Pte Imlay enlisted at Dundee with 3rd Highland Field Ambulance RAMC on 28 December 1914 with the original regimental number of 1790.   The Medical Officer who conducted both his attestation and his Medical Examination for service was Captain Henry Gorrie RAMC,  a medical officer with 3rd Highland Field Ambulance who is also mentioned in these pages.  Prior to his war service he was a Bleachfield Worker and resided at 2 Malcolm Street, Dundee.
Pte Imlay’s service  record shows that he embarked at Folkestone for the BEF in France on 2nd May 1915,  disembarking later that day at Boulogne.   He served with his unit, 1/3 Highland Field Ambulance RAMC in the 51st Highland Division until October 1917 when he was attached to the 1/6 Bn Black Watch in the same Division It is recorded that he served in D Coy of that battalion presumably as an RAMC bearer.

His father Mr George Imlay originally recorded as residing at 49 Yeaman Shore Dundee subsequently moved to Railway Cottage at Inchture to where Pte Imlay’s posthumous medals were sent .  He had 2 brothers John Imlay, aged 40 residing at 64 Hilltown and George Imlay aged 35, residing at McGill Street Dundee.   There was also a sister,  Mary Ann Imlay residing at 2 Malcolm Street Dundee