|
 Farewell
to an officer and a gentleman.
A HEROIC Edinburgh Army officer honoured by the Queen for his wartime
exploits in the Far East has died.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamish Logan served his country for 42 years around the
world and was recognised with an OBE after commanding an infantry brigade
during a bloody conflict in Borneo during the 1960s.
The modest 78-year-old Hatton Place resident died suddenly in hospital
following a short illness.
Friends today remembered the Second World War veteran as a "renaissance man"
who despite his tough Army background also enjoyed ballet and the fine arts.
In later years, he was also better known as a vocal community activist
fighting against developments in the Grange area and for work with numerous
Capital charities. Close friend Brigadier Frank Coutts today said: "He
really was a saint. He worked tremendously hard and did an amazing amount of
charity work.
"He was a very big-hearted man and quite a character but had a distinguished
Army career as well.
"You don’t get an OBE for being normal. You have to be an exceptionally good
officer."
Lt Col Logan served in Germany, Austria, Nigeria, Libya, Borneo, India and
elsewhere during a career that stretched five decades.
His rise through the ranks began in November 1944 when he was given an
emergency battlefield commission to the rank of second lieutenant into the
9th Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders while serving in Germany.
But it was after the war that the soldier’s stock rose further.
Lt Col Logan secured his reputation during the confrontation between
Indonesia and Malaysia that eventually involved British troops.
The four-year-long undeclared war began when Indonesia launched a series of
cross-border raids into Malaysian territory in early 1963.
The following year, Mr Logan was honoured with a glowing reference in
Despatches for his conduct during the conflict.
Former colleague Major Neil Wimberley today said: "Hamish was wonderfully
efficient and very successful as a staff officer. Everything worked around
Hamish. But he also was a very kind, caring sort of man and very
considerate.
"He made damn certain that the needs of everybody were taken into account
and there was enough food to eat and enough ammunition. He did outstanding
work under not ideal circumstances."
Mr Logan studied at George Watson’s College before earning a science degree
with a speciality in forestry at Edinburgh University.
He spent the majority of his career with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
after switching from the Seaforth Highlanders immediately after the Second
World War and was the last commanding officer with the Inverness-based 4/5
Territorial Army battalion before the unit was scrapped during amalgamation.
After retiring 15 years ago, Mr Logan turned his attention to the local
community serving with the Grange Association, volunteering as a guide at
the Georgian House in Charlotte Square and for several years worked as an
area convener for the Scottish Poppy Fund.
He also helped disabled children to cruise the region’s canals with the
Seagull Trust.
Colonel Ian Cameron, who knew Mr Logan for more than 50 years, added: "He
immersed himself in good work and kept himself pretty busy. He did a great
deal for the local community in the Grange. He was a perfect gentleman. He
is remembered with great affection and he will be missed."
In later years, Mr Logan and his late wife Antoinette also became passionate
about the arts and Scottish history.
Hilary McCallum, who grew up with him in Juniper Green, added: "Once he was
home in Scotland he was very absorbed with it and found out everything he
could about Edinburgh."
He ended his career at the Army’s Scottish command headquarters at
Craigiehall until officially retiring in 1986.
A funeral service is scheduled for Friday morning at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Donations are requested to the Earl Haig Fund.
JASON CUMMING
Tuesday, 11th December 2001
Evening News |
