International Story

James Grahame Walker South Africa Canada

Biography of James Grahame Walker

James Grahame Walker enrolled at the University in 1911, aged 27, to study Science and Engineering over two years. He was born in Bethlehem, South Africa around 1884, son of Scottish merchant, William Johnstone Walker.

Walker was brought up and educated in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. In 1911, he returned to Scotland where he enrolled at the University and took classes in Mining Geology, for which he won a first-class certificate. In 1912 he went on to take classes in Chemistry and Geology.

His studies were interrupted by the First World War, when Walker enlisted in 1914, serving as a private of the 9th Highland Light Infantry. In 1915, he gained the rank of lieutenant. From 1917, he was stationed in France and was promoted to Captain. On 25 March 1918, he was captured at Beagnies and was sent to the concentration camp at Rastatt, and later taken to a permanent prison camp at Lahr, where he was held until December 1918. He made his way back to Glasgow after the signing of the armistice, and was awarded the Military Cross for gallant service at Bourlon Wood.

In 1921, Walker returned to Edmonton where he took up management of his father's department store under the Johnstone Walker Company. One of the largest department store chains of its time, the last store closed in 1983.

Summary

James Grahame Walker
Born 1884.
GU Degree: Science and Engineering, 1911-13;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: businessmen; engineers, mining; military
WWI: View WWI Roll of Honour Entry
English snippet: Engineering student at the University of Glasgow 1911-13
Record last updated: 3rd Mar 2014

Country Associations

South Africa South Africa, Bethlehem
Place of Birth

Canada Canada, Alberta, Edmonton

University Connections

University Roles

  • Student