235495 Private John Robertson Thomson
2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders
4th October 1917
Born at 6.20am on 18/01/1891 in Lumphinnans, Fifeshire, Scotland.
His parents were James Chisholm Thomson(27/11/1858-19/02/1937) and
Agnes Robertson(born in 1868).
They were married on 09/06/1888.
I have not found any evidence at present to suggest that John had any siblings, due to not being able to locate the 1901 & 1911 census records for the family.
In the 1891(Scottish) census the family were recorded as living at 151 Lumphinnans Road, Lochgelly, Fife. His father James was employed as a coal miner.
I have no date of when John enlisted, but it was as Private 291560 in Black Watch(Royal Highlanders),before later being transferred as Private 235495 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.
John married Annie Jolly(1890-1957) on 14/12/1915. They had a daughter Margaret McCrum(28/08/1916-04/01/1917).
John was listed as missing presumed dead on 04/10/1917.
His will, that was read on 26/05/1920, recorded that his previous employment was that of barman and that the family home was 13 Auchterderran Road, Lochgelly,Fife. The value of his effects was £147.6s(worth today £7650.87).
John was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals. They were not claimed and a request to dispose of them was made on 15/02/1922.
His remains were discovered, whilst digging a garden in a hamlet called Moleraaeist near Zonnebeke. John was identified by his badge and the initials "JRT" on his pocket knife, along with DNA testing with family relatives. 2 other soldiers were also found but remained unidentified.
They were all buried in Polygon Wood Cemetery on 21/10/2004.
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