John McLean Cranston (Cranstoun)

Killed in Action on the 23/07/1918 in Tanzania

John arrived in France on the 30/12/1915. He was mentioned in despatches for bravery. Before going to Africa John was a Sergeant in the Cameron Highlanders. By the beginning of 1918, the King's African Rifles were the majority of the forces that pursued the German troops across Mozambique and beyond. Although the majority of 1918 would be spent chasing the elusive Germans, the K.A.R. would fight sharp engagements at Kireka Mountain, Korewa, Namirrue, and Kasama. Although none of these would halt the German manoeuvring, when given the chance such as at Korewa, the K.A.R. managed to acquit themselves well against their long time foes. In the end, though, it was not the K.A.R. which stopped the Schutztruppe, but the Armistice, news of which reached von Lettow-Vorbeck on the 13th November leading to his ultimate surrender on the 25th November. Despite the experience gained in the campaign and the continued spectre of local unrest, the K.A.R. formations that had been raised were rapidly demobilized. Although there were complaints among the governors of the colonies, who felt that maintaining a substantial force would be worthwhile, the K.A.R. was reduced to ten battalions in 1919 over concerns of cost and fear of armed Africans. Despite initially being ignored in the British strategy in East Africa, ultimately the K.A.R. had grown to over 30,000 troops by 1918, and 4,237 askari and 177 Europeans died within the K.A.R. ranks while bringing the campaign to a conclusion. John is also remembered on the East United Free Church, the Free Church, Maxwell Parish Church and St. Augustine's Parish (book) Rolls of Honour and mentioned on the Family Grave in Old Monkland Cemetery under the name CRANSTOUN which is also the surname on John's Birth and Baptism notes along with his Birth Certificate (see photos). See photos for John's Medal Index Cards x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, his Military Campaign Service Medal and Award Rolls (2nd Boer War), his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Dar-es-Salaam British and Indian Memorial Panel List, the Cameron Highlanders Cap Badge and John's Pension Records x 2. Finally, see photos for Newspaper clippings x 3 from the Coatbridge Express.