Son of John Croall, newseller, and Sarah of 45 Florence Park, Redland. Younger brother of Mary.

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Croall was born on 06/09/1892, and attended the School from 1905-1912. He served as a Captain in the Army, with the Royal Scots Fusiliers 5th Bn.. Croall sadly lost his life on 04/10/1917, as a result of the War.

 

Remembered on Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium, panels 60 to 61.

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Wills Tobacco

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Croall left BGS in 1912, and became a clerk at Wills Tobacco Company. It is reported in company minutes, from 15th September 1914, that permission to enlist might be granted to members of staff beyond the agreed percentage. This would initially include JJ Croall, and two others.

 

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A Machine Gun Opened Fire

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"joined the Artists' Rifles in 1915, and obtained a commission in the 5th Royal Scots Fusiliers. In September, 1916, he went to France, attached to the Warwicks. The Colonel of the latter regiment writes: 'He was a fine company-commander, and everyone loved him. The men would have followed him anywhere, and are very much cut up at his death. He died gallantly leading his company on the 4th October. A machine-gun opened fire on his company just as they started to advance, shooting him through the head and killing him instantly. I cannot express how deeply I feel for you. He is a great loss to us all.' " - December 1917