Participant Info

Photograph

Last Name

Couper

First Names

James

Conflict

WW1

Memorial

St Michael's

Date of Death

29th July 1915

Unit

Royal Scots

Rank

Private

Link

Link to CWGC Record

Biographical information

James Couper was the son of Robert and Agnes Dick Couper, of 1, Admiral Terrace, Edinburgh. He died at the age of 21.

His name is on the WW1 memorial at St Michael’s Church.

As we do not have a photograph of him we have added one of his grave in Morningside Cemetery. The inscription reads: “1653 Private J Couper Royal Scots 29th July 1915 Age 21“.

The Edinburgh Evening News carried the following three announcements:
1. Announcement of his death – as follows:
9th Royal Scots
Private James Couper, D Company, 9th Royal Scots, who was home on furlough, died at Colinton Hospital yesterday. He was the eldest son of Mr Robert Couper, 51 Lauderdale Street.

2. Funeral arrangements and invitation to attend – as follows:
For Their Country
Couper – At Colinton Mains Hospital on the 29th inst., suddenly, Private James Couper, D Company, 1/9th Royal Scots (Highlanders) aged 21 years (home on furlough), eldest son of Robert Couper, 51 Lauderdale Street. Funeral on Saturday 31st inst., from hospital at 3.30pm to Morningside Cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation and invitation.

3. Report about the Funeral – as follows:
Funeral of 9th Royal Scots Private
On Saturday a military funeral was given to the late Private James Couper, 1/9th Royal Scots from Colinton Hospital to Morningside Cemetery. Private Couper who resided with his parents at 51 Lauderdale Street, was only 21 years of age, went out with the first Battalion to Flanders, and was through all the engagements that his company took part in. He was one of twenty left in D Company. Before he came home on furlough he was nominated for a commission in the 3/6th Black Watch and would have received his commission in a few days but for his untimely death.

Colonel Colville, the commanding officer of the 3/6th Black Watch, who has taken a great interest in Private Couper, travelled from the camp, Bridge of Earn, to attend the funeral and to express to the young soldier’s parents his own and his brother officers’ deep regret at their son’s sudden and unexpected death. Private Couper was of an exceptionally pleasant disposition and was universally liked by all he came in contact with. Although not in very good health when he came home he was very anxious to return to the front and take his place along with his comrades. On reporting himself at Edinburgh Castle the doctor there detained him, and while in hospital he developed a serious illness, which cut short a promising career in the Army.