James Paton was born in Perth on 2nd January 1870 to James Paton (Shoemaker/ Bootmaker) and Isabella Hepburn. He had one older brother John. James Paton was married to Helen Drummond, a Dyer’s Finisher (b c1878), the daughter of William Drummond (Tailor) and Martha McNab. James and Helen had five children Martha (b c1903); James (b c1904); William (b c1906); Alexander (b c1911); and John (b 1914).

James enlisted in Stirling, with the A&SH, on 28th February 1889 (Ser. No. 3089), and served in India and South Africa.

He re-enlisted with his original regiment in August 1914, while employed as a Mill Worker. He had also been the Janitor at Sharp’s Institution prior to the outbreak of war.

The Battle of Loos, September 1915

In September 1915, the 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, were in the 2nd Division, on the left of the 9th (Scottish) Division. Between 21st and 24th September they were in billets in Bethune before moving to Cambrin in preparation for the attack on 25th September. During this time a heavy British bombardment took place, the Battalion received reinforcements and four men were wounded.

Extract from the War Diaries of the 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

“CAMBRIN, 25/9/15". 

“The ground between our trenches and the Germans’ was flat except where a series of mines had exploded which made craters with sides 8 to 9 feet high, completely screening the German trenches...At 5.45 the Artillery opened fire and at 5.50 the gas was turned on for 40 minutes the last five minutes combined with smoke...At 6.30 am the assault started, the morning being very still, the gas hung about and was inclined to come back, which hampered the leading platoons…’B’ Company succeeded in crossing the fire trench but were unable to reach the German trenches…’A’ Company were unable to make any headway...the machine guns came into action but could make no impression...As no advance was possible the platoons in front returned to our lines and further attempt was abandoned."

“Casualties: 8 officers killed or died of wounds, 5 wounded, 1 missing. 315 Rank and file.”

“26/9/15, In trenches, collecting casualties.” 

While there is no definitive record of where, or how, James Paton lost his life, it would have been at some stage of this action. He was 46 years old.

Perthshire Advertiser, October 13th 1915

“PERTH JANITOR KILLED"

“TO-DAY’S CASUALTIES" 

“Still another two Perth men have fallen in the fighting for the common cause."

"Private James Paton, 2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, whose wife and young family of five reside at 151 High Street, was a soldier of much experience, having served 8 years in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was 46 years of age, and re-enlisted at the outbreak of war."

"He served through the South African campaign, and was for many years in India. Private Paton, who was a native of Perth, was, prior to the war employed as a janitor in Sharp’s Institution, Perth. He was killed while acting as a stretcher bearer.”

Dundee Evening Telegraph, 13th October 1915

“PERTH SCHOOL JANITOR KILLED IN ACTION"

“Private James Paton, 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who before the outbreak of war was employed as janitor at Sharp’s Institution, Perth, is reported to have been killed in battle. The deceased was a veteran in service, and, although 46 years of age, re-enlisted at the outbreak of war. He was for many years in India, and served through the South African War. His wife and family of five children live at 151 High Street, Perth.”

Perth Academy School Magazine “The Young Barbarian”, Midsummer 1916

“Private James Paton, formerly our Janitor in Sharp’s Buildings, who joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in August 1914, was killed on active service last September.”