Thomas Scott: Second Lieutenant and Adjutant

Thomas Scott was a fast rising soldier in the 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), who received the Military Cross for his gallantry in June 1916 near Highwood on the Somme.

In this battle Scott saved two people from a mine explosion, when both men were half buried in dirt and under fire.

The shock of the explosion from the mine itself did not deter Scott, instead he ran to the aid of an officer and civilian, he then dragged both to safety.

During this heroic act Scott was injured but later on returned to service. Scott then went on to become Adjutant for almost a full year, earning an extra 5 shillings a day at the age of 22, a very young age for such responsibility which was given to him by Lt. Col.. Chaplin showing the faith that he had in him as well as his great skill.

In battle on the 20th May at 4pm Scott was seriously wounded by a shell in a Small valley in Croisilles while he was in a group of six at the back of the party.

Soon after Scott was wounded, he was put onto a stretcher and was transported to Dressing where he sadly died later on.

Before his death, on the drive over to get medical treatment, he gave his gold pocket watch to his soldier servant saying “Mansfield,  take this.” and apologised for not being able to join in on the fight clearly indicating his bravery and loyalty to his regiment.

After Scott’s passing his soldier servant wrote a letter to his family where he expressed how great of a master and friend Scott was, going on to say how dedicated Scott was to his Country.

Lt. Col. Chaplin also wrote a letter to the parents of Scott expressing his remorse. Chaplin detailed in the letter that the watch had been sent to them with the story of Scott giving the watch to Mansfield, Chaplin also details that Scott did not suffer too much as a result of his fatal injuries, Chaplin expresses the trust he had in Scott, indicating he was well liked in his regiment.

Transcript: Letter from Commander in Chief of 1^st Cameronians  Lt Col. J G  Chaplin to Mr. Scott father of 2^nd Lt Thomas Scott

June 2^nd 1917

Dear Mr Scott

You will have heard from the War Office the sad news of your son’s death from wounds received in action.  The regiment moved up to attack on May 20^th under very heavy shelling and your son was wounded by a shell.  He was dressed by a doctor but died the same day, on his way to the Casualty Station   His wounds were not so severe to make him suffer much but his death was probably due to his heart not being strong. 

Your son was a most brave and conscientious officer.  He was adjutant of the Battalion for almost a year.  I had the highest opinion of him and feel his loss greatly.  He was popular with all his brother officers and all had a great admiration of him.   On his way to hospital your boy took off his gold watch and gave it to his servant saying “Mansfield,  take this.”   I had the watch sent to you with your son’s things and you can judge whether it should be sent to Mansfield. 

Please accept the sincere sympathy of all ranks of the Cameronians in your great loss.

If there is any other information I can give you I will be most happy to do so. 

Yours Sincerely

J G  Chaplin

Lt. Col. Commanding 1^st Bn The Cameronians. 

Scott’s achievements in Edinburgh Academy and St Mary’s School, Melrose, are instrumental factors in how Scott went on to become a great solider and leader as he excelled in gymnastics, cricket , football and running.

Scott also went on to win many trophies for his school such as the Bradbury Shield and Burma Cup as well as a silver medal for gymnastics. Scott excelled in all aspects of school as he was also singled out for outstanding essays on Napoleon.

Scott also went on to become an ephor which is an old Latin word for spartan, an ephor was a prefect for the School showing that even from a young age Scott was entrusted with responsibility.

After Scott’s departure from Edinburgh academy in 1913 his brother John followed in his footsteps, becoming an athlete himself, playing in the School XV.

This is the grave of Thomas Scott located in France, Bucquoy Road Cemetery, Ficheux.

All Documents and photograph are part of the South Lanarkshire museum collection.

This article was research and written by Brandon Barbour, collections volunteer at Low Parks Museum.

UPDATE: Images of Mansfield’s medals as well as a letter from Chaplin to Mansfield and a newspaper roll of honour for Thomas Scott have been kindly sent over to us by Steven Brown.

Mansfield’s medals consists of a 1914 star, war medal, victory medal, general service medal, defence medal and long service and good conduct medal. Chaplin’s letter to Mansfield can now be seen above. In this letter, Chaplin asks Mansfield to write some words to the family of Scott, The letter that Mansfield wrote subsequently as a result of Chaplin’s letter is located in this blog where Mansfield mentions who Scott was, as a person and soldier. The other image we received was a newspaper cut-out that includes Thomas Scott in its roll of honour.

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