John joined the 5th Batallion of The Border Regiment as a Second Lieutenant on 25th June 1916 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts as an Intelligence Officer in July 1917 and the citation in the London Gazette of 18th July says ' For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As intelligence officer he showed great courage and determination in traversing a considerable stretch of ground that was under heavy fire, and, so far as he knew, still occupied by the enemy. He was able to bring back most valuable information.' The Batallion commenced a long ten days of marching and fighting between 22nd March and 1st April 1918 during which time John was wounded in action. He returned to action shortly after and on was inspected by King George V at Proven on 6th August where the Batallion was serving with the 97th Brigade. The next morning the Batallion left for the front line and was engaged with the enemy and John died at some point between the 10th and 12th August 1918. The Battalion was diary states his death on 10th August but the CWGC says 12th August.

Heather Lindsay