Along with his brother, John William Henry Greig was educated at Perth Academy and Denstone College, Staffordshire. He was commissioned into the Indian Army Reserve of Officers, which was made up of men who had a background in India, and were able to speak the local languages. They were called on at the outbreak of war to top up the ranks of British officers.

John Greig joined the 25th Cavalry (Frontier Force) which was originally raised in 1849 and comprised a Squadron each of Sikhs, Dogras and Punjabi Muslims, and a mixed Squadron of Hindustani Muslims and Pathans. Northern Wazaristan in 1914.

When the Great War commenced, German agents based in Persia, now Iran, stirred up agitation amongst the frontier tribes along India’s north-west border region (which is now Pakistani territory).

When Turkey entered the war on Germany’s side, some frontier Muslim soldiers deserted from the Indian Army whilst a few others mutinied. When raiders crossed the border from Afghanistan conventional military tactics had to be used. These operations, in the Tochi area took place from 28th November 1914 until 27th March 1915.

On 26th March 1915, the Indian Army attacked a large Khostwai Lashkar, estimated at 7,000 to 8,000 men who were threatening Miranshah. These Lashkars, or raiding parties, were made up of tribesmen who came from tribal areas not under the control of British India.

While there is no definitive record of how John Greig lost his life, it would probably have been at some stage of this action on 26th March. He was 28 years of age.

London Gazette, 16 April 1915

“To be Second Lieutenants. CAVALRY BRANCH. Dated 18th February 1915. John William Henry Greig”.

School Magazine “THE YOUNG BARBARIAN” "Midsummer 1915

“Mr. John H. Greig, son of a former well-known citizen, Mr. Hunter Greig, has been killed in action in India. Deceased was a second lieutenant in the 25th Cavalry Frontier Force, and formerly of the Chartered Bank, India. It was while quelling a Lascar [sic] rising that he met his death. While resident in Perth the deceased was a well-known athlete, and played for the Perthshire Rugby Football Club”.

John William Henry Greig is also commemorated on the Roll of Honour in the Denstone College Chapel.

THE GREIG BROTHERS - The Greig family lost two boys in the Great War. John Greig's brother, Anthony George Greig, was serving as a Royal Navy Chaplain on board HMS Russell, when it hit a mine of Malta in April 1916. He is buried in Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.