Able Seaman John Borthwick

Able Seaman John Borthwick, Royal Navy. He died from bronchial pneumonia in the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth on 17th December 1916, aged 21 whilst based at H.M.S. “Vivid” and is buried in Plymouth ( Ford Park) Cemetery. He had been born in Teviothead and  was the son of Alexander and Mary Borthwick of Whitehaugh Moor, Hawick.  Before enlisting in November 1916 he had worked as a shepherd with his father at Colterscleugh Shiel, Teviothead. H.M.S. “Vivid” was a Royal Navy Barracks at Devonport, Plymouth and was used to accommodate sailors who were between drafts or were on training courses. His Headstone is inscribed ” For Christ Hath Vanquished Death And Sin Our Freedom To Restore”.

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