In 1911, the Gordon family were living in Staff accommodation at Perth Prison: Father, David O. (First Class Prison Warder), b. c1868, Kirriemuir, Forfarshire: Mother, Anne, b. c1862, Lintrathen, Forfarshire; Daughter, May L., b. c1895, Perth; Son, David O., b. c1898, Dundee; Daughter, Margaret A. H., b. c1898, Dundee; and Daughter, Lily O., b. c1900, Dundee.

The 2/7th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment was formed at Coventry in October 1914. In February 1915 they were part of 2/1st Warwickshire Brigade, 2/1st South Midland Division in the Northampton area. They went to the Chelmsford area in March 1915. The formation became the 182nd Brigade, 61st (South Midland) Division in August 1915. They went to Salisbury Plain in March 1916 and landed in France on 21st May 1916.

In France they had their training near Bethune. After completing their training they went into the trenches at Fauquissart.

Perthshire Advertiser, 16th July 1916

“THE PRICE OF VICTORY - PERTH MEN WOUNDED AND FALLEN"

“Information has just been received of the death in action of Private D. O. Gordon, son of Mr David Gordon, principal warder, Criminal Lunatic Department, H.M. Prison, Perth."

"The deceased soldier, who was nineteen years of age, was attached to the Royal Warwicks. In civilian life he was an apprentice watchmaker with Misses Young, jeweller, High Street.

"In a letter received from the chaplain, the writer says:- ‘His officer told me how nobly he did his duty, and what a fine influence he had amongst his comrades. He was killed at his post of duty as a sentinel at the corner of the front line trench, and no passing could more become a soldier’.”