War Memorial stories

The stories of the men on the War Memorial who died in the First World War. More will be added as we research them.

Ancill, Sydney John

Sydney John Ancill lived in Sandyford Place in Glasgow with his parents, brother and two sisters. His family were in the clothing business and before the First World War his mother ran a ladies outfitters in Sauchiehall Street.

Arroll, Richard Hubbard

Richard, or ‘Dickie’, Hubbard Arroll was a successful businessman running a painting and decorating company when the First World War started. He was also an advocate for physical fitness.

Christison, Robert Colin

Robert Colin Christison was known as ‘Bertie’. An engineer from a family of engineers, he was an athlete, interested in books and reading, and was described as “universally popular”.

Cook, Algernon Burton

Born in New Zealand, Algernon Burton Cook was a school sports star considered to be one of the best swimmers in Scotland, who became a motor cycle dispatch rider and First World War aeroplane pilot.

Freeman, Isidor L

With the distinctive name of Isidor Freeman we thought it would be easy to learn more about the life of this member. But the search led us to lots more questions before we discovered a man honoured both in Glasgow and Ireland.

Gentles, Thomas

Thomas Gentles is one of the faces that members of the Arlington Baths see often when they are in the building. As a noted Scottish water polo player he’s in two of our pre-War team photos.

Lévy, Léon Emmanuel

Glasgow clerk Léon Lévy was a Hillhead High School student and a keen scout, who he died on the Western Front. But that was not quite the end of his story. For 80 years later his name and grave became part of a short story about the War and remembrance by award-winning author Julian Barnes.

Perry, Ernest

Ernst Perry was an engineering apprentice who studied at Glasgow University. He joined the Baths as a schoolboy and his father, mother and two sisters were also members of the Baths.