John was the son of John and Rosina Harkinson and had one brother and sister.  He was born in Gourock but by the time he was 2 had moved to Holytown, possibly to be near to his mothers family. 

After the war records show that John departed Glasgow, with David MacKensie, on August 17th 1923 aboard the Metagama bound for Quebec and Montreal via Belfast. At the time his occupation is listed as a “Lather” and he had $26 in his pocket. His passage was paid by his married cousin Mr R. Campfield of 49 Knox Street Point, St. Charles, Montreal and his home is Johns planned destination. In 1939, John returns to Glasgow on the SS. Athenia from his Canadian home, 71 Dunning St., Newbank, Tolloross. His occupation is still listed as Wood Lather. After this nothing is known about John.

John enlisted on August 19th 1914 at Glasgow with the Highland Light Infantry. He was a 24 years and 270 days old. His address at the time was 48 Anderson St. Glasgow. John was described as 5’ 3” tall, 117 lbs with grey eyes and brown hair. There was a scar on the web of his right thumb, bad teeth and a Presbyterian by faith. He later transferred to the Kings Own Scottish Boarders. John spent the first 279 days of his service either at home or on the home front defending the nation. On May 25th 1915 he was sent overseas to serve in the Balkans. On the 28th of June 1915 at the  Dardanelles he received a gun shot wound to the “scrotum and testes” which fractured his pelvis. After this he was sent home to recover and was transferred to the Labour Corps on January 9th 1917 and appears to have been sent to France until October 15th 1918 when he returned home. On January 11th 1919 he was punished for overstaying his Christmas leave by 3 days and lost 3 days pay. He was discharged from the army February 10th 1919 and received a pension  of 2 shillings and 2 pence a week from the army. The medical officer noted John as 80% disabled due to the gunshot wounds he had previously received. This seems strange given the fact he continued to serve.