Sir David Alexander Kinloch

Sir David Alexander Kinloch 11 Bt. of Gilmerton was the son of Sir Alexander Kinloch 10th Bt. After leaving Eton he went up to University College, Oxford, graduating BA in 1877. He was commissioned in the 96th Foot on 11 May 1878, but transferred to the Grenadier Guards, in which his father had served, the following October. He was Adjutant of the 1st Battalion from April 1885 until 1890. He commanded the 1st Battalion from January 1900 until February 1903, including active service in the South African War. After a period on half pay, he retired on 2 June 1906 in the rank of Brevet Colonel. After the establishment of the Territorial Force, in 1908, he was given command of 6th London Brigade, 2nd London Division, a post he held until April 1912.

On the outbreak of the European war he offered his services to the government and was given command of 70th Brigade, 23rd Division, a New Army formation then assembling at Frensham, near Aldershot. Kinloch commanded 70th Brigade from 25 September 1914 until 11 September 1915, shortly after its arrival in France, when he was replaced. This was typical of the fate of many ‘dug-outs’. He was 59.