Major Anthony Norman Beilby

Major Beilby, 2nd Lothians and Border Horse, was born on 3rd August 1913, and at Loretto from May 1923 to April 1931. He was in the VI Form. After leaving School he did much valuable work for the Fettesian-Lorettonian Boys` Club and the Craigentinny Social Welfare Centre, of which he was the founder. In the 2nd Lothians, Beilby soon made his mark as a most capable officer and inspiring leader, and in the course of the Tunisian campaign was mentioned in Despatches. On 20th February 1943, when the 10th Panzer Division of the German Army forced the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, his Squadron was ordered to engage them and fight a delaying action till reserves could be brought up. Early in the engagement he was wounded and his own tank was knocked out; but in spite of this he walked about, perfectly cool and unconcerned, directing the fire of the Squadron and encouraging his men. Early in the afternoon he was told that he might withdraw if necessary, but at the same time informed that every moment`s delay imposed on the enemy was of value. He decided to go on fighting where he was and to withdraw, if possible, after dark. He had now secured another tank. Just before dusk this received a direct hit and he was killed instantly. By the end of the action every tank was silenced, but the Squadron had done its work. The survivors got back on foot.

"There can be no doubt that, by his splendid example and unflinching courage, Tony inspired his men to put up the magnificent fight they did. We remember our exceptional officer and deeply valued friend with pride as a pattern for all of us to follow."

Flying Officer William Desmond Stuart Bow

Flying Officer Bow, The Royal Air Force (V.R.), was born on 31st January 1920, and at Loretto from September 1933 to July 1938. He was a House Prefect, In the VI Form, the XI, and Hockey, Fives, Boxing and Athletics Teams, and a Corporal in the O.T.C. From School he went to Clare College, Cambridge, where after two years he graduated with 2nd class honours in modern languages. He joined the R.A.F. in July 1940 and was commissioned as Pilot Officer in the following February. In May 1941 he was posted to No. 612 Squadron of Coastal Command, which was based in Iceland and carrying out anti-U-boat patrols over the Atlantic. During the winter, with its short hours of daylight in those northern latitudes, this was harassing and dangerous work. It was Bow`s plane which is mentioned in the publication Coastal Command as having sent the message, "S.O.S. Am landing in sea. Merry Christmas." That was sent from 200 miles off the coast of Iceland on 24th December 1941, when one engine had failed. They managed, however, after jettisoning everything to get back to base on the other engine with ten minutes petrol left.
In March 1942 Bow was promoted Flying Officer and accompanied part of his Squadron south to operate against U-boats in the Bay of Biscay area. Here his plane soon destroyed an enemy submarine. Shortly afterwards, on the evening of 26th March, he flew, as Captain of a Whitley aircraft, on an anti-U-boat sweep from which the machine did not return. The International Red Cross Committee later reported that he and five others of his crew who lost their lives in this operation were buried in the Roscanvel Cemetery in Brest Roads.

Lieutenant Colin McIntyre Brown

Lieutenant Brown, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was born on 13th March 1919, and at Loretto from September 1932 to July 1936. He was in the VI Form, Editor of the Lorettonian, and a Lance-Corporal in the O.T.C. On leaving School he went to London, where he joined the London Scottish Regiment. In 1939 he obtained a commission in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and was subsequently sent to Oriel College, Oxford, to train for the Intelligence Service. He died on 9th September 1941, after an operation for appendicitis.

"He was an officer who took a great interest in his men. His influence was felt not only in his own platoon but throughout the company, and will continue to be felt both by those who knew him and by those who follow him."