Janet Rice has submitted the following:
John was born in Carham, which lies on the south side of the Tweed not far from Coldstream, in 1895, the son of Henry, a horseman on a farm, and Grace. In 1911 the family were living at Titlington Mount where John, like his father, was a horseman. By the time of John’s enlistment the family were living at Wooperton.
John enlisted in the Coldstream Guards at Wooler. His parents were advised that he was missing following the Battle of Cambrai which began on 20 November 1917. This battle adopted a new tactical style where the enemy were not subject to a bombardment but instead tanks were used, the infantry following in behind. In September 1918, John’s parents were finally informed that he was presumed dead. His name appears on the Cambrai Memorial which records the names of more than 7, 000 men of the United Kingdom and South Africa who died in the battle and whose bodies were never found.
He is remembered in Eglingham on E18.01 and in Powburn on P39.01
