David Dick

David Dick was born on the 4th February 1889 in Larkhall, Lanarkshire to Margaret Holmes Dick (nee Canfield) and David McArthur Dick. His father worked as a Tailor, as his grandfather also had done. David had several siblings: Ann, Thomas, Robert, Maggie and Janet. David attended Larkhall Academy.

Memorial chapel at the University of Glasgow — The Memorial Chapel at the University of Glasgow

In 1907 David came to the University of Glasgow to study for a degree in the Arts. During his time at the University he took a variety of subjects including Logic, Natural Philosophy and Education. He was particularly good at Mathematics and took this subject to honours level. In 1911 he graduated MA.

Whilst studying for his MA, David also studied to be a teacher at the Glasgow Provincial Training College (later Jordanhill College, now Strathclyde University) on a course that was offered in conjunction with the degree course. He trained to be a teacher around the same time as his younger sister, Janet. On the 30th June 1910 he received his Teacher Training Certificate.

Once he had completed his studies he taught at the Vale of Leven Academy before returning to his old school, Larkhall Academy, in January 1914 - this time in the role of Teacher. He was a keen member of the YMCA, occupying the position of accompanist at various meetings.

On the 11th February 1916 David joined the Royal Engineers. The Army employed him as a Chemist and he was initially attached to the "M" Special Company before joined the "B" Special Company. These companies were involved in the dangerous realm of poison gas warfare. Less than a month after joining the Royal Engineers he went to France and in October 1916 he was injured there. Just a week later he was back fighting. Whilst taking part in an operation to bombard enemy works on the 6th April 1917, Pioneer David Dick was killed, aged 28 years old. He is buried at Sucrerie Cemetery in the village of Ablain-St. Nazaire, north of Arras, France.