John was born about 1885 in North Shields, Northumberland, to Robert and Mary, he had two brothers and two sisters.

In 1901 they were living at 15 Oxford St, South Shields, and John was shown as a joiners apprentice, he married Margaret Laing in 1907.

By 1911 John has enlisted in the 17th Lancers as James Pettigrew and was serving in India.

He was attached to the 2nd Life Guards and joined them in France in October 1914.

John was killed in action on 31st October.

His widow Margaret received on his death a gratuity of £7 10 shillings and 1 pence on 23th March 1916 and a further £5 on the 30th September 1919.

John is remembered on the Menin Gate, panel 5, Ypres.

On the 30th/31st of October 1914 whilst defending Ypres from German attacks the 7th Cavalry Brigade part of the 3rd Cavalry Division comprising the 3 Household Cavalry regiments Royal Horse Guards, 1st and 2nd Lifeguards were heavily shelled.

Sources: www.ancestry.co.uk

17th Lancers Regimental Magazine ‘The White Lancer’

2nd Life Guards War Diary