Captain James Henry Maurice Clark

Captain Clark, commanding Clyde Division, R.N.V.R., was born on 18th February 1892, and at Loretto from September 1905 to July 1910. He was in the VI Form, a Prizeman, and a Sergeant in the O.T.C. At Trinity College, Cambridge, he obtained an honours degree in engineering and took his M.A. in 1917. He became a Sub-Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., in January 1914, and after being mobilised in August of that year served with the R.N. Division at Antwerp and in several ships engaged in operations in the North Sea till 1919. In civil life he was a shipbroker and an Associate Member of the Institution of Naval Architects. He also became a prominent yachtsman, and was one of the crew of Coila III in international races. In 1926 he was promoted Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.V.R., and in 1929 awarded the V.D. The years 1937-38 saw him President of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. He was Vice-Chairman of the Loretto Governors and a generous benefactor of the School.
On mobilisation in September 1939, Commander Maurice Clark (as he had now become) was appointed Captain commanding the Clyde Division, R.N.V.R., and did much valuable work in the Naval Offices, Glasgow, and on the Flag Officer's Staff. Before taking up this appointment, however, he had undergone a major operation which left him physically very frail, and there can be no doubt that his acceptance of fresh arduous and exacting duties and responsibilities hastened his death. In the following year he again fell very ill. But his spirit was never broken; he worked on until work became impossible, and finally, after much suffering, died at his home in Troon on 4th September 1941.

"He faced a long and painful illness with the greatest courage, and carried on when most people would have considered themselves to be hopeless invalids and would never have attempted to do anything."

Major William Michael Coffey

Major Coffey, The Royal Engineers, was born on 14th February 1912, and at Loretto from October 1925 to April 1930. He was in the VI Form and Shooting VIII, and a Lance-Corporal in the O.T.C. At Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, he graduated with honours in the Mechanical Sciences Tripos. On the outbreak of war, having obtained a university commission in the R.E. at Chatham, he served as Experimental Officer (Searchlights) at Biggin Hill, Kent, and was then placed in charge of searchlights on the Isle of Sheppey. A little later he was appointed Adjutant to the 43rd Divisional R.E., and finally given command, with rank of major, of the 260th Field Company R.E., (43rd Division). He was killed by an explosion at Deal on 20th March 1941.

"He not only commanded the Experimental Section with great success, but more than held his own on their own ground with the civilian physicists and engineers. Not only did these officers have the highest regard for him, but he had the affection of everyone, and his own N.C.O.s and men would have done anything for him. Those who knew him well counted on his doing great things for the Service in the years to come."

Lieutenant David Angus Colquhoun

Lieutenant Colquhoun, 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards, was born on 12th February 1925, and at Loretto from September 1938 to April 1943. He was a Prefect, in the VI Form, XV, Hockey and Athletics Teams and Shooting VIII, Editor of the Lorettonian, and Cadet Under Officer in the J.T.C. On leaving School he enlisted in the Scots Guards, was trained at Caterham and Pirbright, and commissioned in the Scots Guards in January 1944. After further training he acted for a short time as Instructor at a battle course in North Wales. In October 1944 he was sent to Italy and posted to the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, with which he served throughout the winter. On 5th April 1945, he was leading a patrol which was attempting to cross the Valetta Canal in the neighbourhood of Lake Comacchio. Accompanied by a guardsman, he launched his boat, but before they reached the far bank an enemy machine gun opened fire, and both of them were killed. Lieutenant Colquhoun was first reported missing, but a few weeks later his death was confirmed when news came that his body and that of his companion had been found by Italian Partisans. He is buried in the Agenta Gap 78th Divisional Cemetery.

"Angus was one of those rare people who combine a great personal charm with quite exceptional courage and efficiency. Those who served under him, like the rest of us, are finding life very different without him."