Territorial Force War Medal 1914-19 (396 Gnr. J. Harrison. R.A.), Extremelyfine
John Harrison served in the 1/1st Lowland Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery during the Great War and is additionally entitled to the British War and Victory Medals.
The 1/1st remained in Scotland in training until joining the British Expeditionary Force at the Western Front in January 1916. They saw service with many artillery groups throughout the war, including participating the barrages that prepared for the Battle of the Somme in July.
John, born in 1886, was a printer in civil life and from Edinburgh. He first signed up for Voluntary service in 1902 aged 17 with 4th Volunteer Battalion, Royal Scots. He re-enlisted with the 6th Battalion in 1908. He enlisted with The Royal Garrison Artillery on 9th June 1914, and his TF service number of 396 was changed to 307138.
John survived the war and was discharged in June 1919. However he was not the model soldier. His conduct sheet notes many misdemeanours including.
19th August 1914. 'Drunk in town, 10 days confined to barracks'
31st August 1914. Striking a Comrade. 7 days CB
November 1914. Court Marshalled for 3 days AWOL and theft. (He stole a coat from a fellow soldier to cover his uniform so that he wouldn't be stopped at the railway station when going to see his sick mother) 14 days Field Punishment.
May 1915. 2 days AWOL. Loss of 2 days pay and 5 days CB.
July 1915. Disobeying orders in order to delay the cure of an illness. 14 days FP.
