David (Douglas) Wilson was born on the 22nd February 1887, in Kirkcaldy, Fifeshire.

In 1901, the Wilson family were living at 48 St John Street, Perth: Father, David J. (Agent, Bank of Scotland) (57); Mother, Jeanie Stobie, (44); Daughter, Jessie D. (22); Son, James L. (Apprentice Engineer) (20); Son, Robert H. (Bank Clerk) (19); Son, David D. (14); Daughter, Jean M. (7); and Daughter, Mary H. (11 months). Also living at this address were: Catherine M. McLaren (Cook); and Jessie M. Oliphant (Housemaid) (19). 

After completing his education at Perth Academy, he served his apprenticeship with the Bank of Scotland in Perth. He emigrated to Canada in 1907 and joined the staff of the Bank of Montreal, and at the time of his enlistment he was employed in the New York Agency.

Douglas Wilson enlisted on the15th January 1916 in Montreal, Quebec, as a Private in the 5th Universities Company, which was recruited to reinforce the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

He arrived in France with his unit in the spring of 1916. For fifteen months he was in almost continuous action in the intense fighting of his battalion on the Somme and in the Vimy sector.

On 8th July 1917 he was severely wounded by enemy shellfire in front of Vimy Ridge, near Lens. Three days later, on 11th July, he died from his wounds at No 7 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. He was 30 years of age.

Perthshire Advertiser, 25th July 1917

"THE LATE MR DOUGLAS WILSON, PERTH"

 “The July issue of ‘The Review’ the journal of the ‘G. A.’ officials, contains the following over the signature of the general manager, Mr F. Norie-Miller, J.P, :- Just as we were going to press, I heard with the deepest regret that our much esteemed director, Mr D. J. Wilson, had received intimation that his son, Douglas Wilson, had died from wounds received in action."

“I had known Douglas Wilson from his childhood. He had a fine record at our Academy. He was also a splendid golfer, winning all the prizes not only here, but in Canada, where he had an appointment with the Bank of Montreal."

"Like all true Britishers, and like the brave boy he always was, when the war broke out he at once enlisted in the Canadians and saw much service, and finally died for his country."

"To him we all owe a debt of gratitude. We envy him his death, and our deepest sympathy goes out to his father, mother, and their family, in the great sorrow that has come to them. He has realised to the full how sweet and becoming a thing it is to die for one’s country.”

David Douglas Wilson is also commemorated on the Perth West Church War Memorial.