WILLIAM LEIPER, Private S/40775, 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders

WILLIAM LEIPER, Private S/40775, 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, is NOT named on the Larkhall War Memorial.
He formerly served as Private 3970, Lovat Scouts.

WILLIAM POLLOCK LEIPER was born at 13 John Street, Larkhall, on 11th April, 1896.

His parents were John Hamilton Leiper, a Colliery Clerk, and Mary Scott Pollock, who were married at 2 Summerlee Rows, Larkhall, Parish of Hamilton, on 1st June, 1883.
His paternal grandparents were John Hamilton Leiper, a Journeyman Mason, and Annie Corbett.
His maternal grandparents were John Pollock, a Colliery Engine Keeper, and Jane Forsyth.

The 1901 LARKHALL Census was taken on 31st March, 1901.
The family are listed at 71 McNeil Street, Larkhall, as follows:
John H. Leiper, age 41, Head, Colliery Clerk, b Larkhall.
Mary P. Leiper, age 36, Wife, b Motherwell.
Jeanie F. Leiper, age 16, Daughter, Dressmaker, b Larkhall.
Annie C. Leiper, age 14, Daughter, Dressmaker, b Larkhall.
Mary P. Leiper, age 13, Daughter, Scholar, b Larkhall.
Robina P. Leiper, age 9, Daughter, Scholar, b Larkhall.
James Leiper, age 7, Son, Scholar, b Larkhall.
WILLIAM LEIPER, age 4, Son, b Larkhall.

The 1911 DENNISTOUN, GLASGOW, Census was taken on 2nd April, 1911.
The family are listed at 22 Roselea Drive, Dennistoun, Glasgow, as follows:
John Hamilton Leiper, age 51, Head, Clay Pipe Manufacturer, b Larkhall.
Mary S. P. Leiper, age 46, Wife, b Motherwell.
Jeanie F. Leiper, age 26, Daughter, Dressmaker, b Larkhall.
Annie C. Leiper, age 25, Daughter, Dressmaker, b Larkhall.
Mary P. Leiper, age 24, Daughter, Milliner, b Larkhall.
Robina P. Leiper, age 19, Daughter, Typist, b Larkhall.
James Leiper, age 17, Son, Clerk, b Larkhall.
WILLIAM P. LEIPER, age 14, Son, Assistant Meat Salesman, b Larkhall.

WILLIAM LEIPER joined the Lovat Scouts as Private 3970, and was later transferred to the 5th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders, and re-numbered S/40775.

WILLIAM LEIPER Died of Wounds on 6th May, 1917, age 21.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) entry for WILLIAM LEIPER shows that he is buried at AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Pas de Calais, France.
There are 2,853 identified casualties buried at AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION.
 

WILLIAM LEIPER is commemorated at The Scottish National War Memorial (SNWM) in Edinburgh Castle.

The entry in Soldiers Died in the Great War (SDGW) shows that WILLIAM LEIPER was born in Larkhall, and lived and enlisted in Glasgow.

The Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC) for WILLIAM LEIPER shows that he was awarded The Victory Medal and The British War Medal.
The MIC is undated, which indicates that he went to France after 1915.

His Soldiers Will, dated 20th September, 1916, shows that he bequeathed all of his property and effects to his mother, Mrs Mary Leiper, 37 Roselea Drive, Dennistoun, Glasgow.

The "Soldier's Effects" record shows that his mother Mary received his Outstanding Pay of £10/14/3, and a War Gratuity of £5/10/-.

A newspaper clipping taken from The Hamilton Advertiser, dated 6th May, 1917, reads:
"LEIPER - Died of wounds received in action on 6th inst., Pte. Willie Leiper, Cameron Highlanders, aged 21 years, younger son of Mr and Mrs John H. Leiper, 37 Roselea Drive, Dennistoun, Glasgow (late of Larkhall). - Buried in the Soldiers' Cemetery, Aubigny, France".

is mother, Mary Scott Pollock or Leiper, age 59, died at "Aubigny", Muirhead Road, Baillieston, Lanarkshire, on 23rd June, 1924.

His father, John Hamilton Leiper, age 69, died at "Aubigny", Muirhead Road, Baillieston, Lanarkshire, on 11th December, 1928.

[Notice that his parents named their home "Aubigny" after the cemetery AUBIGNY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION where their son is buried.]

Lest We Forget!

Medal Rolls Index Card (MIC)

Medal Roll for the award of The Victory Medal and The British War Medal.

Soldier's Will

Soldier's Effects record.

The Hamilton Advertiser, dated 6th May, 1917.