8203 Serjeant
2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, 13th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division
Age: 31
Date of Death: 23.4.15
Buried: Menin Gate Memorial Panel 22
Family history: Husband of Elizabeth. John had been a reservist and emigrated to the United States of America when his time expired in February 1914. He returned to Scotland in October 1914 and reenlisted in his old Regiment. His wife resided with her mother at 27 Kelvin Street, Grangemouth. John had two brothers in service with the colours, one with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the other with the Scots Greys.
The action leading to his death
The Battalion was involved in the opening action of Second Battle of Ypres 22 April to 25 May 1915. The Germans had used poison gas for the first time against the French positions in the north of the allied line at Langemarck. The French had retreated in disarray leaving a gap in the allied lines. The Canadians to the right of the French held their lines and other British units, 2nd Battalion KOSB being one of the them, were rushed into the line around Pilkem.
The War Diary records the events:
The War Diary records the Battalion casualties as 6 Officers killed, 6 wounded, Other Ranks 13 killed, 132 wounded and 96 missing.
Medals Awarded
1914 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal
