This is what the poster has sent.
William Greer – Lance Corporal 335840 – Royal Scots 8th Battalion
Another of Overtown’s soldier sons to get a place in the distinguished
honours line was Lance Corporal William Greer, Royal Scots, who was
awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in leading his men up to the
trenches under heavy shell fire. He was congratulated by the Major- General
commanding the division, and also by his officer, who wrote:-
“I am glad that you have been rewarded not only for what you did the night
before the push, but for the good work you have always done. There is no
man in the company more deserving of recognition but you, and I am proud to
have you in my platoon. It has always been a pleasure to me to see how well you tackled any job
given you to do. I am sure that I speak for the platoon when I say we all congratulate you and
thank you for the service you have done us.”
Private Greer initially joined the Highland Light Infantry (7898) and transferred to the Royal
Scots, he landed in France 17th February 1915.
James Greer 1 Stone Row Highland Light Infantry (b 1882) kia 6 June 1917
John Greer 40 Castlehill Fues Royal Scots (b 1891)
Humphrey Greer 18 Castlehill Fues Royal Field Artillery (b1892)
William Greer 6 Castlehill Fues Royal Scots (b 1895) kia 11 April 1918
Abraham Greer 40 Castlehill Fues Highland Light Infantry (b 1898)
My reply:
I'm glad you've got William's service numbers because there are lots of William, James & Thomas Greers on the Rolls.
I know about Humphrey he was 225968 & a Special Reservist Class P. I believe this pretty much exempted him from active service because of his job so no medals awarded.
James Buchanan Greer was 39747 2/HLI.
Abraham Greer 16/HLI no. 23593.
His 2nd. unit was 5/Gordon Highlanders no. 291985.
First thing to say is that James Greer died 6/12/17
Here are two photos of William Greer. On the first he is seated with his brother Abraham standing. On the second he is on the right and I think you can see his MM ribbon. Can you help identify the brother he is alongside from his uniform. I know they changed regiments frequently. Any other info about the uniforms would be appreciated.
James Greer, Highland Light Infantry, (b 1882) kia 6 June 1917
John Greer, Royal Scots, (b 1891)
Humphrey Greer, Royal Field Artillery, (b1892)
William Greer, Royal Scots, (b 1895) kia 11 April 1918
Abraham Greer, Highland Light Infantry, (b 1898)