On the point of leaving London for holiday in his native Dundee, Mr James M’Erlain, retired headmaster, Oratory Boys’ School, Chelsea, succumbed to an illness at Hammersmith yesterday (2/10/1938). Mr M’Erlain was the second son of the late Mr John M’Erlain, and of Mrs M’Erlain, 55 Mains Loan, Dundee. Educated at St Mary’s RC School, Forebank Road, Dundee, and at Harris Academy, Mr M’Erlain graduated at Edinburgh University.
His first appointment was in 1896 assistant master St Andrew’s Boys’ School, Dundee. He went to St Mary’s Cathedral Boys School, Edinburgh, in a similar capacity, and remained there until 1907. when he was appointed assistant master of Oratory School. He was later promoted headmaster, a position from which he retired only this summer.
In recognition of his long and distinguished service to Catholic education the Pope conferred upon him the Cross Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice. Mr M’Erlain is survived his wife, native of Newport, who was formerly teacher in Dundee, and four sons and one daughter.
Dundee Courier – Monday 3rd October 1938