James Greechan

Died at home on the 03/03/1919 of Pneumonia. Discharged on the 18/02/1919

James arrived in France on the 20/11/1914 as part of the 17th Brigade, Divisional Ammunition Column. He returned home on 2 occasions before he arrived at Le Havre on the 04/05/1916 with the Royal Field Artillery, Service Number 44147, 189th Brigade, 41st Division. He served 4 tours in France between November 1914 and September 1917 attaining the rank of Gunner Sergeant / Horsekeeper. Royal Field Artillery : The most numerous arm of the artillery, the horse-drawn RFA was responsible for the medium calibre guns and howitzers deployed close to the front line and was reasonably mobile. It was organised into Brigades. The units of 41st Division moved to France between the 1st and 6th May 1916 and by the 8th May had concentrated between Hazebrouck and Bailleul. The Division then remained on the Western Front until October 1917 and took part in the following engagements : Phases of the Battles of the Somme 1916 - The Battle of Flers-Courcelette, The Battle of the Transloy Ridges. 1917 - The Battle of Messines. Phases of the Third Battles of Ypres - The Battle of Pilckem Ridge, The Battle of the Menin Road. Operations on the Flanders coast. During World War I, the 1st Reserve Veterinary Hospital played a crucial role in caring for animals used by the army, particularly horses, mules, and pigeons. During the Great War : The Army Veterinary Corps reorganized to provide Mobile Veterinary Sections (MVS) as part of each Division that went overseas. These MVS units accompanied their respective Divisions and provided medical care for animals. Base Veterinary Hospitals were also established in theatres of war. James enlisted in 1906 and seen service in South Africa. He returned to Scotland in 1912, but was called up as a Reservist at the outbreak of hostilities in 1914, and sent to France where he remained until his discharge from the Army. James was hospitalised with trench foot several times, losing several toes to frostbite, and was finally sent home. He was officially discharged as unfit on the 18/02/1919 and Died from Influenza followed by Double Pneumonia at home on the 03/03/1919. He is also remembered on the Stewarts and Lloyds and St. Patrick's Churches Rolls of Honour (see photos). See photos for James' Medal Index Card, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects x 2, James' Discharge Documents x 14 (see for Injuries / Hospital Records etc), Airdrie (St Joseph's) R.C. Cemetery, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps Cap Badge and James' Pension Records x 2. James' grave inscription reads "R.I.P".