Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

John Borthwick, known as Jock, was the second son of John Borthwick and Janet née Rankin. He was born on 15 December 1891 at Falkirk, Stirling, Scotland. In 1901 John was a scholar at home with his family at Howkerse Farm, Grangemouth, Stirlingshire. Ten years earlier John (senior) and Janet had been at Falkirk. John Borthwick (senior) died in 1903 at Bothkennar, Stirlingshire. Young John arrived in Timaru, New Zealand on Christmas morning 1912, and then resided in the Willowbridge-Studholme district. Three family members came to New Zealand per the “Tainui” in 1913 – John’s mother Janet Borthwick, his sister Agnes Borthwick and his brother Andrew Borthwick; they too, settled at Studholme. The eldest daughter (Marion) remained in Scotland; the third daughter (Janet) died in infancy; the eldest son (Hugh) emigrated to the United States in 1907/1908; the youngest son (Robert) remained in Scotland. The family soon became an integral part of the Studholme and Willowbridge communities. John Borthwick gave 5 shillings to the Patriotic Fund in September 1914. At a Red Cross concert in the Willowbridge School on 10 June 1915, all three Borthwick siblings gave items – Miss Borthwick a song, Mr Borthwick (Jock) a song “Mother McChree”, and Mr A. Borthwick an accordion solo. A few days later Mr Andrew Borthwick provided an accordion selection at a Willowbridge gathering of young people interested in bible study. Towards the end of the month Miss Borthwick made a donation to the Waimate District Red Cross Fund. Mrs Borthwick, Willowbridge, gave three pairs of socks made from material supplied by the Red Cross Committee to the Waimate District Red Cross Fund in August 1915. Also in August 1915, Mr J. Borthwick was a capable M.C. at a “hard-up” ball held in the Nukuroa Coronation Hall in aid of the Red Cross Fund. The Borthwick family members were very musical, both John and Andrew playing in the pipe band. Mr Borthwick supplied the dance music at a social and dance tendered to two locals at Willowbridge on the eve of their departure for Trentham, again in August 1915. The Borthwicks’ musical contributions continued throughout 1915 and 1916. Mr J. Borthwick was elected secretary at the annual meeting of the Waimate Highland Pipe Band on 16 May 1916. A week later at the Waimate Orpheus Society’s opening concert of 1916 – a Red Cross benefit, Mr Borthwick (most likely John) sang “The Gallant ‘Salamander’,” and for encore “Drinking” — quite the “discovery” of the musical season, as far as Waimate is concerned. In October 1916, Mr Borthwick (Andrew) gave a musical item at a farewell social for two Studholme men who were leaving for Trentham. It was in May 1918 at the annual concert in aid of Hannaton School funds that Mrs Borthwick gave a song and Mr Borthwick (Andrew) provided the dance music. Mr Andrew Borthwick was still playing extras at Willowbridge and giving accordion solos at concerts in 1938.

When members of the Pipe Band met on 6 June 1916 to farewell their secretary, reference was made to the impending departure of Mr J. Borthwick (a sergeant in the Band) for Trentham. Cheers were given for the departing men and the gathering closed with the singing of “God Save the King” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Mr J. Borthwick had also given songs during the evening, as he did later in the month at a concert at Willowbridge in aid of the Sunday School funds and a baritone solo at a Knox Church service. John Borthwick was a farm labourer at Willowbridge when he enlisted on [5 June] 29 June 1916. Single and Presbyterian, he named his mother as next-of-kin – Janet Borthwick, Willowbridge, South Canterbury. He had been medically examined on 5 June 1916 at Waimate. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 12 stone 7 pounds, he had a chest measurement of 38-39 inches, a dark complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision, heart and lungs were all normal, his limbs and chest well formed, and his teeth good. Free from illnesses and diseases, vaccinated, and in good bodily and mental health, he was deemed fit. J. Borthwick was one of seven men who left with Waimate’s quota of the 18th Reinforcements on 28 June 1916, a good crowd turning out to farewell them. The Brass Band played the squad from the Drill Shed to the station, via Queen Street. The men were assured that they were going where they would be well fed, well housed, and well treated. They were tolf they were going away to help to keep the old flag flying — a flag that meant liberty for the weak nations oppressed by the strong. Going into camp would make men of them it was said. They were advised them to look after themselves, then wished God-speed and a safe return. Cheers for the men, and another for the mothers, preceded the personal farewells, and as the train moved off further cheers were given at the call of the Town Clerk. From June 1916, the name of J. Borthwick appeared regularly on the Waimate Daily Advertiser Roll of Honour under the sub-title of Answered the Call.

