1429 Pte. James Lowson Walker, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, died on 14 January 1916, aged 23. A former regular soldier, Walker was employed as a porter at Taybridge Station when war was declared. ‘Soldiers Died in the Great War’ records his death as having occurred on 15 January, however the Commonwealth War Graves Commission states 14 January, which would appear to be corroborated by a letter from Rev. Kirk, informing his mother of his death.
He was the son of Andrew and Ellen Walker, 98 Princes Street, Dundee, and is buried in Sucrerie Military Cemetery, Colincamps, Somme, France, II. E. 7.HOW DUNDEE SEAFORTH WAS KILLED. DIES ON WAY TO DRESSING STATION. Mrs Walker, 98 Princes Street, Dundee, has received a letter from a chaplain intimating the death in action at the front of her son, Private James Lowson Walker, 2d Seaforth Highlanders. The letter, which is dated 14th January, is in the following terms: –
“Private Walker was wounded in the trenches last night, and died three hours later, when he was being taken down the trench to the dressing station. We buried the poor lad as soon after his death as the grave could be prepared. He sleeps beside many brave lads from Scotland, England, and Ireland in the cemetery behind the trenches. Each grave has its little cross, and in a day or two there will be a cross on James’ grave, too.
“The fatal bullet had glanced off a tree and hit him in the head. A gunshot wound of that kind causes no shock, but produces unconsciousness, and pain cannot be felt.
“His companions all mourn his loss, and his officers have asked me to convey to you their appreciation of your son’s services as a soldier and their sorrow for his death. This loss of the young men of our country is very distressing, but we can only trust that it is necessary for the saving of our country and of our homes from the enemy, and also for the cause of right, liberty, and justice, which is the cause of God.”
The letter is signed James Kirk, chaplain to 2d Seaforths.
Private Walker, who was 23 years of age, previously served in the Seaforths, and answered the call on the outbreak of war, when he was employed as a porter at the Taybridge Station. He had been at the front for six months.
Deceased’s brother, Andrew Walker, is a member of the 11th Royal Scots and is at present in training. The Courier, Tuesday, 25 January 1916, 6.