McLaren, William Butler

Details
Category: 1915-16

William Butler McLaren

Black Watch

9th Batt. Black Watch
He is remembered with honour on St Andrew’s Church Memorial and Helensburgh War Memorial, Column 1 Line 26.

The family home was Hermitage Higher Grade School, 9, Argyll Street, Helensburgh. The son of David McLaren.
Siblings: Not Known.

William McLaren was born at Redgorton, Perthshire and spent 27 years as a professional soldier with the Black Watch. He served in the Egyptian War of 1884-5 and received the Nile Expedition Medal, campaign medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

He was employed at the Hermitage Higher Grade School in Helensburgh as Janitor, where he was bringing up his family with his wife, Elizabeth. He had four children; William (who served at sea), Isobel, David and Elspeth.

At the outbreak of war, William rejoined his regiment. He was killed in action in France at the age of 49. His body was interred at Philosophe following a concentration from battlefield cemeteries after the Armistice.