More about John (Jr) Short

John was the son of Pte John Short S/4061, 3rd Battalion Black Watch who died 19.02.1915 and is buried in Dundee’s Eastern Cemetery.

John Short   3/2558   2nd Black Watch

DUNDEE SOLDIER MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE.

“DIED A NOBLE DEATH”

Still another Dundee soldier has made the supreme sacrifice.  Mrs Short, 42 Horsewater Wynd , has received information regarding the death of her son, Private John Short, 2nd Black Watch.

The intimation of Short’s death was contained in a letter addressed to his mother by a comrade, Private James Smith.  Writing on 15th inst. Private Smith says :^___”This letter will be the bearer of sad news about your son John.  He was killed in action on the afternoon of 10th inst.  His death was instantaneous, caused by the bursting of a German shell.  His death was greatly felt among his comrades, and we all sympathise with you in your bereavement.  He was admired by all who knew him, and he died a noble death.”

Enclosed in the envelope was a piece of kilt, to which was attached a small Roman Catholic medallion of aluminium.

Private Short was nineteen years of age.  He enlisted last May, and was drafted to the front in December.  His brother Edward, also of the 2nd Black Watch, was with his regiment in India, and travelled to France with the Indian Expeditionary Force.  He is home now recovering from a bullet wound in the leg.

Private Edward had a startling experience at the front. A trench in which he was fell in, and buried him.  He was dug out just in time.

Private Short’s father also a soldier, met his death under tragic circumstances about a month ago.  He was found dead in a Perth street.

Dundee Courier 20th March 1915