John Hart

Killed in Action on the 01/01/1915 at Lindenhoek

The Battalion landed at Le Havre on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Division. John arrived at Le Havre on the 22/08/1914. The following day the Division were involved in the Battle of Mons : a very small part of the initial clashes between the German and French Armies, often known as the Battle of the Frontiers. The British Expeditionary Force begins the lengthy Retreat from Mons which only ends in early September. On the 23/08/1914 at 3pm : British 3rd Division is now signalling that it is under heavy attack ; Haig orders two Battalions of 4th (Guards) Brigade to take over defence of Hill 93 (SE of Mons) from 3rd Division; reports arrive stating that French cavalry on the British right is also under attack and falling back ; 3pm : 1st Royal Scots Fusiliers of 9th Infantry Brigade ordered to withdraw from Jemappes to Frameries ; Germans cross canal here too. The Division were in involved in the Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat, including the the rear-guard action of Solesmes (August), the Battle of Le Cateau (August), the Battle of the Marne (September), the Battle of the Aisne including participation in the Actions on the Aisne heights (September - October), the Battles of La Bassée (October) (two Battalions also participated in the Battle of Messines 1914 (October) and one in the Battle of Armentières (early November). John firstly enlisted in the Army in 1906 when he reached the minimum age. He was Killed in Action on New Years Day 1915 at Lindenhoek in Belgium. The 1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers War Diary states : "31/12/1914 - Relieved Gordon Highlanders at LINDENHOEK in E Section of Trenches and Suffolk Regiment in F.1.2.6. (No. 8228 Pte J. Allen wounded during relief". "01/01/1915 : E 3 Trenches heavily shelled. No casualties here - Casualties for day, No. 9409 Pte C. Johnstone (W) - No. 10113 Pte J. Gregor (W) - 7937 Pte P. Andrews (K) - 10148 Pte J. Hart (K) - 6570 Pte L. Kennery (K) - 12461 Cpl D. McAuley (W) - 10416 Pte H. Canning (W) - 7314 Pte G. Hutchison". SEE PHOTOS x 25 FOR THE BATTALION WAR DIARY FROM AUGUST 1914 - JANUARY 1915. John is also remembered on the St. Augustine's Church Roll of Honour (see Newspaper clipping (John's elder brother Mark Hart of 25 Carrick Street is also listed) and the St. Patrick's Church (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for John's Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls (listed as 2nd Battalion), his CWGC Grave Registration (listed as 2nd Battalion), his name on the Ploegsteert Memorial Panel list, John's name on the Ploegsteert Memorial x 2 and the Royal Scots Fusiliers Cap Badge. Finally, see photos for the 3rd Division Order of Battle x 12 (the Division he was with when he died), a Newspaper clipping from the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 06/01/1915 and another photo of John.