At the annual meeting of the Waimate Scottish Association held in June 1916, the report read, in part – “Our ranks have been further depleted by the departure of many of our younger members for the front and the Society is proud that so many of its younger members have responded to the call of duty. On the Roll of Honour we have to record the names of Lieut. H, E. McGowan, Sergt. Robert Jamieson, Private J. Sutherland, Rifleman W. White, Thomas Mitchell, Privates W. Campbell, J. Campbell, H. L. Cameron, Robert Cameron, David Cameron, R. R. G. Rattray, J. Borthwick, E. H. Jamieson—all members or sons of members. We miss them from our gatherings but congratulate them on having answered the call and we trust to see them safely return.”

Promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on 15 August 1916, J. Borthwick embarked with the 18th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington per the “Tofua” on 11 October 1916, and disembarking at Plymouth, England on 29 December. Marching into Sling on 29 December 1916, Corporal Borthwick reverted to the rank of Temporary Lance Corporal. Followign common practise he relinquished that appointment after joining his Battalion (Canterbury Infantry Regiment) on 14 March 1917. He had proceeded overseas to France the month before. Seven months of service ensued, beofre Casualty list 701, issued in late October 1917, named John Borthwick along with many other South Canterbury men who had been reported wounded on 12 and 14 October. Suffering a serious gunshot wound to his left shoulder on 12 October, he was admitted first to No.3 Australian Field Ambulance, then to No.17 Casualty Clearing Station on 13 October, and next to No.83 General Hospital in France on 17 October. Embarking for England per Hospital Ship on 29 October, he was admitted to the Military Hospital at Endell Street, London, on 31 October. A hospital and progress report issued on 8 November 1917 listed J. Borthwick, 28854, as a severe case. Twenty days later, on 28 November his condition had obviously improved as he was listed in a report as not a severe case. Having made favourable progress, he was transferred to the New Zealand Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch on 29 November 1917.

Classified unfit by the Medical Board in the UK, he was placed on the New Zealand Roll on 8 January 1918. The gunshot wound to his left shoulder resulted in a compound fracture of the clavicle. He had also suffered considerable nerve damage. The Medical Board held at Hornchurch on 20 December 1917 recommended that John Borthwick was unfit for war service for twelve months and unfit for home service for six months. Private John Borthwick, 28854, of Willowbridge, returned to New Zealand in March 1918 by the “Maunganui” (Draft 148). He embarked at Liverpool on 2 February 1918, after being posted to the Canterbury Company Reserve Battalion at Sling. Movement was returning to his limbs and the prognosis was good. Travelling by special train from Christchurch, the Waimate returning soldiers were expected to reach Studholme about 4.45pm on 19 March. A Medical Board was assembled at the Drill Hall, Timaru, on 12 July 1918, to again assess Private Borthwick. The bullet wound suffered on Active Service had caused impaired movement of his shoulder and hand, with median paralysis. He was improving but would be permanently unfit for Active Service and not fit for civil employment for a month. It was recommended that he receive further treatment at Waimate Hospital. This replicated the assessment made on 14 June 1918. Private Borthwick was granted a Four-weeks Railway Privilege-ticket on 22 January 1919. He was discharged on 12 February 1919, no longer physically fit for War Service on account of wounds received in action, and was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

A concert and dance were held in the Hannaton Hall in early April to welcome home Private Borthwick and two comrades. The thanks of the people of the district for what the returned men had done for them were expressed, and their pleasure at seeing them safely home once more. Musical items were rendered by several folk including Mr Borthwick (Andrew). At the conclusion of the concert supper was handed round, and the floor was then cleared for dancing. Mr Kearton acted as accompanist for all the performers, and he and Mr A. Borthwick supplied the music for the dance. At the social following the induction of a new minister at Knox Church, Waimate in May 1918, Corp. J. Borthwick sang “The Gallant Salamander”, and for encore “Absence”. The Pipe Band Hall was crowded on 29 May 1918 when a welcome home extended by the members of the Highland Pipe Rand to Corp. J. Borthwick and Private J. Duncan. The evening was spent in dancing, interspersed with songs and stepdances. Corporal Borthwick was welcomed (Private Duncan beig indisposed) and presented with a handsome medal. Mr Alan McPherson also made, a few remarks. He suitably replied.

