John W. Kimber

“This month marks the 100th anniversary of the death of Lieutenant John William Kimber, 4th Black Watch,” emails Dr Kenneth Baxter.

“J. W. Kimber came to Dundee in 1905 as the first instructor in physical training at University College, Dundee (now the University of Dundee) based at the Fleming Gymnasium. He also acted in the same capacity for Dundee Training College (later Dundee College of Education), and was a popular figure.

“Having served in the Royal Navy, at the start of the Great War he took an active part in the war effort, ensuring the gym and University College facilities could be used for military training and gave instruction on trench warfare.

“He enlisted in the Black Watch, but for a time was able to keep up his duties at the college with help from his wife Ada. In 1915 he was awarded £10 and a certificate for his heroism in trying to save the life of a fellow officer who drowned at the Black Watch’s camp at Bridge of Earn.

“Sadly, on April 19 1918 he was seriously wounded while serving on the Western Front.

“His leg was amputated, but doctors were unable to save him and he died from his wounds on May 11 at the Duchess of Westminster’s (No 1 Red Cross) Hospital. His wife was able to go to France to spend his last days with him.

“Writing to the Secretary of University College, she said: ‘I have reasons to be proud of my brave husband. He has indeed done his duty well and I believe he was about to receive further promotion’.

“He left four children, including his daughter Edith who went on to be a successful dancer. His loss was a cause of much regret in Dundee. The magazine of Dundee Training College commented that: ‘the annals of Dundee’s own famous Battalion will tell of no name with clearer lustre than that of Kimber’.

Archive Services and Museum Services at the University of Dundee both hold material relating to J. W. Kimber and he is commemorated on both the University war memorial and the old Training College war memorial.”