Major William Simpson

Major William MacDuff Simpson, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He was killed in action in Italy on 12th May 1944 during the fighting for German positions at Monte Cassino aged 28. He was son of MacDuff Frederick and Isabel Simpson of Kildare, Irish Republic and is buried in Cassino War Cemetery, Cassino, Italy. He was the grandson of James and Isabella Somervail of Hoselaw, Linton. He had been educated at Loretto School in Musselburgh and new College Oxford where he graduated with honours. He was commissioned from the University in May 1939 and promoted to Lieutenant in the Cameronians in January 1941. In 1943, after serving in the Faroe Islands, he was attached to the 1st Battalion, Royal Fusiliers in Italy. He fell in an attack on the Gustav Line during the crossing of the River Gargliano during the Battle at Cassino. The photos show troops during the Battle.