The RGC Roll of Honour for World War 1 was updated and expanded in 2014 and subsequently published on our website. It is viewed, amongst others, by those carrying out family history research. 

Mr Cumming, School Archivist shares: "The Roll of Honour is not complete and never will be. Many of the families who lost a son were unable to inform the school or former pupil association and so there is no mention of their loved one in our book. Family members occasionally spot a missing entry and contact us with the details.

"One such case is that of Lance Corporal James Crowden of Middlesex Regiment 16th Battalion who attended the College for one year in 1885. He was born in 1873, son of Charles Crowden, Railway Clerk, and Sarah Ann Smith. They first lived in Oldmachar at 7 Craigie Street, then at Isla Cottage, Holburn Place and later at Broomhill Terrace. James entered RGC from Ferryhill Public School in 1885. His father was deceased by this time. His academic record in Class IC was excellent and he won a prize for Geography in that year. He enlisted on 11 January 1915 in the 16th ‘Public Schools’ Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, having been in London for a good number of years and working for a publisher in Advertising and as a Traveller with FASHION publications. He lived in St George’s, Hanover Square, Hampstead and Mill Hill. Like many of the regiment, he was killed on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, aged 42. He is buried in Beaumont-Hamel British Cemetery, Grave B 47. This brings the total of those pupils and staff who lost their lives in the Great War to 313."

The College Archive has an extensive collection showcasing the history of Robert Gordon's College. Created during the 250th anniversary year of 2000, it houses written records, photographs and memorabilia covering the history of Robert Gordon, the days of the Hospital (1750-1881), the College (1881 to date), the buildings and the pupils. The photograph collection now contains over 2000 pictures of form classes, sports teams and College events. 

If you have an update for the Roll of Honour or would like to support our Archives collection, please contact us.