JOHN
BOYDwas born 01 Sep 1899 at
Planetree House, Fairlie, to parents David, a ship carpenter, and Kate McKinnon
(who married in Campsie on 2 Jan 1894). He was christened 1 Oct 1899 at
Fairlie Free Church.
He
was a member of Fairlie Boy Scouts from its formation in 1912, until his
enlistment in 1915.
In the 1901 Census, John, aged 1, is living Planetree House, Fairlie with parents David (48, shipwright) and Kate (33, b Inverness-shire) and siblings Annie and
Nellie. The family are still living
Planetree House in the 1911 Census – John (10), parents David (57, ship
carpenter) and Kate (42, m. 16 years, 6 children), and siblings Annie, Nellie, Duncan, David and James Reid
SERVICE RECORD Enlisted Lovat Scouts 23 Oct 1915, transferred Cameron
Highlanders 5 Dec 1916, and served with the British Expeditionary Force from 5
Dec 1916 to 3 Feb 1917. He was sent home
as underage on 4 Feb 1917, and returned to serve in France on 23 Apr 1918 until
he was wounded in action 28 Oct 1918. He
was discharged 10 Feb 1919 (Silver War Badge; gunshot wounds in both
legs). His medal index card shows he
received the British War and Victory medals.
Extracts
from the Largs & Millport Weekly News:-
30 October
1915 On Wednesday,
John Boyd, Paragon, left the village to join the Lovat Scouts. John is only 16 years of age, but a fine big
fellow and will make a splendid soldier.
He is a popular member of the Boy Scouts.
6 October 1917 Several of our soldier lads were home on leave for the
weekend from their training camps.
Amongst them we noticed Bdr. Wm. Wilson, R.F.A., Pte. James Brown,
H.L.I., Pte. David Boyd, Black Watch, Pte. John Boyd, Cameron Highlanders. They are all looking fit.
16 November 1918 Pte. John Boyd, Cameron Highlanders, who was wounded
recently in France, has been removed to hospital in England. His injuries consist of a bullet wound in the
leg, and we are glad to learn that he is making good progress towards recovery.
