First World War British War Medal - Private William John Peden, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
S/26767 Private William John Peden, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, was born in 1888 in Barony, Glasgow, the son of William and Maria Peden of 73 Springburn Road, Springburn, Glasgow. His father was employed as Superintendent of the local corporation laundry, and William grew up in a respectable, educated household with several siblings.
He attended Albert School in Springburn, and after leaving school became a Missionary for St James’ United Free Church on London Road, Glasgow. In 1915, seeking to continue his theological and academic studies, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow, where he studied English and Moral Philosophy, and is recorded as a student on the University’s Roll of Honour.
William first enlisted as No. 3928 in the Lovat Scouts, a Scottish Highland yeomanry regiment used for specialist scouting and marksmanship duties, before later transferring to the Cameron Highlanders, receiving a new service number, S/26767. He joined the 1st Battalion, which at that time was serving in France and Flanders as part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, one of the original formations deployed to the Western Front in 1914.
While serving in France, Private Peden contracted cerebro-spinal meningitis, a disease which spread rapidly in frontline and hospital conditions during the winter months. He died on 8 March 1917, aged 29, at the No. 12 Stationary Hospital, located on the racecourse at St. Pol-sur-Ternoise, north-west of Arras. He was not killed in action, but died on active service, his death being formally recorded by both the Army and later the dependants’ pension ledger.
He is buried in St Pol Communal Cemetery Extension, Pas-de-Calais, France, in Row E, Grave 12. His headstone bears the inscription chosen by his family:
“MISSIONARY OF ST. JAMES’ U.F. CHURCH AND STUDENT OF GLASGOW UNIVERSITY.”
William’s parents placed a notice in the local Glasgow newspapers, recording his death and including a poetic tribute:
“Some day we hope to meet him,
Some day we know not when,
To clasp his hand in the Better Land,
Never to part again.”
A further line read:
“’Tis sweet to know we’ll meet again,
When partings are no more,
And that the one we love so well
Is only gone before.”
His death is commemorated on the University of Glasgow Roll of Honour, the Cameron Highlanders casualty lists, and the Scottish National War Memorial.
Private William John Peden was 29 years old.
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