JOHN VELZIAN
Born: 1869, Deerness, Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland.
Missing: 31st October 1915 – found drowned near Val de Lievre – 22nd November 1915; age 46.
Residence: Ipswich.
Enlistment Location: London.
Date of Entry Therein: 30th May 1915 – France.
Rank: Private; Service Number: SS/11516
Regiment: Army Service Corps, 13th Labour Coy.
Medals Awarded: Victory, British & 1915 Star.
Grave Reference.
Plot A. Row 4. Grave 5.
Calais Southern Cemetery,
Pas de Calais,
France.
CENSUS
1881 Mill Street, Deerness, Orkney, Kirkwall, Scotland.
John was 12 years old and living with his father, siblings, step mother & step sister.
William Velzian, 38, a Miller (out of employment), born Walls, Orkney.
Isabella Velzian, 21, born Deerness, Orkney.
Catherine Ann Foulis Velzian, 11, born Deerness.
Hannah Velzian, 8, born Deerness.
Margaret G. Velzian, 1, born Kirkwall, Orkney.
1901 5, Curriers Lane, Ipswich.
John was 32 years old, a Quay Labourer. He was married and Head of the Household.
Gertrude, 39.
Fidies, 10.
1911 3, Victoria Place, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich.
John was 42 years old, a Dock Labourer. He was married & Head of the Household.
Gertrude, 39.
William, 13.
In 1889, Sproughton, John married Gertrude Emma Abbott, born 1871, Sproughton. They had 2 children:
Fidies Octavia Velzian, born 1891, Ipswich.
William John Velzian, born 1898, Ipswich.
John’s mother was Hannah Cromarty Matches, born 1839, Deerness – 1874, Deerness.
John’s brother, George Foulis Velzian also lost his life. He was a Sergeant of the 3rd The Royal Scots, Lothian Regiment. Died: 8th February 1916, aged 30 – Diabetes. Residence: 9, Industrial Lane, Leith, Scotland. Tattooed right forearm ‘Highland Dancer’.
John is also remembered on the war memorial at Kirkwall Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney and at
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