Armstrong, John Laidlaw (1881 - 1916)

Sergeant, 16th Bn. Highland Light Infantry

Buried at Millencourt Communal Cemetery Extension

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

John L. Armstrong was the son of Mr W. Armstrong, of Douglas and Armstrong's Temperance Hotel, and of Mrs. Armstrong, Woodbank, Bishopbriggs.

When war began he was assisting his father in the conduct of his business. He joined the 16th H.L.I. at its formation, and as an old Volunteer was soon promoted to sergeant. He was killed in France on 7th January, 1916, on the very day he was gazetted as second lieutenant in the Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment).

Major Kyle, in a letter to the bereaved parents, writes, "It may comfort you in your great loss to know that no sergeant in the battalion was held in higher esteem than your son. He had absolutely no fear. On a call for a night patrol to creep up to the German lines he was the first to volunteer."

Equally emphatic testimony to Sergeant Armstrong's unflinching courage was borne by Major McEwan--" His behaviour in the trenches, during a most trying period of duty was magnificent. His confident bearing did a great deal to keep up the spirits of the men when the stress of the long bombardment began to tell. We have lost a good comrade, a brave and fearless soldier, and all ranks join with me in expressing our deepest sympathy."