Officer KIA 1915 Star. Sangster. Aberdeen. 4th Gordon Highlanders. Killed day 1 Battle of Loos. Menin Gate Memorial.

Correctly named 2 Lieut WJC Sangster Gord Highrs

2nd Lieutenant, 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders; son of William and Mary Sangster born Aberdeen, 1 January 1896.

An address given for his parents is 62 Rubislawden South, Aberdeen.

Killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Loos, September 25th, 1915. t

Educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Christ’s College, Blackheath, and Aberdeen University. He graduated MA, 1914 and was studying for a medical career. He had belonged to the University OTC and when war broke out he immediately joined the Army, receiving his commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Gordon Highlanderson the 3rd October 1914.
After training at Aberdeen, he crossed to France 24 June 1915. In the ensuing three months, he proved himself the type of officer who is beloved and trusted by his men. On the fateful 25 September 1915 Sangster fell. He was detailed with a platoon to capture a portion of German trenches, which he did successfully. With great courage he and his men held on to the position, later it was re-captured by the Germans, the fighting was fierce, and the traditions of the Gordons were upheld.

The Gordon Highlanders 1915.

The most significant event of 1915 was the battle of 25th September when an attack was launched, a major offensive, which became known as the Battle of Loos. The 1st and 4th Gordons suffered very heavily (the ‘U’, Student Soldiers were particularly hard hit)
as were the 2nd, 6th, 9th, and 10th Battalions, a disastrous failure with incredible losses. See Sir John MacConachie’s book “The Student Soldiers”, (4th Bn University volunteers).

He is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial.

The medal retains its original long silk ribbon.