109353 Pte. William John Souter Glennie was born on 18th September 1889 in Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland, to William and Elspet (Elsie) Glennie. He was their first-born child, followed by Barbara Jane Glennie in 1890, George Nicol, Ralph Jaffrey, Leslie Alexander (all 3 died very young in infancy) and Elsie Elizabeth in 1898.
The 1891 Scottish Census lists the family living in Farburn Terrace, Dyce (now just behind the runway for Aberdeen Airport), with his father being listed as a quarry worker in Dyce Quarry.
The 1901 Scottish Census lists the family living in the hamlet in Dyce Quarry, with William being 11 years old and a scholar.
In 1910, records have William travelling to Canada as a Paper miller on SS Ionion.
William signed up for WW1 on 25th November 1914, in Toronto, listing being a former member of the GGBG (Governor General's Body Guard) and signed the attestation forms on the 28th. He was subsequently assigned to 4th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regiment. His profession is listed as a bookbinder on these papers.
He arrived in France on 24th October 1915 and was attached to the sniper school on 30th January 1916 before reporting for duty on 2nd February 1916, where he was attached to 'C' squadron. He was granted 8 days leave on 14th April 1916 by his OC.
William was listed as missing 2nd June 1916 [in the Battle for Mount Sorrel], and later confirmed as killed in action.
His medals were handed down from his parents, to his sister Barbara, onto her daughter Daisy and are now with her daughter Valerie.
Pte. William John Souter Glennie is commemorated on Panel 32 C of the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium.
Credit and many thanks go to Andy Cundell for the above biography.
The image of William is credited to the Imperial War Museum and used here under their fair use policy.
The image of Panel 32 C, Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, is courtesy of 4cmr.com