More about Thomas Hay Keir

Thomas Keir   S/8164   Seaforth Highlanders

“ONE OF MY BRAVEST MEN.”

DUNDEE SOLDIER KILLED WHILE BANDAGING WOUNDED COMRADES.

Private Thomas Keir (22), Seaforth Highlanders, youngest son of Mr Alex. M. Keir, wholesale confectioner, 37 Guthrie Street, Dundee, has died a hero as truly as ever a soldier did.  He was killed while bandaging two wounded comrades.  His officer refers to him as one of his bravest men.

Particulars concerning this gallant young soldier’s death are given in a letter which an officer has sent to his parents.  The writer says :–“I deeply regret to inform you that your son Thomas has been killed in action, but at the same time I wish you to know that he could not have met with a more glorious death.  On the 18th of August he was engaged in bandaging two wounded comrades in a trench heavily swept by shell fire, regardless of his personal safety, when he was himself buried by a shell, being killed instantaneously.  We buried him on the following day.  He was one of my bravest men, and a very willing worker.”

Private Keir went to the front in October last year, entering the trenches on the 27th, and being wounded on the 31st of the month.  Some time afterwards he was admitted to hospital suffering from trench feet; subsequent to that he was shelled out of a trench, his ankle being twisted as a result; and later still he entered hospital suffering from the effects of gas.

Before he enlisted Private Keir was employed with Mr George Cooper, furrier, Reform Street.  Mr and Mrs Keir have also a son, Private Harry Keir, in the Black Watch.

Dundee Courier 1st September 1916