John William Auldjo

Forename(s):
John William

Surname:
Auldjo

Initial(s):
J W

Service Number:
457791

Rank:
Private

Regiment:
Canadian Expeditionary Force, 87th Battalion (Grenadier Guards), Quebec Unit

Died:
17/11/1917

Aged:
26

Buried:
Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper

Service History:
Served in the Black Watch for a year before emigrating to Canada.

Enlisted at Montreal on 6 July 1915.

The 87th Battalion sailed to England in April 1916, to form part of 4th Canadian Infantry Division, which held a sector near Messines until September. The Division fought in the Somme area during October & November & held a sector at Arras from December to April 1917.

Between 9-12 April the battalion took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

In October 1917 the 4th Canadian Division was sent to the Ypres Salient & took part in the Battle of Passchendaele. Conditions encountered were atrocious & initial assaults during the Second Battle of Passchendaele (26 October-10 November) failed with heavy losses. On 30 October the Canadians & other units fought their way to the outskirts of Passchendaele &, on 6 November, after vicious close-quarter fighting, they secured the ruined village.

Although the Second Battle of Passchendaele was officially closed down on 10 November, fighting in the vicinity continued & it was during this period that Auldjo was killed.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 20)

Background:
Born on 17 November 1891, at Newington, Edinburgh, Scotland, the eldest of six children of Irvine Auldjo (an Estate Gardener at Swarland Hall), by his wife, Jane.

By 1910 the family were regular attenders at Felton Presbyterian Church.

Auldjo trained as a Bank Clerk.

Emigrated to Canada, leaving Liverpool on 30 April 1910.
(Source: 'Felton War Memorial: The Men behind the names'; Eleanor George [formerly Hall]; 2009; p. 20)

Local Memorial:
Felton War Memorial incorporating Acton, Eshott, Swarland & Thirston Newton-on-the-Moor, Roll of Honour in the Village Hall (Source: For Newton, newmp.org.uk)