Lieutenant, William Williamson Kerr Duncan L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S., L.R.F.P.S.,(27), Died of Illness

Royal Army Medical Corps, 29th February 1916

Royal Army Medical Corps Cap Badge similar to the one worn by William Duncan.

Morayshire Roll of Honour

Extract from the above 1921 publication – DUNCAN, William Williamson Kerr. Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial), attached S.E.M.B.F.A. ; born at Edinburgh, 3rd July, 1888, residing in Morayshire ; joined at Grantown-on-Spey, 24th September, 1915 ; died of uraemia contracted on service. Son of Reverend Henry (deceased) and Cecilia Bertram Duncan, Crichton, East Lothian. Occupation – Doctor.

Contributors Note:- Uremia is the condition of having high levels of urea in the blood. Urea is one of the primary components of urine. It can be defined as an excess of amino acid and protein metabolism end products, such as urea and creatinine, in the blood that would be normally excreted in the urine.

Further Military and Civilian Research

  • Educated at Merchiston Castle School 1900 to 1903.
  • In the Edinburgh Gazette dated 2 May 1913, William is a witness to the Dissolution to the medical partnership between two doctors operating in Grantown-on-Spey, Dr. William MacKenzie Barclay and Dr. James Kennedy Drysdale. Both doctors were to resume operating in the same area individually.
  • As William Duncan married a Clementina Barclay, it is assumed that she was the daughter of Dr. William Barclay from the previous partnership.
  • On 7 February 1914, William took the Scottish Triple Qualification.
  • 25 September 1915 – Commissioned as Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps and attached to South Eastern Mounted Brigade Field Ambulance.
  • He died at Willowbank, Grantown-on-Spey and is buried at Grantown-on-Spey Cemetery.
The Grave of William and Winifred Duncan at Grantown Cemetery.

Family

William Williamson Kerr Duncan was born on 5th July 1890 at 17 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh.

His family is shown as follows :-

  • Wife – Winifred (Dolly) Clementina Barclay or Duncan (D.D.Law), died 4 January 1934.
  • Father – Reverend Henry Duncan, born c.1832 at Edinburgh – Church of Scotland Minister.
  • Mother – Ceilia Bertram Baillie or Duncan, born c.1856 at Edinburgh.
  • Brother – Henry C., born c.1877 at Crichton, Midlothian.
  • Sister – Ceilia McA., born c.1878 at Crichton, Midlothian.
  • Brother – John M.B., born c.1880 at Crichton, Midlothian.
  • Brother – Alexander W., born c.1882 at Crichton, Midlothian.
  • Brother – Robert G., born c.1884 at Crichton, Midlothian.
  • Sister – Jane H.K., born c.1885 at Edinburgh.
  • Brother – George Wilson, born c.1895 at Edinburgh. George was to become a Captain in the Seaforth Highlanders and was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.

Addresses

  • In the 1891 Census he resided with his parents at St Cuthbert, 17 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh.
  • In the 1901 Census with his parents at 22 Blantyre Terrace, Edinburgh.
  • The Scottish Probate Index for 1916 has his widow as residing at 23 Gower Street, London.

Medals

There is no record of William Williamson Kerr Duncan having been awarded any service medals as he did not serve in a Theatre of War.

Memorials

William Williamson Kerr Duncan is honoured and remembered on the Strathspey and District War Memorial, Grantown-On-Spey.

Links to Additional Information

References

  • Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
  • Scotland National Probate Index – 1916.
  • Morayshire Roll of Honour.
  • Census – 1891.
  • Census – 1901.
  • London Gazette 2 May 1913.
  • London Gazette dated 16 October 1915.
  • Pension Card.
  • Great War Forum.

Groups

Contributors:-

  • Vincent Stuart
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