars for cavalry work, and served with this regiment until he was killed on patrol duty, near Kakaraska, on the Struma Front, 5 May 1917. Lieutenant Gilmour's death was a great blow to his numerous friends and comrades-in-arms, as his cheerful and obliging disposition had made him a general favourite both in school and on service.
Date of Death: 05 May 1917
Burial Details: Name recorded on the Doiran Memorial
Publication: Roll of Service, edited by Mabel Desborough Allardyce. Published 1921.
If you have photographs of anyone listed in the Roll of Honour (preferably in service uniform) or have any questions about this resource, please email memoriam@abdn.ac.uk.