John (Jack) Saunders was born on 23rd March 1880 to John Saunders (Ironmonger) 47 Victoria Street, Perth, b.1857; and Janet Macpherson, who his father married in 1869. At that time John’s father was later listed as a Tinsmith and Gasfitter at 144 South Street, Perth. In July 1887, John’s father married Jessie Gorrie in Broughty Ferry.

In 1881, the family were living at 207 High Street, Perth; in 1891 they were living at 47 King Street, Perth; and in 1901 they were living at Thornbank, Abernethy.

Jack Saunders had three sisters: Margaret, b. c1871; Janet, b. c1878; and Ruth, b. c1883. He also had one brother: George, b. c1873. Jack married Mabel Violet Pearson, b. c1885, Rutherglen, on 15th July 1910 in Calton, Glasgow.

In 1911, they were living with her parents in Dunoon and Jack was working as a Stationer. Jack and Mabel had one daughter, Iris Annetta Mabel, who was born, on 20th October 1911, in Dunoon.

Jack Saunders enlisted in Birmingham, and may have been living at that time with his brother George and his family in Edgbaston.

Extract from the War Diaries of the 1st Royal Warwickshire Regiment

“11 am, 24th May, LA BRIQUE. Orders received to advance in support of DUBLIN FUS. Towards SHELL TRAP FARM, part of this farm now being occupied by Germans. Under very heavy shell fire and gas shells, Regt. advanced to 1st support line trenches. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Coys. were moved out to the left to get into a position behind CROSS ROAD FARM ready to advance. During this period a good deal more of front trench was occupied by Germans on both sides of the FARM and a further advance was impossible owing to Machine Gun fire."

“WIELTJE FARM, Orders were received to occupy and hold 1st Support line trenches. Casualties: CAPTAIN SIR G. LACON wounded, 95 other ranks killed, wounded and missing. Very hot day. Lt. A. J. POOLE took over command of the line from 2 pm.”

Although there is no definitive record, it is likely that Jack Saunders was one of the casualties of this action. He died of his wounds in No 2 Stationary Hospital in Boulogne and is buried in Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, he was 35 years old.

Dundee Courier, 4th June 1915

“ABERNETHY SOLDIERS DIE AT THE FRONT"

“Information has also come to hand of the death of other two lads belonging to Abernethy, but who had removed from the place a few years ago. Private John Saunders, Royal Warwicks, died of wounds on 26th May. He was a son of the late Mr John Saunders. Of Perth and Abernethy, and leaves a widow and one child.”

Dundee Evening Telegraph, 11th June 1915

“PERTH SOLDIER DIES IN BOULOGNE HOSPITAL"

“Private John Saunders of the Royal Warwicks, son of the late Mr John Saunders, ironmonger, Perth and Abernethy, died in No 2 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, on 26th May as the result of wounds received in action. Private Saunders was 35 years of age. He was called up as a reservist, and had been in the fighting for nine months without previously being in the casualty list.”

Perthshire Advertiser, 12th June 1915

“Information has reached Perth of the death from wounds received in action in France of Private John Saunders of the Royal Warwicks, younger son of the late Mr. John Saunders , Ironmonger, Perth and Abernethy."

"The deceased, who was 35 years of age, was called up as a reservist, and went through the war for nine months without receiving a scratch. He was amongst those who fraternised with the Germans at Christmas.” 

Jack Saunders is also commemorated on the Abernethy Parish War Memorial.