The Kapua Soldiers’ Memorial Hall was opened in August 1919, there being high quality entertainment in the evening. Mr J. Borthwick was in good voice in “The Deathless Army,” and his popularity was well maintained in “The Auld Hoose.” In November, he rendered songs at a farewell function for a Waimate manager, while his brother Andrew provided dance music at another local function. Later in the month at a social and dance in aid of the school children’s prize fund in the same Kapua Memorial Hall, Mr J. Borthwick, baritone, sang “Mother Machree”. His beautiful voice held all present spellbound, and, receiving a lusty encore, he responded with “Plymouth Hoe”. At a welcome home to returned soldiers at Waituna in December, Mr Borthwick’s very fine voice was shown to good effect by two songs, “The Deathless Army” and “Mother McChree” which were heartily applauded. At the monthly choral service at Knox Church at the beginning of June 1920, the special music included a solo by Mr J. Borthwick – “Lead, Kindly Light”. A week later, he was back at the Kapua Memorial Hall, contributing to the entertainment.

At the annual meeting of the Waimate Pipe Band in August 1920, Mr J. Borthwick was elected Sergeant. In November he was back at Arno (Kapua), firstly for the unveiling of the Roll of Honour in the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, his item being “The Deathless Army” and the encore “Friend o’ Mine”; secondly for the concert in aid of the school prize fund. On 1 December 1920 at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waimate, John Borthwick married Matilda Margaret Campbell. Matilda, known as Tilly, was a sister of David and Thomas Campbell who had also served in World War One. John’s brother Andrew Borthwick was a witness to the marriage. Before month’s end, he performed at “probably the best concert ever given in Willowbridge.”

At the St Andrews sports in December 1923, John Borthwick secured second place in the open piping competition (marches) and was placed first in the competition open to members of Waimate Pipe Band. Later in the month, following upon the evening service at Knox Church, there was given the sacred cantata, “The Nativity” (Caleb Simper), the soloists being Miss Stewart and Mr J. Borthwick, with the orchestra assisting. At the Waimate Caledonian Society’s annual Boxing Day gathering, J. Borthwick was placed second, and earned 20 shillings, for Bagpipe Music (open to members of Waimate and Fairlie pipe bands). But a day or two later . . . “Tight wires in a fence may all right and very desirable from a farmers point of view, but when he is in a hurry and has a charging bull at his heels a few slack wires would be welcomed. They would at least have been appreciated by Jock Borthwick who now lies in the Waimate Hospital suffering from an attack by a bull. Last evening while taking a short cut across the paddocks on his return from work he was charged by a shorthorn bull and immediately made for the nearest fence, only to find the wires were strained that tight he could not get through. Meanwhile the bull was close behind and as Mr Borthwick attempted to climb the fence he found himself pinned up against it by the infuriated animal. His cries for help were heard by Messrs J. Forsyth and J. Trezise, who ran at top speed to the scene and drove the brute off, but not before he had severely bruised his victim. No time was lost in getting the unfortunate man, whose clothes were torn to ribbons, to town; and Dr Hayes after examination, ordered his removal to the Hospital, where it was found that apart from superficial wounds and severe bruises, together with shock, he had a very lucky escape from serious injury. Mr Borthwick’s many friends will be pleased to learn that he is progressing favourably and should able to leave the institution within a few days.” [Waimate Daily Advertiser, 29 December 1923.] “Mr J. Borthwick has so far recovered from the injuries sustained through being gored by a bull last week as to be able to leave the Waimate Hospital to-day. According to an eye-witness’s account of the incident, Mr Borthwick had a narrow escape with his life. He was several yards from a wire fence when the bull charged him. His cries for help were fortunately heard by Mr J. Trezise and his daughter (Mrs Menzies), who at once went to his assistance and drove the furious beast away, but not before the victim had been tossed and pushed right over to the fence.” [Waimate Daily Advertiser, 3 January 1924.] Shortly after two similar incidents were recorded.

