Low James Morrison Lieut

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: Low;

Forename(s): James Morrison;

Initials: JM;

Rank: Lieut;

Previous Regiment: Seaforth H;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: 10 Coy;

How killed: KIA;

Where: France;

When killed: 01-Jul-1916;

Other Data: James Morrison Low, Lieutenant, 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders, attd. Machine Gun Corps
(Inf), 1st July 1916. Age 24. Son of the late Sir James Low, Bt. And Lady Low, of Kilmaron
Castle, Cupar, Fife. Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France, Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C

Lieutenant JM Low 2 Seaforth Highlanders attd 10 Brigade MGC
Son of Sir James Low (Bt) of Kilmaron Castle, Cupar, Fyfe. There is a note stating that
Lieutenant Morrison Low was Machine Gun Officer attd 2 Seaforth Highlanders. On 1/7/16
the Battalion took part in an attack on the enemy at the Redan Ridge in the neighbourhood of
Serre. During the attack he was wounded by a bullet in the face but still continued the
advance later he was wounded in the breast by a bullet. He was then unable to proceed further
and fell into a shell hole. He was still conscious and being asked by a Sgt of his Company to
be permitted to carry him back to our line. The Lieutenant refused permission and ordered the
Sgt to carry on the attack and leave him where he was. The British attach ultimately failed
after heavy losses of our men and the enemy occupied the ground where the wounded
Lieutenant was lying. Information from the War Office came to his parents soon after that and
that the Lieutenant was missing and later presumed to have been killed. Sir James Low has
asked me to put these facts before you in respect that further investigations may be made to
discover whether his death is certain and if so where he is buried. His parents believe that it is
still possible that he may still be alive in Germany. This was a letter to Churchill. On file is a
letter to Churchill from Dalmore West Park Rd, Dundee dated 22/4/19 'My Dear Mr
Churchill I apologise for troubling you at present when you are so much engrossed in the
duties of your most important office but you will understand the reason when I explain that I
have been asked by Sir James and Lady Low to put before you the sad case of the report of
the death of their eldest son in France. Enclosed are the details (ie the facts above). You are
no doubt aware that Sir James Low Bt of Kilmaron was Lord Provost of Dundee and all his
life has been a strong supporter of Liberalism in this constituency. For a considerable number
of years he has resided at Kilmaron Castle, and Mr Asquith has always been his guest during
his visits to his constituency. Sir James and Lady Low have put the Liberal Party of this
District under a deep debt. Our gratitude to them for their most valued influence and work, if
it should be possible for you by means of the machinery connected with the War Office to get
definite information regarding Lieutenant Morrison Low after the incident of 1/7/16 such
information would be intensely appreciated. Sir James and Lady Low would be grateful for
any new light on the situation and I assure you I will take anything that can be done by you in
this matter as a personal favour. In the meantime thanking you in anticipation with kind
regards to Mrs Churchill and yourself. I am always at your service yours sincerely Joseph
Phillip. Sir James Low is confined to bed by decrepitude and illness and is almost entirely
blind. Lady Low is well. A casualty form states that he was seconded for duty with the
Brigade Machine Gun Company in the Field 22/12/15. Reported missing believed killed
1/7/16. Death accepted 11/4/17. In his will he left £11,846 1s 6d. An informant report by Sgt I
Mitchell No 9015 Seaforth Highlanders who was in St Marks Hospital Kings Rd Chelsea
4/8/16. 'Informant states that Sgt M Wylie 10 MGC inform him that Lieutenant JM Low was
killed on 1/7/16'. John Craig No 16139 10 MGC who was in Fulham Military Hospital
19/7/16, home address 68, Greendykes Rd, Broxburn, Linlithgowshire. 'Informant states that
in France in the advance on 1 July at 9.15am we were re-enforcing the Division. I saw
Lieutenant Low who was hit whilst in the 1st German line. He was hit a second time and fell.
He spoke to me as I passed and told us to go on. I did not see him again.' Private W McCaig
No 1403 2nd Seaforths who was in 3 Canadian Stationary Hospital Boulogne 2/9/16.
'Informant saw Lieutenant Low hit by Machine Gun bullet when he was attacking between
Beaumont Hamel and Serre Wood. We had to retire and the Germans occupied the ground'.
(Officers Papers PRO)

Sir James Low 1st Bt created 1908 DL JP. Kt created 1895. Managing Director of Lindsay
and Low Lt, Dundee. Married 1890 Katherine, daughter of William Munro; two sons and two
daughters. Lord Provost of Dundee 1893-96. Heir James Morrison Low b. 14/10/91.

Posted missing in war diary;

Other Notes: LOW, Lieutenant, JAMES MORRISON, 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders attd. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). 1st July 1916. Age 24. Son of the late Sir James Low, Bt., and Lady Low, of Kilmaron Castle, Cupar, Fife. Pier and Face 5 C and 12 C Thiepval Memorial - Somme, France.;

END OF RECORD.

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.