In 1901 the Low family were living at 89 Scott Street, Perth. Father, James (Grocery Store Manager) (38); Mother, Margaret (39); Daughter, Marjory J. (13); Son, James B. (9); Son, John J. (7); and Son David B. (3).

John Low studied Science at the University of Edinburgh from 1912-1915, before enlisting in the Royal Engineers in 1915. He was promoted to Corporal in July 1915 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August 1916.

John Low went to France in 1915 and was awarded the Military Medal in July 1916 and the Military Cross in August 1916. John Low was a member of "F" Special (Cylinder) Company, Special Brigade, Royal Engineers. Special units of the Royal Engineers were established to use chemical weapons.

The First World War witnessed the first use of chemical weapons in armed conflict and Chlorine Gas was first used by the Germans in the Ypres Salient in 1915. The British Army first used Gas in the preliminary stages of the Battle of Loos in September 1915. Although it had a very limited effect at Loos, the decision was taken to formalise the Special Engineer units. This Special Brigade of 4 Battalions, would handle gases discharged from cylinders.

Military Cross citation: "For conspicuous gallantry in action. when in command of special apparatus in the front trench, he displayed great coolness and determination under heavy shell fire and in most difficult circumstances."  

Although there is no definitive record of how John Low lost his life, he was killed in action in the Polygon Wood/Polderhoek area, near Ypres, on 3rd December 1917. He was 23 years old.

John Low is also commemorated on the Perth Middle United Free Church War Memorial; the Jeanfield District War Memorial, Perth; and the Edinburgh University War Memorial.