Lance Sergeant John Finlayson was killed in action by a sniper, on 9 April 1917, at Roclincourt, Arras, France. He was 25 years old.
Born in Rogart on 31 March 1892, the son of Robina Murray and Roderick Finlayson, a shepherd. In 1911 we find John working as an under-shepherd at Achatomlinie with shepherd, William Cairns and family.
When he enlisted at Golspie his home was given as Garvault. Regimental Number: 240294 (Formerly 977) 1/5th (Sutherland and Caithness) Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders. He arrived in France on 4 December 1915.
A letter to the editor was printed in the Northern Times on 20 April 1916:
Dear Editor,
With your permission I should like to express the thanks a Rogart boys in the5th Seaforths for the generous gift boxes received from the Culrain Ladies War Work Party and Rhilochan schoolchildren, which arrived in excellent condition yesterday and has been distributed.
We are all delighted with the chocolate sent by the children of Rhilochan school and acknowledge their stirring message with heartfelt wishes.
In conclusion, allow me once more, on behalf of the Rogart lads in the battalion, to thank all those who contributed to the gift fund so liberally.
With sincere gratefulness, I remain, yours, etc, J Finlayson Lance Corporal
William was buried in Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, France and his death is listed on the Rogart War Memorial.
Thanks to The Scottish Military Research Group for this information and Mike Macpherson, Muie for the photograph.