More about Hay Duncan

For reasons unknown John is not listed on the original Dundee Roll of Honour.

While advancing across an open field, Private Duncan was struck in the foot by a piece of shrapnel, and when on his way to the dressing station was hit again and killed. He was buried by men of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at Auber Ridge.

Hay Duncan   1597   Black Watch

HOW PRIVATE HAY DUNCAN DIED.

The manner in which Private Hay Duncan of the 5th Black Watch met his death is described in a letter from a comrade, Private W. W. Cruickshanks, who, writing to Private Duncan’s parents in a letter received on Saturday says―“They were advancing across an open field, when he was struck in the foot by a piece of shell, and while he was going away to the dressing station he was hit again and killed.”  Another Arbroath private says :― “I suppose you will have heard about the great battle.  I may tell you I never want to go through the same again.  You know Hay Duncan, who worked with Stephen, butcher, Guthrie Port―well, while we were advancing over a field he was shot through the hand.  He was told to keep down, but got up, and was killed almost immediately.  All the other regiments suffered as hard as us, but I don’t want to talk about it.  Neuve Chapelle did not have a look in with it.”

Private Duncan was the son of Mr Joseph Duncan, foreman mechanic, Forfar, but up to a few months ago was a motor engineer with Messrs Law & Son, Arbroath.  Mr and Mrs Duncan are natives of Dundee, but had resided in Arbroath for 12 years, their last residence here being in Ann Street.

Arbroath Herald 21st May 1915

DUNCAN―Killed in action in France, on the 9th inst., Hay Duncan 5th Black Watch (Territorial), eldest son of Joseph Duncan, and grandson of the late Captain Hay Duncan, Tayport and Dundee, aged 22 years. (Glasgow and American papers please copy)

Dundee People’s Journal 29th May 1915