2nd Lieutenant John Jackson Low
M.C. M.M.
F Company Special Brigade
Royal Engineers ( Gas Section)
3rd December 1917
Born on 11/03/1894 in Perth Scotland. His parents were James Low (22/11/1863- 28/12/1946) and
Margaret Jackson(11/02/1862-04/02/1948).
John had 2 brothers; James Brown (30/11/1891-03/11/1975) and David Brown(1898-31/01/1983). He also had a sister, Marjory Jackson (06/08/1887-02/08/1967).
In the 1901(Scottish)census, the family were recorded as living at 89 Scott Street Perth. James snr. was employed
as a grocery store manager.
Perthshire Advertiser - Friday 10 July 1908
"Munro-Melville Bursaries
The following is the list of the winners of the Munro-Melville Bursaries: - £10 (worth today around £1200)....
John Jackson Low, 3 Orrock Place, Jeanfield; .... The bursaries are tenable for one year...."
He later went on to study at Edinburgh University.
When war broke out John enlisted as Private 106266 in the Royal Engineers and was at some point promoted to Corporal.
His date of disembarkation into France was on 31/07/1915.
In July 1916 John was awarded the Military Medal ,before being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the
Royal Engineers on 05/08/1916.
He was then awarded a Military Cross on 04/10/1916,with the reason for it being printed in a supplement to
The Edinburgh Gazette on 16 November 1916
" 2nd Lt. John Jackson Low, R.E. For conspicuous gallantry in action. When in command of special apparatus in the front trench, he displayed great coolness. And determination under heavy shell fire and in most difficult circumstances."
He was killed in action on 03/12/1917.
John was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
In his will, read on 01/10/1918,total amount of his effects were £269 2s 7d(worth today £18,827.10).