Great War Dundee
This is Dundee's story of those that served in the First World War, and of the people left at home
We need you to tell us more about the life and times of George Harper Macdonald
George Harper Macdonald
Military Information
- Date of enlistment: September 1914
- Place of enlistment:
- Service no:
- Rank: Captain
- Service Occupation:
- Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
- Regiment/Service: Gordon Highlanders
- Unit/Ship: 2nd Battalion
- Place of Death: France
- Age at Death: 29
- Date of Death: 05.09.1916
- Burial Country: France
- Cemetery: Thiepval Memorial
- Grave/Mem Ref no: Pier & Face 15B & 15C
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 10.02.1887
- Place of Birth: Glasgow
- Address:
- Occupation: Teacher, Butterburn School, Dundee
- Mother:
- Father:
William Macdonald
- Siblings:
- Spouse:
- Children:
More about George Harper Macdonald
George has no known grave but is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial.
George attended Aberdeen University from 1905 until 1908 where he obtained MA Degree. He was then a employed as a teacher at Butterburn school, Dundee until he enlisted in the 3rd Highland Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps in September 1914. He was commissioned in the 2nd Gordon Highlanders in April 1915 and then promoted to the rank of Captain in August 1916. He was killed on action by an enemy shell on 5 September 1916. He was mentioned in dispatches by Sir Douglas Haig for “gallant and distinguished service in the field,” 13 November 1916. A friend wrote of him: “Clever, cheerful, resourceful, he is at all times as true and reliable as one would wish one’s friend to be . . . he is a born officer”.
Additional information kindly supplied by Hugh Macrae.
Can you tell us more about George Harper Macdonald'? Some additional facts, a small story handed down through the family or perhaps a picture or an heirloom you can share online. Contact our curator...