James Thomson was born in Glasgow, the son of James and Mary Thomson. His father worked as a drapier in the city. James enrolled at the University of Glasgow in 1908 at the age of 18. In his first year he studied Latin and Greek, before moving on to take classes in Moral Philosophy, English Literature and English Language. During his years at University he lived at 105 Douglas Street in the centre of Glasgow.

James did not complete his degree, but he did remain closely connected to the university by entering the Glasgow & Strathclyde Universities’ Officers’ Training Corps. He served as a Cadet Sergeant and then, in February 1912, became a Second Lieutenant. During the war itself, James served as Captain in the 10th Bn. Highland Light Infantry. The Battalion had been formed at Hamilton, Scotland in August 1914 and landed at Boulogne, France on the 12th of May 1915. Captain James Thomson was sadly killed in action a few months later on the 25th September 1915. He was 25 years old.

Thank you.