John Armstrong Courtie

Private John Armstrong Courtie – King’s (Liverpool Regiment) – One of the Oldest Soldiers of the Great War

Early Life

John Armstrong Courtie was born in 1853 at Maryport, Cumberland, the son of Joseph Courtie and Mary Ann Armstrong.

At the time of the 1861 Census, John, aged 8, was living in the Crosscanoby district of Maryport. His mother, recorded as Mary Ann Pitt, aged 37, was born in the Isle of Man. Her children were Margaret A. Courtie, 16; Jemima Courtie, 12; John, 8; and James, 3, the younger two listed with the surname Pitt.

By the 1871 Census, Mary had reverted to the surname Courtie and was living with her family at St. Columba’s, Liverpool. Mary, now 47, was employed as a seamstress. John, 17, worked as a carter, while James, 12, was still in school. Also present was grandson John J., aged 1.

Marriage and Family Life

1881 Census

By the time of the 1881 Census, John had married Judith Maides, and the family was living at 10 St. Jude’s Place, Liverpool. John, 27, was working as a carter, and Judith was 25. Their children were John William, 4; Frank Armstrong, 3; and James Henry, 2.

1891 Census

At the time of the 1891 Census, the family had moved to 2–4 Barnette Road, West Derby, Liverpool. John, 38, continued working as a carter, while Judith, 36, was listed as a shopkeeper. Their children were John, 14, a ship rivetter apprentice; James, 12; Frank, 10; Frederick, 5; and Alice, an infant of 1 month. Also present was Mary Corless, an 18-year-old general servant.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census recorded the family still living at 2 Barnette Road. John, 48, was employed as a warehouse porter, while Judith, 46, managed the home. Their children included Frank, 20, employed as a chin maker; Fred, 16, a plumber; Judith, 12; Alice, 10; David, 8; and Margaret, 3.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, John and Judith were living at 2 Barnet Street. John, now 57, was employed as a dock porter, and Judith was 55. Their children at home were Alice, 20, working as a general servant; David, 17, employed as a milk driver; and Margaret Victoria, 13.

Military Service

Attestation Papers

In 1915, John enlisted in the King’s (Liverpool Regiment). Despite having been born in 1853, his attestation papers recorded his age as 49. In truth, he was 62 years old, making him one of the oldest men to enlist in the First World War. His determination to serve, even at such an advanced age, demonstrates the extraordinary commitment shown by some men who felt compelled to join the fight.

Death and Burial

Liverpool Echo

By the end of the year, John had died on 2^nd October 1915 at Swansea King’s Dock. His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo.

John Armstrong Courtie
Danygraig Cemetery
credit - findagrave

Private John Armstrong Courtie was buried at Danygraig Cemetery, Swansea.

Legacy

John Armstrong Courtie’s story is remarkable not only for his service but for his extraordinary age at enlistment. While many men lied about being older to join the army, Courtie concealed the opposite, reducing his age by more than a decade to serve his country. His grave at Danygraig is a lasting memorial to his determination, reminding us that the sacrifices of the Great War came from men of all ages, from the youngest volunteers to those, like John, who were well into their sixties.