Summary of casualties from War Diary

John Alexander Gunn was born on the 12th August 1886, at Camberwell, London, S.E. the youngest son of George Murray Gunn, and his wife Christian, daughter of John Husband of Berwick-on-Tweed, Schoolmaster. They had five children, 2 boys John Alexander, the youngest, and Eric George, and 3 girls, Isabella, Lilian Christine and Jessie Hilda.

The father was an Upper Division Headmaster in Camberwell for the local school, residing at 15 Glasden Road, in Peckam, by 1901 the family had moved to 12 Loveday Road in Bromley. The father does not show up on the 1901 Census.

John was educated at the Bromley Lodge (Mr Harris B.Sc.), and the Mercers' School. He was employed as a Bank Clerk.

He enlisted into the 1/8th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in December 1914. Served with the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from the 1st May 1915.

In November 1916, his unit (part of the 153rd Brigade, 51st Division) were involved in the Battle of Ancre [13th to the 19th November], and captured Beaumont Hamel. The War Diary entry is very brief, "13th November, 3.20am, Battalion in position for attack. 5.45am, Batt [sic] attacked Beaumont Hamel gaining all objectives."

However, there is a report giving a summary of the battalion's operations in capturing Beaumont Hamel.

He died of his wounds received on the 13th, on the 14th November. He was buried in a military cemetery behind the line.

His officer wrote:- "He at all times did his work well and fearlessly.... His character was excellent and in his quiet and steady way he showed a fine example to those around him. He was unmarried."

War Memorial to 51st Highland Division
WW1 Battlefield Today Beaumont Hamel
The 51st Highland Division History
The CWGC entry for Private Gunn