More about John Guthrie Troup

2nd Lieut. Vernon Forster Stewart and 2nd Lieut. John Guthrie Troup were shot down in their RE8 (A4245) whilst on artillery observation. Leutnant Karl Allmenroder from Jasta 11 claimed victory. Johns father was the Minister for West U. F. Church, Broughty Ferry. John previously served with the 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders.

John Guthrie Troup   Second-Lieutenant   Royal Flying Corps

THE LATE LIEUTENANT JOHN GUTHRIE TROUP.

Lieutenant Guthrie Troup went out on observation for artillery on Sunday, 13th inst., along with Lieutenant V. S. Stewart, a very experienced pilot.  They were working east of Vimy Ridge, when several enemy aeroplanes swooped down upon them.  Fighting their way back against heavy odds, they were just over the British lines near Fesnoy, when they were shot down.  The bodies were recovered; the funeral took place on the 15th inst., and was attended by “a large number of officers and men, including the Commanding Officer and the Wing Commander.”

The Commanding Officer writes to Lieut. Guthrie Troup’s father :― “Your son was one of my best observers, and most popular among both officers and men, I am afraid I shall find it very difficult to get a substitute up to his standard of work.”  The Chaplain, who conducted the funeral, writes :― “Your son seems to have been greatly beloved by his fellow-officers, and they spoke highly of him.”  And some of the men remarked, “They are all brave officers, sir, but the men knew that, Troup was one of the bravest.”

On leaving school He joined the Army, he passed through the terrible fighting on the Somme, when for weeks together danger and death were his close companions.  He returned from the Somme to volunteer for the most hazardous branch of the military service.  Now at the age of twenty he has fallen in action.

Broughty Ferry Guide 25th May 1917