World War 1
Search the known records to date of those lost from the wider Alnwick area in World War 1
Generally showing where they are commemorated, when they died and some basic facts about each person. There are gaps, however, so if you can fill in any missing details do please contact us.
Philip Whiteside Maclagan, MD
Forename(s):
Philip Whiteside
Surname:
Maclagan, MD
Initial(s):
P W
Service Number:
Officer
Rank:
Lieutenant
Regiment:
Border Regiment, 5th (Cumberland) Battalion Territorial Force
Died:
16/04/1916
Aged:
20
Buried:
Ridge Wood Military Cemetery
Service History:
Gazetted 2nd Lieutenant 5 September 1914. Promoted Lieutenant in July 1915. Served with the Expeditionary Force in France & Flanders from 25 October 1914.
Killed in action near Ypres 16 April 1916.
His Commanding Officer wrote:
'He was well liked by everyone, a most promising young officer, & his death is a great blow to the battalion.'
His Platoon Sergeant wrote:
'He was a just & capable officer, always a kind word or helping hand for everyone, & where he led we had no hesitation in following, knowing that he would always win through. Above all, he was a thorough gentleman, looked up to by all. He died... brave to the last.'
Maclagan was Mentioned in Despatches by Field Marshal Sir John (later Lord) French ('London Gazette', 1 January 1916), for gallant & distinguished service in the field.
(Source: 'UK, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour'; Part 5; Page 114)
Background:
Born 30 January 1896, at Wooler, Northumberland, the eldest son of the late Philip Smirton Maclagan (Solicitor & Bank Manager) by his wife, Mary Elizabeth (née Graham; daughter of the late James Graham) of Rockwood House, Rothbury, Northumberland.
Educated at Presbyterian Day School, Wooler; Morpeth Grammar School; St. Cuthbert's School, Worksop, Nottinghamshire where he gained an open classical scholarship at Wadham College, Oxford. Maclagan had intended reading for Holy Orders.
One of two sons lost: see, also, Lieutenant James Graham Maclagan (King's Own [Royal Lancaster Regiment], 1/5th Battalion Territorial Force, attached to 1st Battalion; Died 1 August 1918).
(Source: 'UK, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour'; Part 5; Page 114)
One other brother, George J., & a sister, Mary E.
(Source: nottinghamshire.gov.uk/RollOfHonour/People/Details/14722)
Local Memorial:
Wooler War Memorial
Worksop College War Memorial
