Andrew was born on 13th August 1895 in Camden Town. His parents, Henry and Christina, were both from Scotland. He was their only son and had one younger sister, Jessie. His father, Henry, was a Master Mariner and thus often away from home as seen by his absence in the 1901 census. The family home was in Empress Avenue, Ilford.
He joined Ilford County High School from Highlands Elementary School, Ilford in September 1908 and atypically studied there for four years. This gave him the opportunity to sit and pass his Junior Oxford examination (2nd Class Honours) and Elementary French examination. In 1911, he received a special school cap ‘for his prowess in sustaining the honour of the school in games.’ He was the Secretary of Cranbrook House (comparable to being a Senior Prefect) whilst at 1911. He left school on 27th July 1912. In 1926, the headmaster, Mr Diggins, described Andrew as, ‘one of the best (Sports) Captains we have ever had, with the tenacity of the true Scot and a dash which was all his own.’
Upon leaving school, he took up a post in a bank, as a clerk. He worked for the London County and Westminster Bank, Bishop’s Stortford branch.
During the war, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Manchester Regiment (8th Ardwick Battalion) and his regimental number was 4887. He died on 28th September 1918 and was buried in the Fifteen Ravine British Cemetery, Vilers-Plouich in France.
The Autumn 1918 school magazine, Chronicles, contained the following tribute;
‘Lieut. McLauchlan was one of the most notable boys of his time; he was the unchallenged leader of the School, a keen student and an admirable athlete. Few boys have wielded so potent an influence or done so much for the School. There follow quotations from officers of his battalion of the Manchesters to his father, which we give with mingled pride and regret:-
“Although the machine-guns were very active and causing casualties among his men, he gallantly continued his advance with great skill, and was making good progress when he was hit by a bullet. During the time your son was with us he endeared himself to all, and on all occasions showed himself a keen and efficient officer.” (Signed E.S. Ross Capt. And Adjt.)
“In the Company he was popular- known as ‘Mac.’ – and esteemed as an ardent member of the Company’s football team, which had not been beaten before our moving up, and looked up to by all his men.
A few days before he was killed he carried out two exceptionally good night patrols. On the particular day his Company, when advancing to the objective set them, met with heavy M. G. fire. I am sure you will be pleased to know he was with his foremost men- sharing their danger. He led his platoon forward with the utmost coolness and skill until he was struck by a M. G. bullet. His death was instantaneous. I, with all officers who knew him, miss him very much, and in some small way realise your grief.
When you know that his and his men’s bravery ensured the success of the initial stage of the following day’s operation I am sure you will feel proud that his sacrifice was not in vain.” (Signed E. Ward, Lieut.)
“It was a great shock to me when I heard the news. ‘Mac.’ And I were on very friendly terms, for he was the best subaltern I had in the Company. He was well known throughout the Battalion as an officer who could always be relied upon to do his duty without supervision, and his death is very keenly felt by everyone.” (Signed H. J. Teare, Capt.).
Research by Andrew Emeny, History Teacher at ICHS
Sources:
Ancestry.com
ICHS school records and magazines
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Note
Ilford County High School started life as the Park Higher Grade School in 1901 in Balfour Road, Ilford. It was renamed Ilford County High School (or initially County High School, Ilford) in the years after the school’s management was transferred from Ilford School Board to Essex Education Committee in 1904.