Royal Scots Fusiliers - 1st Battalion leaving Gosport, August 1914
With ANZAC day (25th April) having just passed us in New Zealand it has prompted me to add the military records of a couple of my ancestors.
My Great Grandfather John LEES was
born c 1885 in Stranraer, Wigtown, SCOTLAND. His death remains a mystery. He did not
emigrate in 1926 to Wellington, New Zealand with his wife Janet (nee HANNAH) and two sons Grandad William and Gt Uncle Alec/Alexander) who eventually
settled in Christchurch.
I recall Grandad telling us the 'story' about when he was was two years old he got between his parents who were having an argument. Not good timing as his father was lashing out and kicked grandad instead of his wife Janet, giving grandad a hernia. I don't recall much else being mentioned about Great grandad. It's obvious he and Janet did not have a happy marriage (wed 5 June 1908 at 52 London Rd., Stranraer) - grandad came along 6 months later.
Whilst in the Army, family lore has it that he shot himself in the foot to escape going into action, but his records show that he served a full 12 years with the Royal Scots Fusiliers (11 July 1902-10 July 1914) and no overseas service, just home service.
On his 'Statement of Services' form, it shows that on 7 June 1905 he was convicted of using violence to his superior officer and spent 7 weeks (7 June 1905 - 24 July 1905, incarcerated for this. No other misdemeanours were noted.
The fellow has disappeared off the face of the
Earth! :o( I can find no movements or death for him. I'm a long time member of genealogical sites and have searched every which way, however LEES and especially John (sometimes William John) is not uncommon in the area he is from.
His Army records are linked below. Click on the small picture to gain the large image.
His description on enlistment |
His Statement of his services |
His Military History Sheet |
His Medical History |
His 'Short Service' form |
His Medical Sheet |
The life of Gunner Peter Johnston ~ My great uncle
Updated: 23 April 2022
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