John ARNOTT

John Arnott was born on 22nd August 1898 at 19 West Port Linlithgow. His father was also called John who worked as a shoemaker.

He had also been born in Linlithgow. His mother was called Isabella. Her maiden name was Rich and she came from the small hamlet of Edinkillie in Morayshire in the North East.

In 1901, the family suffered a tragedy when John's new sister, Mabel Isabel died on 8th September aged only 9 weeks old.

The 1911 census records the family as living at 283 High Street Linlithgow, a home with three rooms having at least one window. John's father was aged 45 and was still working as a shoemaker and was noted as being employed on his own account i.e. running his own business. Isabella was three years older than her husband. Young John was the only child and was 12 years old and attending school at the time the census was taken.

On 10th July 1913, the Linlithgow Academy log book records John as passing his Intermediate Certificate. His classmates who also passed James Wilson and William Wright also fell in the war.

After he left school, John worked as a clerk in the Linlithgow Branch of the British Linen Bank. At the age of 18, when he was old enough to volunteer for the Army,

     
John joined The 2nd Battalion of The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He was a Private with the service number 38300.

On 21st March 1918, The 2nd Battalion of The Cameronians were involved in the Battle of St Quentin when German forces attacked the British lines in overwhelming strength in thick fog. The Germans broke through in several places and were able to drive deep behind the British defences resulting in chaos and confusion. On 24th March, John was recorded as being missing presumed dead. Another former pupil of Linlithgow Academy, William Andrew also went missing in action during this battle.

John was aged 19 when he was reported missing. His body was never recovered. He is commemorated on a family memorial in Linlithgow Cemetery and at the Pozieres Memorial, Panel 37 and 38.

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

PRIVATE JOHN ARNOTT MISSING

Intimation has been received by Mr and Mrs John Arnott, 238 High Street, Linlithgow, that their only son, Private John Arnott, Scottish Rifles, is missing. Before joining the Army, Private Arnott was employed in the British Linen Bank.

Linlithgowshire Gazette 17th May 1918

LINLITHGOW RIFLEMAN MISSING

Mr John Arnott, boot and shoe merchant, 238 High Street, Linlithgow, has received official intimation that his son, Pte. John Arnott, Scottish Rifles, has been posted as missing as from 24th March. Before joining the Colours, which he did on attaining 18 years of age, Pte. Arnott was a clerk in the Linlithgow Branch of the British Linen Bank. He is in the 20th year of his age. It is hoped that better news of him will be recieved soon.

West Lothian Courier 10th May 1918

(Photo: Chris Morrison)

(Photo: Moira Quinn)

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