David was educated at George Heriot’s School, Edinburgh, entering in 1872 and stayed until 1879; at Edinburgh University; and at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. After qualifying L.R.C.P. and S.E. in 1893 he settled in Ayton, where he was Chairman of the Ayton School Board. He also became medical officer of the post office and visiting physician to the Millerton Hospital for Infectious Diseases. He had an interest in the Boy Scout Movement and also enjoyed playing cricket. In 1901 he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and on 8th August 1906, was promoted to Lieutenant and appointed Medical Officer of the 4th Bn. Kings Own Scottish Borderers. On 1st April 1908, he was promoted to Captain and on 18th December 1914 was promoted again to Major. David was killed instantly by a piece of shrapnel in the head, when a shell exploded near him whilst he was treating a wounded soldier at a dressing station during the assault on the Turkish trenches. He left a widow and five children, who were living at 10 Hope Park Crescent, Edinburgh, Midlothian at the time.