Biography of Harold Arthur Cruickshank

Harold Arthur Cruickshank attended the University for three years from 1911. He was born in Kimberly, South Africa in 1892. He was the son of William, a hospital superintendent, and Mary Cruickshank, who lived at 3 Parsons Lane in Alford, Lincolnshire.

In 1911, Cruickshank passed preliminary exams in English, Mathematics, Latin, French and Dynamics, enabling him to enrol to study Arts at the University. Following this, Cruickshank matriculated to study Latin and French. He passed both these subjects in May 1912 and was awarded the Gilmore Class Prize in French Language and Literature. Cruickshank then enrolled to study Medicine, and over two years took classes in Chemistry, Practical Chemistry, Zoology, Practical Zoology, Physiology Practical Physiology, Anatomy, and Practical Anatomy. He was awarded multiple prizes: a first-class certificate in Physiology and Practical Physiology; and two second-class certificates, one in Zoology and the other in Anatomy.

However, postponing his studies to join the war effort, Cruickshank enlisted in the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers in February 1915. On 27 May 1915, the Supplement to the London Gazette reported that he was promoted from 2nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant on 13th April 1915. Sadly, four months later, on 28 September 1915, at 23 years of age, Cruickshank was killed in action at Flanders. He was buried in France, in Bethune town cemetery, Bethune-Nord-Pas-de-Calais. He lies in plot II K1.

His death was marked by his former classmates, who chose to commemorate Cruickshank with a Longfellow quote: His signal deeds and prowess high; demands no pompous eulogy. Ye saw his deeds.

Sources

Other Online Resources

• British Newspaper Search Engine
• GoCruickshanks.com - Fallen British Soldiers of WWI
• Harold Arthur Cruickshank Burial Site
• Harold Arthur Cruickshank Enlistment, London Gazette Supplement, 9th February, 1915
• Harold Arthur Cruickshank National Archives

Archival Materials

• R8/5/32/2 Matriculation Slip 1911-1912 Men C - D
• R8/5/33/2 Matriculation Slip 1912-1913 Men C - D
• R8/5/34/2 Matriculation Slip 1913-1914 Men C - D

Summary

Harold Arthur Cruickshank
Born 1892.
Died 28 September 1915.
GU Degree: Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, 1911-13;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military
English snippet: Medical student at the University 1911-13
Record last updated: 10th Mar 2014

Country Associations

South Africa, Kimberley
Place of Birth

Belgium, No Region
Place of Death

France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais region

Scotland, Glasgow

University Connections

University Roles

• Student