As in the two years prior, in 1925 a special Anzac service was held in Knox Church by returned men. “Requiem” was sung by Mr J. Borthwick (Cpl Rifle Brigade). It was reported John Borthwick had a notable association with the Waimate Highland Pipe Band, which had come into being in 1903, some nine years before his arrival in the country. In 1919, he was elected Pipe-Major, but shortly afterwards relinquished the position owing to his transfer to another location. John Borthwick and nine other members of the band served in the Great War, one paying the Supreme Sacrifice. As of November 1927, John was sergeant of the band. At the sixtieth annual gathering of members of the Pareora Bums Club in January 1939, the birth of Robert Burns was celebrated in a typical “Scot’s nicht.” The guest and speaker of the evening was also a born-and-bred Scotsman, Mr J. Borthwick, who, along with the Chieftain, was ushered to his seat with musical honours. After the Loyal toast, Mr Borthwick proposed “The Immortal Memory”, saying that Burns’ songs and poems not only had a message for his own countrymen, but they had an international message that appealed to everybody. Borthwick referred to Burns as a master of the art of description and quoted the poem “The Jolly Beggars” recognised to-day as a masterpiece of description. Bums also wrote “Auld Lang Syne” the parting song which might well be called the world’s national anthem. Referring to Burns’ popularity Mr Borthwick said he was afraid Burns, although a farmer, was an indifferent farmer and farming did not pay. He was a poet and poetry seldom paid. In proposing the toast “the guest of the evening,” the Chieftain said that during the 25 years he had known Mr Borthwick, he had always found him ready to assist at Scottish gatherings.

From 1 August 1941, John Borthwick was appointed to command No.12 Studholme-Willowbridge Company, with the rank of Temporary Lieutenant. Appointments in the army gazetted on 15 January 1942, noted that John Borthwick was to be lieutenant (temporary) and had been posted to the Waimate Battalion (Home Guard). He was posted to the Reserve of Officers from 1 January 1944. Mr J. Borthwick filled the position of chairman when 12 servicemen were invited to a function in their honour in the Nukuroa Hall in June 1944. Mr Borthwick expressed the pleasure of district residents at the return of the young men who had served their country. All were glad to have them back safe and sound. Mrs J. Borthwick presented each of the guests with an envelope containing money. Mr J. Borthwick was chairman again later in the month when a wireless operator with the Navy was welcomed home in the Nukuroa Hall. A presentation was made by Mrs J. Borthwick.

John and Matilda spent their working lives at Willowbridge/Nukuroa, moving into Waimate in the 1950s. John Borthwick died on 6 January 1963 at Waimate Hospital, aged 71 years. After a service at Knox Presbyterian Church, Waimate, he was buried at Waimate Cemetery, members of Waimate R.S.A. attending his funeral. His next-of-kin was Mrs M. M. Borthwick, Studholme Junction. He was survived by his wife, children (John, Robert, Margaret and Gordon) and thirteen grandchildren. Matilda Margaret Borthwick died on 20 April 1969 at Hastings and was buried alongside John at Waimate. John’s mother, sister Agnes Anderson, and brother Andrew are all buried at Waimate. John Borthwick had signed his last will a few months after his brother Andrew’s death in 1958. An interesting clause in his Will was the provision he made for his sister – the free use, income, occupation and enjoyment of his freehold residential property at Willowbridge. Agnes was widowed in 1958 a few weeks after Andrew died. John bequeathed the whole of his estate "both real and personal" upon trust for his wife Matilda Margaret Borthwick, and should she have predeceased him in equal shares for his three sons and one daughter. The name of J. Borthwick is inscribed on the Willowbridge and Studholme District First World War Roll of Honour. The Timaru Herald of Tuesday, 15 January 1963, carried John's obituary, reading:

