In 1901 the McCash family were living at “Westfield”, Glasgow Road, Perth: Father, William F. (Grain Merchant), b. c1861, Perth; Mother, Alice K., b. c1864, Canada; and Son, John W., b. c1893, Perth. Also living at this address were: Agnes B. Davie (Companion), b. c1861, Aberdeen; Maggie Rodger (Cook, Domestic), b. c1878, Perth; and Clementina M. Stephen (Housemaid, Domestic), b. c1881, Huntingtower, Perthshire.

John McCash was educated at Clifton Bank School, Perth Academy and the University of St. Andrews, before enlisting in the Scottish Horse. He had also been studying civil engineering, in the offices of the Caledonian Railway Company, Perth.

He was gazetted Lieutenant to the 6th Black Watch and was later attached to Royal Flying Corps.

Perthshire Advertiser 5th December 1917

“PERTH OFFICER MISSING"

“Lieutenant J. M‘Cash, Black Watch, attached R.F.C. (missing), received his commission in October 1913, and was transferred to the Flying Corps in April of this year. Lieut. M‘Cash is a son of Mr W. F. M‘Cash, of Cornhill, and a nephew of the late Mr J. B. M‘Cash, solicitor, Perth.”

John McCash is also commemorated on the Tibbermore Parish War Memorial; the Jeanfield District War Memorial, Perth, the Perth North Church War Memorial, and the University of St. Andrews Roll of Honour.

COMBAT OVER BOURLON WOOD (courtesy of Kenneth Bruce, 'Made in Perth' website)

'On 22 November 1917, the weather prevented flying except at extremely low height, but on 23 November, bitter air combat took place. Just after noon, Jasta 5 Flying Circus aircraft engaged Sopwith Camels over Bourlon Wood. Three Camels got on the tail of Jasta 5’s commander, Oberleutnant Richard Flasher, who was saved by the intervention of Vizefeldwebel, (Leutnant der Reserve), Fritz Rumey and Leutnant Otto Könnecke. Both pilots were reported to have shot down one Sopwith Camel each.'

In fact, only Fritz Rumey received credit for both. The Sopwith Camels, B5153 & B2369, shot down were piloted by: Lieutenant Frederick Henry Stephens, 3rd Squadron RFC & Canadian Infantry, age unknown (Canadian) Lieutenant John Watson McCash, 3rd Squadron RFC & 6th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders), age 24.'

The body of John Watson McCash was not found. He is commemorated at the Arras Flying Services Memorial which is in the Faubourg d’Amiens Cemetery, Arras, France.