John Cyril CHALMERS

Further information

Military Medal

John Chalmers received the Military Medal posthumously on 27 October 1916 for work while still a Company Sergeant Major with 1/4th Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. He worked as a teacher, employed by the London County Council. His Medal Index Card indicates that he was originally in the ranks of the Cameron Highlanders, regimental number 2050, originally as a Private, joining in September 1914, but subsequently as an acting Company Sergeant Major on 24 May 1916. He first entered France on 19 December 1915. He was commissioned on 9 September 1916, joining the Northumberland Fusiliers on 19 September, so had been with his battalion for about a month before his death. Source: Mike Scott on the Eyewitness Tours Website

Further biography

Second Lieutenant John Cyril Chalmers joined the Cameron Highlanders as a Private in September 1914. He quickly rose through the ranks becoming Acting Sergeant Major on 24th May 1916. Second Lieutenant Chalmers received his commission 9th September 1916 and joined the Northumberland Fusiliers on the 19th September. There is some confusion about his death and his body was never found. His official record states his death as 15th October 1916, although some sources (including the telegram sent to his parents) state his death as being on the 16th. Second Lieutenant Chalmers was 24 at the time of his death and his remembered at Erquinghem-Lys Churchyard Extension in France. Source: Brunel University London