George Thomson MC (1885-1973)
Lt. George Thomson MC of 11th Batallion, Worcestershire Regiment. He is wearing the WWI cap and lapel badge of the Worcestershire Regiment
George Thomson MC (1885-1973)
George Thomson was born on 25 September 1885 at 32 Aird Tong on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. He was the eleventh of thirteen children born to Alexander Thomson and Janet “Jessie” Ferguson.
Early Life and Education
George attended the local school in Tong, where he became a pupil teacher. This meant a long and demanding day—he arrived early and stayed late for extra lessons with the headmaster, while also helping teach younger pupils during the day. In the evenings, he studied at home for his Higher Leaving Certificate.
Although he wished he could have attended the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway, he continued to work hard and eventually made his way to university—later than most, but through determination and ability.
At the age of 21, in 1907, George enrolled at the University of Glasgow, studying Latin and Mathematics. During his time there, he lived at several addresses, as many students did while adjusting to city life far from home.
He progressed steadily through his studies:
- First year: Latin and Mathematics
- Second year: Logic, English, and Education
- Third year: Moral Philosophy and Celtic
In 1910, he won first prize in Dr George Henderson’s Celtic class and graduated with an MA on 10 June 1910.
Still eager to learn, George returned to university in 1912–1913 to study Geology and Natural Philosophy, preparing for a career in teaching.
George Thomson – Roll of Honour
Miltary Cross – First World War
War Service
During the First World War, George enlisted as a Private in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. He later became a Lieutenant in the 11th Worcestershire Regiment.
In 1917, he fought at the Battle of Doiran in Macedonia, part of the wider Salonika campaign. This campaign, fought between 1915 and 1918, involved Allied forces battling Bulgarian and Central Powers troops across difficult terrain and under harsh conditions, including widespread disease.
George was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery. According to the official citation:
“He was wounded in the attack but, receiving first aid, rejoined his platoon and reorganised it under heavy fire. He only withdrew on being wounded a second time.”
During intense fighting, despite being wounded, George returned to lead his men and helped them withstand repeated enemy attacks under heavy bombardment. His leadership inspired those around him to continue fighting in extremely dangerous conditions.
Teaching Career and Family Life
After the war, George returned to Glasgow and resumed his teaching career. He taught at several schools before becoming a headmaster, eventually spending forty years in the profession.
He married Helen MacDonald from Holm on 22 July 1920 in Glasgow. They had two children:
- Alasdair (1921–2000), who became a navigating officer in the Merchant Navy and later graduated in Arts from Glasgow
- Marjorie (1924–2002), who married Ian MacKenzie and lived in Saltcoats
George was also a dedicated member of the Lewis and Harris Association for over sixty years.
George Thomson and Family outside 71 Ormonde Drive.
Video of George Thomson and Family
Later Life and Legacy
George retired after a long and committed career in education. He died in 1973 at the age of 88. His wife Helen had passed away earlier, in 1966, aged 75.
He is remembered as a determined student, a brave soldier, and a devoted teacher who made a lasting contribution both in war and in civilian life.
Acknowledgements
This account is based on personal memories, family documents, and photographs. Information about George’s war service comes from the Regimental History of the Worcestershire Regiment, as well as the Glasgow University Roll of Honour and contributions from family members.
27th September 2026 @ 08:28
Fascinating story, thank you for sharing it. Do you know the location of George’s WW1 medals, do the family still have them?
27th September 2026 @ 08:46
Sorry, I don’t know where they are. Are you related to the family?
28th September 2026 @ 12:49
No, not a relative of the family. My interest is in the service of members of the Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War, hence my interest in George.
28th September 2026 @ 13:06
No, I am not a relative of the family. My interest is in The Worcestershire Regiment in the Great War hence why George’s story caught my attention. In the 71 Ormonde Drive photo is George the younger man or the older; can you date when it was taken? Thanks
28th September 2026 @ 13:16
George is the man on the right of the photo, and his wife Helen is on his right. My father lodged with them in about 1928 when he was at medical school in Glasgow.