More about William Strachan

William Strachan   1732   2nd Black Watch

SHOT THROUGH THE HEAD.

DUNDEE MAN KILLED RETURNING TO TRENCHES.

Shot through the head.  This is the sad fate which befell Private William Strachan, of the 2d Battalion Black Watch, intimation of whose death has been received by Mrs Clunie 85 Cobden Street, Dundee, with whom he resided prior to his joining the colours some six years ago.

The sad news is conveyed to Dundee in another of those sorrowful messages now only too familiar to many from Rev. Andrew Macfarlane, chaplain of the 2nd Black Watch.  No indication is given as to where Private Strachan met his end, but from the few details supplied by the rev. gentlemen he died doing his duty.  “He was killed on 4th December,” writes Mr Macfarlane, “while accompanying a party who were conveying rations to the trenches.  He was shot through the head.  I saw him a few minutes later, but he was gone by that time, so at least you have the small consolation of knowing he did not suffer.  His body was brought in that night, and he was buried the following day.”

The deceased was about 27 years of age, and came to France with the Indian Expeditionary Force.  He had been in India for about five years, and before going abroad served with his regiment in Ireland.  Before enlisting Private Strachan, who is described as “smart and capable soldier, well liked by every one,” was engaged for a short time as a ploughman in the Anstruther district.

Dundee People’s Journal 19th December 1914