William Harris was born in Perth in 1896 to William Harris (Dyer’s Finisher), b. 1858, Perth; and Ann Harris, b. 1857, Birnam. He was educated at Perth Academy.

William Harris enlisted with the Black Watch in 1915, and was a piper in the Active Service Band, before re-enlisting with the 1st Seaforth Highlanders.

By 1st January 1916 the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders had moved from France to Mesopotamia, arriving in Basra towards the end of December 1915. Owing to heavy losses in the 1st Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, the survivors and those of the 2nd Battalion, Black Watch were combined to form a “Composite Highland Battalion” for the period 4th February 1916 - 11th July 1916, and 265 soldiers of other ranks arrived to reinforce this battalion on 16th April.

During April the Battalion marched towards Falahiyieh with hostile patrols fully aware of their advance, and having to be constantly held at bay. The Brigades involved in this action, stumbled on and there were further heavy losses with significant numbers of wounded amongst the Seaforth Highlanders.

On 22nd April preparations for an attack on Sannaiyat were completed and orders received that it’s capture was of the utmost importance. Among the many setbacks were rifles clogged with mud; and there was confusion when, with the enemy attack seemingly successfully resisted, orders were given to retire. The Battalion spent the rest of the spring and summer recovering from the fighting, and preparing for further operations to capture Baghdad. Amara was occupied by the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force on 3rd June 1915 and immediately became a hospital centre.

Although there is no definitive record of where, or how, William Harris received his wounds, it would have been at some stage of the campaign in Mesopotamia. He would have been removed to one of the medical centres in Amara, where he died as a result of the wounds he had received. He was 21 years old.

Perthshire Advertiser, 9th August 1916.

“PERTH HEROES IN THE GREAT OFFENSIVE"

“Mr and Mrs William Harris, Craigie Park Terrace, Edinburgh Road, Perth, have received official intimation of the death from fever in Mesopotamia on 27th July of their son, Private William Harris, Seaforth Highlanders. Deceased , who was 21 years of age, was mobilised at the outbreak of war with the Perthshire Territorials, but soon after was discharged. He re-enlisted in the Seaforths, and went to the East in April last. Prior to the war he was employed by Messrs Pullar and Sons.”

William Harris is also commemorated on the War Memorial of Pullars Dye Works, Perth.

Whilst the current climate of political instability persists it is extremely challenging for the Commission to manage or maintain its cemeteries and memorials located within Iraq. Alternative arrangements for commemoration have therefore been implemented and a two volume Roll of Honour listing all casualties buried and commemorated in Iraq has been produced.

These volumes are on display at the Commission's Head Office in Maidenhead and are available for the public to view. The Commission continues to monitor the situation in Iraq and once the political climate has improved to an acceptable level the Commission will commence a major rehabilitation project for its cemeteries and commemorations.

Because of the difficulties outlined above Perth Academy have been unable to source a photograph of William's headstone, or Amara War Cemetery itself. The photograph below, which is part of the CWGC archives, was taken some time ago and was kindly sent to us by CWGC staff.