More about Hugh Drummond Crowe

Hugh Drummond Crowe was born in Ayr on the 12th May 1885. He and his twin brother, James Symington Crowe, both worked as Detective Constables in the Lanarkshire Constabulary. Hugh was killed on the 28th March 1918 and on the same day, James was wounded and hospitalised. Their brother, Charles, was also in hospital recovering from wounds around the same time.

James Crowe, their father, served for more than 30 years in the Prison Service, beginning his service as a warder at Dundee Prison rising through the ranks. He retired from his position of Governor about a week before Hugh’s death.

Hugh’s father James was born in Auchinblae 1853. He was a blacksmith in Dundee before joining the Prison service at Dundee Prison in 1880. He married his first wife Jemima Hall 03.12.1880 at Perth. They had 3 children Ann (1881-1973), Charles (1884-1932) and Frank Cauvin Alston (1889-1965). Ann & Charles were both born at 3 Scourinburn, Dundee. James was transferred to Barlinnie Prison in 1888 with Frank being born in Prison quarters, James was then transferred to Ayr Prison where his wife Jemima died in 1890.

James married again in 1891 to Catherine Campbell and had 3 children, twins James Symington (1895-1966) & Hugh Drummond (1895-1918) & Alexander (1899-1975) both James Jr and Alexander died in Dundee.

In 1899 James Sr moved back to Barlinnie and eight years later was transferred to Peterhead Prison due to promotions. In 1909 he was appointed Governor of Dundee Prison.

Hugh’s twin James and his half brother Charles both served in the Scots Guards and were wounded but both survived the war.

James Sr died 25.02.1921 and his second wife Catherine died 04.12.1939

Hugh Crowe   16521   Scots Guards

Pte. Hugh Crowe, Scots Guards, is a son of Mr James Crowe, 6 Dudhope Place, late governor of Dundee Prison.  His twin brother, Pte. James Crowe, Scots Guards, was wounded on the same day that Hugh was killed in action.  Both brothers were detectives in the Lanarkshire Constabulary previous to joining the colours.  Mr and Mrs Crowe’s third son, also of the Scots Guards, is at present convalescent from wounds.

Dundee Courier 2nd May 1918