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This most moving poem was written by E. A. Mackintosh (1893-1917)
who served as an officer in the Seaforth Highlanders from December
1914. He played the pipes, spoke Gaelic, and was loved by his men
who affectionately called him "Tosh." For his part, Mackintosh
returned that love. On May 16th 1916 he carried wounded Private
David Sutherland through 100 yards of German trenches with the
Germans in hot pursuit. However, before Mackintosh could bring him
to friendly trenches, Private Sutherland died and his body had to be
left behind.
Mackintosh's bravery would win him the Military Cross, and in
memory of Private David Sutherland, and in recognition of his unique
role as 23-year old "father" to his men, he wrote "In Memoriam"
(above). During his recovery and rotation to England following
wounds received on the Somme battle in 1916, Mackintosh became
engaged.
In October 1917, Mackintosh returned to France and on the second
day of the Battle of Cambrai (November 21 917) he was killed. He was
24.
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