Son of Donald McFarlan, Barrhill Road, Gourock, master blacksmith.

Educated Gourock Central School and Greenock Academy, where he obtained an excellent record. He was a Aberdeen University student in Arts, 1908-12; MA, 1912, with honours in Classics, having taken concurrently the full course for teachers at the Training Centre.

He was appointed to the staff of Cartsburn school, Greenock, in 1913, where he taught until he enlisted. . Brothers James, George, Donald and Gabriel. Sisters Margaret, Agnes and Mary

He is listed on the Greenock High School Roll of Honour too and possibly the St John's Memorial Gourock

Attested December 10th 1915 in 5th Battalion Reserves. Joined British Expeditionary Force 22nd December 1917 with 12th Battalion.

Owing to family reasons, and having three brothers already in the army, McFarlan did not join up till 1917. He served for seven months at home and was sent to Salonika. A little more than a year later he was killed on the Bulgarian front, 19th September 1918, in the attacks on Pip Ridge and Grand-Couronne. It was reported that his company was cut off from the rear, and that he and two others went back to establish communications - all being killed