John Gillies was born in Scotland in September, 1882.  He emigrated to Canada prior to the war and enlisted in July, 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba with the 78th Battalion.  Gillies went overseas but was discharged in December, 1916 on compassionate grounds, and died in Winnipeg in November, 1918.  The collection currently consists of three photographs and his discharge certificate.  See also the collection of James Gillies, his brother.