Private John Hogg was born in the Parish of Newmonkland, near Airdrie, Lanarkshire and attested for the 71st Regiment locally in May 1859, aged 18 years. Advanced to Corporal in September of the same year and to Sergeant in December 1862, he is verified as having participated in the Umbeyla operations shortly afterwards. Sadly, however, in October 1864, he was reduced to the ranks for 'disgraceful conduct', never again rising above the rank of Private although not discharged until August 1880. His intended place of residence was 'Stonegate Vicarage, Ticehurst, Sussex'.