Biography:
Alistair Hugh Mackintosh was born 19 June 1880, the third son of The Hon. Lord Kyllachy and Jane, daughter of David Stephenson, of Kyllachy, Inverness-shire.
He came to Winchester College from Cargilfield School in September 1893 and was in A House, Chernocke House. He played in OTH XV for two years and for Soccer XI in 1898.
Alastair left Winchester in March 1898 and passed into RMC Sandhurst that year. He obtained a commission in the 1st Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1899 and served in South Africa from 1900-1901, being mentioned in Despatches and severely wounded.
By the summer of 1914 five Wykehamists were serving with 1st Camerons: Lieutenant Donald Cameron (G 1900-1906, Transport Officer), Lieutenant Ronald Mosse Macdonald (G 1904-1909, ‘A’ Company), Mackintosh (OC ‘D’ Company), 2nd Lieutenant Alastair John Greville Murray (H 1908-1912, OC 16 Platoon of ‘D’ Company), and Lieutenant Arthur Stuart Nicholson (C 1902-1906, in ‘C’ Company). Three would die and another be severely wounded on the same day in the same action; only one would outlive the end of the year.
By the second week in September it was clear that it was the Germans intention to retire behind the River Aisne and orders were given to seize river crossings and to advance up the steep hillside on the northern side. This was achieved, in wet and cold conditions, on 13 September at Bourg et Comin, and in bitter fighting the following day, in a field on the Chemin des Dames (an ancient road running along the top of the hillside) Mackintosh was killed whilst commanding D Company. His body was never recovered.
Also killed or mortally wounded on the Aisne on 14 September 1914 had been 2nd Lieutenant Rhys Campbell ffolliot Powell (K 1906-1909, 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry); Lieutenant Robert Scott Pringle (A 1899-1904, 1st Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment); and 2nd Lieutenant Nigel John Lawson Boyd (I 1908-1912, 1st Battalion, Black Watch).