A rededication service for Private John Anderson, of the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, was held on Tuesday, 17 October 2017 at 2pm at the Birr Cross Roads Cemetery, Belgium.
Originally buried as an unknown soldier of the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, he was killed in action on 28 May 1915, but through research his grave has now been identified. Unfortunately, his family could not attend the ceremony. Regimental support was be provided by the antecedent regiment, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
John Anderson was born in on 23 October 1894 in Aberdeen the fith son of James and Annie Anderson. James was a baker and the family resided at Port Elphinstone, Inverurie. Before he enlisted he was a butcher with Don Co-operative Society. In late September/October 1914 he joined the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders and saw active service in France and Flanders landing in France in March 1915. In May he was in the trenches in the area of Vlamertinghe, West Ypres followed by marching through Ypres taking over the whole front from Hooge. Reports from a fellow soldier to his family stated he was killed by shell fire.
He was originally buried in Birr Cross Roads Cemetery Belgium as an unknown soldier of the 4th Battalion Gordon Highlanders killed 28 May 1915. An identification case was submitted and accepted by the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission have provided a new named headstone.
He is commemorated on the main village and district of Kemnay War Memorial and the Inverurie War Memorial. His brother Alexander was also killed in the Great War.
Prayers
The Last Post
The laying of the wreaths.
The final blessing.
Page made by Westhoek.be / WO1.be - Greatwar.be.