More about John Armour

John Armour   Royal Scots Greys

DUNDEE TROOPER’S EXPERIENCES

BEFORE BEING TAKEN PRISONER OF WAR.

The experiences of Private John Armour, a Dundee member of the Royal Scots Greys, who is now a prisoner of war in Germany, read like an extract from an adventure novel.

Private Armour went to the Continent with the original Expeditionary Force.  No letter from him nor any news of any kind was received by his parents, and as information of terrific fighting at Mons and Le Cateau and Courtriai was received, they became consumed with anxiety as to his fate.  Weeks lengthened into months, and still no word was received.  The War Office was communicated with, and after a long lapse of time Private Armour’s parents were informed officially that their son was posted as missing on August 28.

“Still Alive and Kicking”

Then about the end of November last a letter was received from Private Armour himself dated the 7th.  He stated :–“I am still alive and kicking.  We are getting along all right and doing splendidly.  Naturally, his parents were overjoyed, and another letter was eagerly looked for, but again there was a long silence.  The authorities were once more approached, and a brother. Private Wallace Armour, Gordon Highlanders, communicated with the officer commanding the Scots Greys.  Before a reply arrived, however, a postcard was received from a German internment camp stating that Private Armour was a prisoner of war there.

A Captured Patrol.

A letter has been received from Major Seymour, Royal Scots Guards, dated 5th inst.

It is as follows :^____

“All we know about brother is that he was supposed to be taken prisoner in Maubenge with a patrol in August last.  An officer of the Dragoon Guards, Lieut. Bushell, escaped from Belgium about two months ago.  He told an officer in the regiment that he had been living in hiding on a farm in Belgium, and that Private Armour was there too, and well.  He said that the Germans heard that they were there, and he (Lieut. Bushell), escaped, as he could speak French, and got through Holland, and has now rejoined his regiment.  He thought that your brother was taken prisoner, but did not know for certain.

Private Armour is 27 years of age, and has served seven years with the Scots Greys.  His parents reside at 13 Mid Wynd, Dundee.

Dundee Courier 20th May 1915