Colonel John Greene DSO (May 1878 - )

 

John Greene was born 26th May 1878. He was the son of John Greene of Stelling Hall, Stocksfield, Northumberland and the former Maria Woodhead Porter.

He was educated at Marlborough College and joined the 14 Company (Northumberland) 5th battalion Imperial Yeomanry, raised in 1900, as Private 3174. He was appointed to a Second Lieutenancy in the 7th Dragoon Guards in August 1900. He served in the South African War, 1900-02 and was wounded when the the 7th Dragoon Guards were engaged on the 21st September 1901. One man was killed and three wounded; West African Frontier Force, 1908-12. During World War One he commanded the 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment and the 10th Infantry Brigade and was awarded the DSO in 1917. He also served in Mesopotamia 1919-21. In 1922 he was posted to the 9th Lancers and retired from the Army in 1928, Brigadeer-General John Greene DSO.

He married Iris Marguerite Selby-Bigge in 1931and they had one son and three daughters. He was the Managing Director of John Greene and Sons, General Merchants of Gateshead.

During World War Two he was the Home Guard No 3 Group Commander which included the Gosforth, Forest Hall, Blyth and Tynemouth Home Guard Battalions. He lived at Villa Nanon, 42 North road, Ponteland, Northumberland.

 

If you have any information on John Greene or anyone who served in the Northumberland Home Guard, Newcastle Battalions please contact ph@ccoynblhomeguard.co.uk