More about William Gardiner Duncan

William Duncan enlisted early in the war and saw much fighting in France. He received a commission and was transferred to the RAF as an observer. He was shot down along with his pilot flying flying aircraft DH9 D1012 within enemy lines.

William enlisted as a private in the 23rd (Service Battalion) 2nd Sportsmans, Royal Fusliers, City of London Regiment before transferring to the R.A.F.

William Gardiner Duncan   2nd Lieutenant Royal Air Force

Formerly of the Royal Fusiliers

DUNDEE CLASSICAL MASTER WOUNDED.

PRIVATE W. G. DUNCAN, OF THE MORGAN ACADEMY.

Private W. G. Duncan, Royal Fusiliers, a member of the staff of the Morgan Academy, who enlisted in the early stages of the war, has been seriously wounded in the recent fighting.  He was hit in several places by shrapnel, and is at present in hospital at Rouen.

Private Duncan, who is an M.A. of St Andrews University, is the only son of Mr David Duncan, clerk to Dundee Burgh Insurance Committee, and who is also a member of the Parish Council.  He held the post of assistant master in the classical department of Morgan Academy, and was much respected by the other members of the staff of the Academy as well as by the pupils in his classes.  Private Duncan, who joined the Sportsmen’s Battalion had been at the front since November.

Dundee Courier 18th August 1916

MARRIAGE.

DUNCAN ― WINNING AT Regent Square Presbyterian Church, London, on 28th February, by the Rev. Ivor J. Robertson, William G. Duncan, R.F.C., son of David Duncan, Parkview, Balgay Road, Dundee, to Jean Soutar, elder daughter of John Winning, 12 John Street, Forfar.

Forfar Herald 1st March 1918

Morgan Academy Master Missing

Mr David Duncan, Balgay Road, Dundee, yesterday received intimation that his only son, Second-Lieutenant William G. Duncan, Royal Air Force, is missing.  Lieutenant Duncan, enlisted in January, 1915, in the Royal Fusiliers, and went to France with that regiment.  He received his commission in the Royal Air Force this year, and has been at the front for some time.  Prior to joining up he was a teacher of classics in Morgan Academy. Lieutenant Duncan, is an M.A. of St Andrews University.

Dundee Courier 28th June 1918

DUNCAN ― Killed in France, on 24th June, Second-Lieutenant William Gardiner Duncan, Royal Air Force, formerly Teacher of Classics, Morgan Academy, only and dearly loved son of David Duncan, Parkview, Balgay Road, Dundee, and beloved husband of Jean Winning, Forfar.

Forfar Herald 2nd August 1918

FORFAR LADY’S BEREAVEMENT.

By the death on military service in France of Second-Lieutenant William G. Duncan, of the Royal Air Force, a Forfar lady has been bereaved of her husband, Mrs Duncan, who was wedded only five months ago, being a daughter of Mr John Winning, 12 John Street.  Lieut. Duncan, who was the only son of David Duncan, Parkview, Balgay Road, Dundee, was a graduate of St Andrews University, and prior to enlisting in January, 1915, was engaged as teacher of classics in the Morgan Academy, Dundee.  He served in France for a considerable time with the Royal Fusiliers, and received his commission in the Royal Air Force in the early part of this year.  He had been posted as missing since June, and is now officially reported to have been killed.

Forfar Herald 2nd August 1918