6995 Guardsman
1st Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Division
Age: 28
Date of Death: 20.10.14
Buried: Menin Gate Memorial Panel 11
Family: Married to Mary. John was a regular soldier.
The action leading to his death
On the 19 October the battalion had lead the brigade forward in a reconnaissance in force starting from Zandvoorde. They advanced through the forward positions at Kruiseecke towards Gheluwe and had gone about a mile and a half when they were stopped by heavy German shelling coming from Wervicq. They were ordered to withdraw.
The only casualty was Drummer Charles Steer, son of Regimental Sergeant Major Sidney Steer of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, previously Scots guards Sergeant. Drummer Steer received a direct hit from a dud German shell and died instantly.
On returning to Zandvoorde the battalion occupied their trenches which were exposed to enemy observation from the southeast, especially those on the right. Zandvoorde stood on a hill, with low lying fields to the east across to Kruiseecke and also to the south.
Two shells struck the church tower but didn’t stop the clock. Three Scots Guards were killed on the 20 October, one of them being John.
Medals Awarded:
1914 Star & Clasp, The British War Medal, Victory Medal.
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