Capt James A Ancrum MC, 9th Bn, HLI

Captain James Alexander Ancrum MC of B Company, the 9th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, died of wounds on the 16th or 17th July 1918. He was 24 years old, the son of James Alexander and Elizabeth Janet Ancrum, of 109 York Drive, Hyndland, Glasgow.

James Ancrum originally joined the 9th HLI as a private. His number - 3431 - indicates that he joined the battalion in November 1914, and his medal index card records that he arrived overseas on the 27th June 1915. He arrived in France as a lance-corporal but was commissioned in late 1916. On 1st January 1917, the Supplement to the London Gazette posted that Cadet James Alexander Ancrum of the Highland Light Infantry was to be 2nd Lieutenant (probationary) from the 19th December 1916.

James was entitled to the 1914-15 Star - which records him as lance-corporal - and the British War and Victory Medals - which record him as a captain with the 6th HLI. His medal index card also records that he died of wounds on the 17th July 1918. Officers Died in The Great War records that he was killed in action.

The citation for his Military Cross, published in The Supplement to The London Gazette of 16th September 1918 reads:

2nd Lt James Alexander Ancrum, High L I
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Whilst in command of details he repulsed a strong enemy attack and so saved other troops who were being withdrawn at the time.

Officers Died in The Great War gives his date of death as the 16th July whilst The Commonwealth War Graves Commission records it as the 17th. Captain Ancrum is buried in Mendinghem Military Cemetery in Belgium.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Sources:

Ancestry (MIC)
Officers Died in The Great War
Army Service Numbers
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission