Second Lieutenant Thomas Robert Gorrie
Thomas Robert Gorrie was born on 5 December 1891 at Oban, Argyll, Scotland, a son of contractor James Gorrie. He was educated at Morrison's Academy, Crieff, and the Heriot Watt College, Edinburgh. From 1908 to 1913 he did five years' service with the Forth (Edinburgh) Royal Garrison Artillery.
By 1916 Gorrie was living at 15 Rue Monge, Paris, and working as a certified accountant. On 23 February that year he enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Paris. He reported for duty at Antrim on 4 March and was given regimental number 2122.
On 27 January 1917 Gorrie embarked for France, where he was posted to B or C Squadron of the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment. In September that year the 2nd Regiment was dismounted and its men transferred to the infantry. Gorrie, like most, was transferred to the 9th (Service) Battalion, Royal Irish Fusiliers – re-named the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – on 20 September. He was assigned regimental number 41313 and posted to C Company.
On 18 October 1917 Gorrie applied for a commission in the infantry, with a preference for the 9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers or the Royal Flying Corps. (He later changed his preferences to the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, Somerset Light Infantry or Border Regiment.)
Gorrie left his battalion for the UK in November 1917. After a period of leave, on 24 March 1918 he reported for duty at No 9 Officer Cadet Battalion, Gailes Camp, Ayrshire. Following several months' training he was assessed as having a good standard of education, military knowledge and powers of command and leadership, with special qualifications in riding. "Likely to make a good platoon officer. Has made good progress." On 30 October 1918 he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and posted to the Machine Gun Corps.
On 9 February 1919 Gorrie was demobilised. He relinquished his commission on 1 September 1921.
After the war Gorrie returned to work as a chartered accountant. By 1939 he was living with his wife Rose Mary at 105 St George's Square, Westminster, London. On 3 February that year he applied for enrolment in the Officers' Emergency Reserve. On 11 July 1940 he was appointed 2nd lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (No120345).
Gorrie died at Westminster in 1973.