Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

James Scott was born on 23 July 1891 at Banff, Banffshire, Scotland, the youngest of the four sons of William Scott and his wife, Jane (Jean) née Greenlaw. In 1901 nine-year-old James was a scholar at home with his family at Alvah, Banffshire. Come 3 May 1916 and James Scott enlisted at Featherston for service with the New Zealand Forces. He had probably been in the country since at least 1914, when he was most likely a ploughman at Mayfield. He was 24 years old, Presbyterian and single. Although a farm hand at Mayfield, he gave his address as Rathmore Street, Timaru. James nominated his father as next-of-kin – William Scott, Loan Head of Mury Hill, Alvah, Banffshire, Scotland. He also named a friend – Jas Laird, Rathmore Street, Timaru. Was James Laird a Scottish friend of James and his brother Robert, or perhaps a relative? James Laird was surely known from earlier days; he was born at Alvah, Banffshire in 1863 and died at Timaru in 1927.

James stood at 5 feet 9 inches, weighed 10 stone, and had a chest measurement of 34-38 inches. His complexion was dark, his eyes blue, and his hair brown. His sight and colour vision were normal, as was his hearing in his right ear. He was, however, deaf in the left ear, which defect was not sufficient to cause rejection. His limbs and chest were well formed, his heart and lungs normal. Being free of diseases and having had no illnesses, nor absence from work through illness or accident, he was in good bodily and mental health.

The Ashburton quota of the 16th Reinforcements, which included J. Scott, was entertained on 3 May 1916 at the Drill Hall. In addressing the men, Mr Nosworthy, M.P., said that he felt sure that those men who were now leaving would do their share to uphold the honour of their country. “The New Zealand soldiers had covered themselves with undying glory. In no previous records of military history could they find greater exploits than those of the New Zealanders and Australians at Anzac. The soldiers from the dominions had fully proved that they were able to render efficient service in fighting for King and Country.” The Rev. H. N. Wright stated that the “hearts of New Zealanders were filled with pride at the fact that New Zealanders were not found wanting to go forth to fight at the call of their country. He assured them that they were not going to a picnic, but to the real thing.” He wished the men good-bye and hoped they would come back heroes.

The Mayor explained that those present were indebted to Mr and Mrs Nosworthy for the excellent entertainment, and he thanked the hosts on behalf of those present. On behalf of the town and country, the Mayor thanked the lads who had offered their services, and assured them that while they were away those who could not go would do their share so that the soldiers would not want for anything when they came back. Cheers were given for the recruits and the National Anthem was sung, before the men were allowed a brief interval to enjoy a cigarette and have a final word with their friends before the whistle sounded to fall in. Headed by the Citizens Defence Corps and Salvation Army bands, the men marched to the station and were warmly cheered as they passed through the town.

Gunner J. Scott embarked at Wellington with the New Zealand Field Artillery of the 16th Reinforcements on 19 August 1916. Having disembarked at Devonport on 25 October 1916, he marched into Sling on 26 October and was taken on Strength. It was 13 January 1917 when he proceeded overseas from Aldershot to France, where he marched into camp at Etaples. In early February he was posted to the 4th Battery in the Field. Having gone on leave to the UK in mid-September, he rejoined his unit two weeks later. On 26 January 1918 he was discharged to Base Depot, France, from the 6th Convalescent Depot. He may have had about of myalgia. As of 19 August 1918, he was with his unit. From 17 October he enjoyed three weeks’ leave in the UK, rejoining in the Field from leave on 8 November 1918. Further leave in the UK was granted in February 1919 in the UK, where he reported to Sutton Coldfield, London, and Sling.

On 9 May 1918 when he was a driver with the 4th Battery, James Scott stated that he had already made a will which was lodged at Ashburton and he did not wish to make another. Gunner J. Scott, 17228, of Timaru, returned to New Zealand for demobilization, one of 1128 soldiers aboard the “Maunganui”, leaving Liverpool on 17 May 1919 and arriving at Wellington on 24 June 1919. He was discharged on 22 July 1919, after three years and 81 days of service, two years and 310 days being overseas. All his service was in Western Europe, and he was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

After the war James spent some time in the employ of the Railways, before turning to farming in the Rangiora area. He married Annie Wright in 1924. James died on 29 September 1976 at Christchurch, aged 85. By his will dated 18 August 1969, he appointed his older son, Ian James Scott, and a Rangiora solicitor as executors and trustees. In a codicil of 14 September 1976, he added his younger son, William Robert Scott, as an executor and trustee. He bequeathed to his wife any articles of household or personal use. The real and remainder of his property was to be divided into two parts – one part to his wife Annie Scott and after her death equally to his children, Ian James Scott, Hazel Jean Scott and William Robert Scott; the other part was to be held, the capital and income to go to the named children. The younger daughter, Nancy Margaret Scott had died in 1966. Annie died in December 1977.

His brother Robert Scott also served with the New Zealand Forces, being killed in action in 1918. Perhaps James and Robert came to New Zealand together.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [29 July 2021]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives ref. AABK 18805 W5553 0102594) [01 August 2021]; 1901 Scotland census returns (ancestry.com.au) [06 August 2020]; Ashburton Guardian, 4 May 1916, Star, 4 May 1916, NZ Times, 14 June 1919, Timaru Herald, 16 June 1919 (Papers Past) [July 2021; 02 August 2021]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [Probate record (Archives NZ) [02 August 2021)

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• SCOTT James - newspaper clippings (pdf, 128.2 KB updated 24-Aug-2021)

Researched and Written by

Teresa Scott, SC branch NZSG

Currently Assigned to

TS