William Fowler Templeton attended Heriots 1904-07.  After university he worked as an English teacher in Irvine.  At the outbreak of WWI he joined the 4th Royal Scots Fusiliers reaching the rank of Captain.

During his service, Templeton wrote poetry which included the book, “The songs of the Ayrshire Regiment”.  This contained poems about fallen comrades and his experiences.

In a letter to his mother (17 September 1918) he writes about getting leave in October. William was killed at Cambrai on 1st October 1918. 

His collection includes his poetry notebooks, publishing notes, unpublished poems and letters home.