Jock Bruce (1885-1917)

John Bruce (known as Jock) was born on 11 July 1885 (not 1889, as in his attestation papers) in Renton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, to David Bruce (a riveter) and Janet McIntyre.

In 1910, Jock moved to America – living in San Francisco and working as a riveter. But by 1915, he was living in Canada and a star soccer player for the Westminster-Coquitlam team, the Black and Gold – he was known “for long one of the best halves in the province”. He went back to San Francisco to play with a team there and it was hoped “his new environment may result in his paying stricter attention to training rules”.

Jock attempted to join the 131st Battalion in January 1916, but was turned down due to a weak heart. This apparently shocked him (and the newspapers) due to his soccer prowess. He returned in February and gave his birthdate as four years younger – pretending to be 26, instead of 30. By this time, he was resident in Port Coquitlam. 

While training in Vernon, Jock was acting as a stretcher-bearer in a fake battle. Upon finding a 200lb man who needed to be carried back, Jock said “Nah, he’s nae wounded. He’s deid.” and left him on the field, so he could walk back unencumbered – showing “his canny Scotch way of overcoming difficulties”.

Photo: Operation Picture Me

Jock was killed in action “somewhere in France” on 22 August 1917, aged 32.