Key Information
Name: John Scott
DoB: March 29 1894
Regt: Durham Light Infantry
DoD: March 27 1918
Academic Career: CGS 1906-08
Biographical Information:
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Family Background:
John was the son of Joseph Scott, a solicitor and in the 1911 census was aged 17 and living at home in Welcome Square, Scotby, with his mother Mary Jane, and brothers, Stewart (18) and Tom Conway (12). He was listed as an apprentice clerk with the railways. The family seem to have originated in Cumbria: grandfather (also) John Scott was a provision dealer from Rockcliffe.
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Academic Record:
John attended the grammar school from 1906-8
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War Service:
Great War, Durham L.I., 1915; 2nd Lieut., 1917. Died of wounds, Mar. 27, 1918.
John joined the Durham Light Infantry in 1915; and was made 2nd lieutenant in 1917. The 22nd Battalion became part of the 8th Division in July 1916.
Pozieres was a German stronghold on the main Albert-Bapaume road which was only won after prolonged fighting and considerable cost during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. During the German Spring Offensive of March 1918 however, Pozieres was recaptured on March 24/5. The 8th Division was part of the Fifth Army which took part in the Battle of St Quentin, and the actions at the Somme crossings at this time. As John died of wounds on March 27 1918, it seems likely he was wounded during the German attack. The Germans advanced some 40 miles and the British and Commonwealth casualties (dead, wounded and missing) numbered more than 177 000. The German army also suffered heavy losses.
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Battalion:
22nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry
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Other:
Clerk on L.N.W. Rly.
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Sources:
a) Carlisle School Memorial Register 1264-1924
b) Census: 1871 RG10/5223
1881 RG11/5161
1891 RG12/4292
1901 RG13/4870
1911 RG RG14/31303