Biographies

Here are a few ‘Ninths’ of the 9th (Highlanders) Royal Scots. For further details see the index of personnel https://neillgilhooley.com/9th-royal-scots/index/

James Ferguson

James Ferguson (1857-1917), sixth laird of Kinmundy, Aberdeenshire, was the first commanding officer of the 9th Royal Scots, from 24 July 1900 to 3 December 1904.

An advocate in 1870, he was called to the Bar in 1879, was King’s Counsel (KC) in 1902 and variously Sheriff of Argyll; Inverness, Moray and Nairn and Forfarshire.

At the outbreak of war, Ferguson took command of the new second-line battalion 2/9th, and later formed the third-line battalion. He retired in March 1917 and died at Edinburgh the following month.

Archibald Alexander Gordon

The battalion’s second officer, and the first officer commanding A Company, was Archibald Gordon (1867-1949).

In the First World War, Gordon served as King’s Messenger to King Albert I of Belgium.

A Major Archibald Alexander Gordon Society has been established in Belgium.

Richard Henry Fitzherbert Moncrieff

Dick Moncrieff (also Moncreiff) was a chartered accountant who commanded C Company at Second Ypres and at High Wood, where he was wounded.

He is seen here receiving the Territorial Decoration from Princess Mary in September 1919.

William Hay

Bill Hay is not only the most quoted Ninth, but one of the most quoted soldiers of the First World War. He served in the 9th Royal Scots throughout, until taken prisoner in March 1918.

As well as my own book, see Cheerful Sacrifice by Jon Nicholls, works by Lyn Macdonald and the documentary Lions Led by Donkeys (1985), that also includes David Watson, 9th Royal Scots.

William Grossart

Wull Grossart was part of the Machine Gun Section until sent home with a fever in January 1917. He joined the RFC, and was posted to 205 Squadron as a DH4 pilot. In September 1918 he was awarded the DFC.

This is how he is depicted in 100 Days to Victory aired on the BBC.

Robert William Fairfield Johnston

Bobby Johnston joined the Ninth as a drummer boy in 1910. He served as a Territorial Force Sergeant with 9th Royal Scots at Ypres in 1915, with the Regular 1st Royal Scots at Struma, Salonika and was commissioned into the New Army 16th Royal Scots.

He was awarded the Military Cross.

In the Second World War he commanded 8^th Gordon Highlanders, which converted to the 100th Anti-Tank Regiment (Gordon Highlanders), Royal Artillery.

His IWM interview is recommended.

Bobby Johnston with his father