John was born 30th April 1893, and was the son of Ships Mate George Napier and his wife Hannah.

They resided in 1901 at 126 Campbell Street, then in 1905, 9 Barnes Road, South Shields.

John joined Westoe Secondary School in August 1905 at the age of 12. At 16 he became a Pupil-Teacher, and taught at Barnes School until July 1911.

John initially joined the Durham Light Infantry, and then the Northumberland Fusiliers, with whom he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in March 1917.

He was killed in action on the 29th October 1918, aged 25.

Andrew Napier has submitted the following:

This is my Great Uncle who prior to the war was a schoolteacher. My Father was named after his Uncle - both being John Chatt Napier. Chatt is a Scottish sept name. The family were from Scotland, marine engineers, being famous for owning the very first shipyard on the Clyde. His brother - my Grandfather was a Chief Engineer in the Merchant Navy. I understand the family moved to Northumberland due to job availability in the North East. Interestingly the family always maintained that he was a Captain, promoted from Lieutenant on the field of war.

John is remembered on the Teachers who Served and Teachers who Fell He is also remembered in Harton on H104.03, and in South Shields on S86.027, and in S86.086 page 11

South Shields Grammar School
The CWGC entry for Lieutenant Napier