Other Information:John was educated at Pakeman Street London County Council School, Islington N., then became a Clerk by trade. He enlisted into the R.A.M.C in January 1915, then entered the war in France on 20th June 1915, and served as a Pay Clerk and latter as a Ward Master. He was described as being an accomplished pianist and vocalist and a capable organizer, who, in addition to his arduous duties, got up concert parties and carried out a series of variety entertainments successfully at the General Hospital he served with. His objective was to cheer and brighten the lot of the hospital patients and staff. He died from wounds received by the explosion of a bomb dropped from enemy aircraft. The Sergeants' Mess sent a message of condolence to his parents: "Our comrade for three years, prominent by reason of his musical gifts, Sergt Keir, with his unfailing buoyancy and good-heartedness, was known to a wide circle of friends, and his death is greatly deplored. To us in the Mess, he was known as 'Sperkie' - a name which, however it to be bestowed, was used as an unconscious tribute of our personal affection, and its mention in the future years will rouse to warmth, as few other names will, the happier memories of our comradeship in France. For to 'Sperkie' we owed the brightening of many a grey day and the cheering of many a gloomy night. Under the music he played for us with so much skill, our thoughts were swept to the heights from which memory looks back over the scenes of bygone years, and hope peers forward through the clouds to the land of dim outlines drawing its first colour from the rays of the rising sun." A comrade also wrote that he was missed more and more and was a favourite with every one. John was the son of William Buttar and Ann Keir of 110 Falkland Road, Hornsey, London.
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