"MThe death of Mr J. Borthwick, in Waimate last week, has removed from the district a man of strong character and high ideal, who had close association with the farming community, sports bodies, and in the social life of the district. Born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, some 71 years ago, he arrived in Timaru on Christmas morning 1912. For the past 50 years he had resided in the Willowbridge-Studholme district during which time he took an active interest in practically all local organisations. In his earlier days he proved himself a competent and reliable teamster and became an expert stacker whose services were eagerly sought. He was closely associated with the potato industry for some 35-40 years. Shortly after his arrival he joined the Waimate Highland Pipe Band as a piper and was an active member for at least 25 years. He was pipe sergeant for many years and served a short term as pipe major. He was patron of the band at the time of his death. The Burns Night function invariably found him giving the “Address to the Haggis.” The number of district associations with which he was associated over the years were many. He was closely associated with the Willowbridge Rifle Club, the Studholme School Committee, of which he was chairman for some 10 to 12 years; the Studholme School Committee; the Studholme Bowling Club and the Srudholme Gymkhana, of which he was president for a term. He served on the Waimate Caledonian Society for a number of years and served as president for a period. He was an ex-great chief of the Waimate Savage Club. Mr Borthwick served in the 1914-18 war being severely wounded and invalided home. He took part in the first Anzac Day service held in Waimate and has been a regular attender ever since, his services often being called upon to sing the Requiem. Mr Borthwick is survived by his wife, formerly Miss “Tilly” Campbell, and three sons and one daughter. They are John (Wellington), Robert (Thailand), Margaret (Mrs McConchie, Linden), and Gordon (Wellington)."

John's brother Andrew Borthwick, a farm labourer, Willowbridge was also drawn in the Eighth Ballot in June 1917 - he was already listed on the Reserve Rolls. John Borthwick, the eldest son of Jock and Tilly, was a clerk with the Railways at Waikari when he also signed up to serve during World War Two, nominating his mother – Mrs M. M. Borthwick, Studholme Junction – as next-of-kin.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [19 August 2014]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0016386) [08 April 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ ref. AABK 18805 W5997 0362824) [08 April 2015]; Waimate Lawn Cemetery burial record (Waimate District Council) [13 September 2014]; Waimate Lawn Cemetery headstone transcription (South Canterbury Branch NZSG Cemetery Records microfiche) [14 September 2014]; Waimate Lawn Cemetery headstone image; Timaru Herald, 7, 8 & 15 January 1963 (Timaru District Library) [08 April 2015; 09 August 2017]; Waimate Daily Advertiser, 5 September 1914, 11, 19 & 28 June 1915, 11, 14 & 25 August 1915, 17 May 1916, 7, 24, 27, 28 & 30 June 1916, 6 June 1917, 20, 24 & 30 May 1918, 28 August 1919, 7 & 12 November 1919, 1 & 9 December 1919, 5 & 12 June 1920, 4 August 1920, 20 & 27 November 1920, 20 December 1920, 10, 22, 27 & 29 December 1923, 3 & 5 January 1924, 24 & 27 April 1925, Timaru Herald, 19 October 1916, 29 October 1917, 18 March 1918, 8 April 1918, 28 & 30 May 1938, 9 June 1944, Evening Post, 9 & 29 November 1917, 13 March 1918, 16 November 1927, 25 January 1929, Sun, 13 March 1918, NZ Times, 14 March 1918, Press, 21 January 1942, 7 January 1963, 21 April 1969 (Papers Past) [19 August 2014; 09 April 2015; 19 August 2015; 08 February 2018; 18 September 2019; 04 April 2020; 16 January 2021; 15 & 19 July 2021; 13 November 2022; 5 January 2024; 14 June 2024; 28 July 2024]; Probate record (Archives NZ/FamilySearch) [20 August 2014]; Waimate Presbyterian marriage record (South Canterbury Museum) [2014]; 1901, 1891 census returns Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland (ancestry.com.au) [21 July 2015]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [21 July 2015; 28 July 2024]; Funeral Directors record (South Canterbury Genealogy Society transcriptions) [18 June 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• BORTHWICK John - newspaper clippings (pdf, 130.5 KB updated 13-Aug-2024)

Researched and Written by

Currently Assigned to

TS