1st/5th Seaforth Highlanders
The Banffshire Herald dated 5 May 1917
Extract from the above publication – Mr John Greenlaw, Goods Checker, Edithfield Cottages, who received intimation some days ago that his eldest son Private John Greenlaw, Seaforths, had been wounded and admitted to the First Canadian Hospital, Etaples, on the 11th inst, suffering from a compound fracture of the thigh, has now been informed that injuries were so severe that they necessitated the amputation of the left leg. Private John Greenlaw, who is 26 years of age, enlisted in the Seaforth two years ago, previous to which he was a Porter in the employment of the ‘The Great North of Scotland Railway (G.N.S.R.)’ at Elgin. He is the eldest of four brothers serving, the 2nd of whom is presently in a London hospital. Private Greenlaw was wounded in August last.
Further Military and Civilian Research
There is very little information on James Greenlaw available, however, we do know that he enlisted on 12 February 1915 and he served overseas where he was wounded, he served in the 5th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. He was discharged on 3 October 1917 aged 26 years.
His previous service numbers were 2987 and 6560, leaving with the number 242290.
Following his discharge from the army, it looks like he returned to work in the railway as his Union Membership Application of 1918 shows him as a Railway Signalman.
Family
John Greenlaw was born circa 1892 at Portsoy, Aberdeenshire.
In the 1901 Census his family is shown as follows :-
- Father – John Greenlaw, Railway Porter, born c.1868 at Forglen, Aberdeenshire.
- Mother – Elizabeth F. Greenlaw, born c.1867 at London.
- Brother – James, born c.1892 at Portsoy, Aberdeenshire.
- Sister – Johanna S., born c.1895 at Keith, Banffshire.
- Brother – William, born c.1899 at Keith, Banffshire.
- Brother – Robert B., born c.1900 at Keith, Banffshire.
Addresses
In the 1901 Census his address is shown as Edithfield Cottages, Keith.
Medals
John Greenlaw was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service in the war. He was also awarded the Silver War Badge No.356254, following his discharge and injury.
Links to Additional Information
References
- Banffshire Herald dated 5th April 1917.
- Medal Index Card.
- Lives of the First World War Site.
- Seaforth Highlanders Service Medal and Awards Rolls.
- Silver War Badge Records 1914-1920.
- 1901 Census.
- Railway Trade Union Membership 1918.
Groups
Contributors:-
- Vincent Stuart
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