Norman Porteous

Norman Walker Porteous (9 September 1898 – 3 September 2003) was a noted theologian and writer on Old Testament issues, and the last surviving officer of the First World War. He was one of the panel of translators of the New English Bible and latterly Dean of the University of Edinburgh, where he was also Senior Professor Emeritus; he may also have been its oldest graduate.

Porteous entered the University of Edinburgh as first bursar in 1916, but his studies were interrupted by World War I service in France, where he served as a subaltern in the 13th (Service) Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers.

He graduated from the University with first class honours in Classics in 1922. After time spent studying and teaching in Oxford, St Andrews and Germany, he rejoined the University in 1935 when he was appointed to the Chair of Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology.

In 1937 he was appointed to the Chair of Hebrew and Semitic Languages. He was Principal of New College and also Dean of the Faculty from 1964 until his retirement in 1968. He was commissioned into the Edinburgh University Officers' Training Corps in 1941, but resigned his commission as a Lieutenant in 1945.

Porteous died, having achieved centenarian status, at almost 105.

See also

• Veterans of the First World War who died in 2003