| John McCotter was the eldest son of John and Mary McCotter. John McCotter married Mary McLaughlin on 24th September 1891 in Limavady.
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| The CWGC spelling ‘MacCotter’ is clearly incorrect. At no point anywhere is that spelling used.
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| John McCotter was born on 19th November 1893 in Killygullib, Hervey Hill, Kilrea, Co Derry, Ireland
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| The 1901 census lists John as age 7 living with the family at house 58 in Killygullib Glebe, Hervey Hill, County Londonderry. His father was a farmer.
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| John attended Durmagarner School, Kilrea, Co Derry, Ireland.
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| Family: John McCotter, Mary McCotter, Mary McCotter (born 13th August 1892), John McCotter (born 19th November 1893), James McCotter (born 21st February 1895), Joseph McCotter (born 31st December 1896), Patrick McCotter (born 2nd April 1898), Eliza McCotter (born 3rd January 1900), Thomas McCotter (born 11th July 1904).
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| The 1911 census lists John as age 17 living with the family at house 13 in Lisnagroat, Tamlaght, County Londonderry.
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| John McCotter emigrated to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia about 1913. Records show his age on arrival in Australia was 19.
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| John McCotter attended Kelly's College in Brisbane.
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| Prior to enlisting, John worked as a Tram employee in Brisbane.
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| John McCotter enlisted in Brisbane on 30 November 1915. He gave his next of kin as his mother, Mrs Mary McCotter, Lisnagroat, Kilrea, Co Derry, Ireland.
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| Private McCotter left Sydney with his unit on 3rd May 1916. They arrived in Egypt on 13th June. They left Egypt on 6th August and arrived in Salisbury Plains on 16th August 1916.
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| John was as a Cadet in Kandahar Barracks, Tidworth. He gained a commission while there.
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| John McCotter’s division was ordered to France on 24th November.
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| He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1st December 1916.
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| From the Northern Constitution dated 2nd December 1916:
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| A reception committee was headed by Mr W J Henry J.P. awaiting the arrival of the 5:52 on Tuesday to bid a hearty welcome to Sergeant John McCotter, Australian Infantry Corps, on a short leave to his father Mr John McCotter, Lisnagrot. He left on Tuesday.
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| Lance Corporal McCotter was admitted to 10th Field Ambulance on 16 December 1916 with mumps. He was transferred to the 1st Canadian Casualty Clearing Station on 17th December 1916 and then on to 7th General Hospital, St Omer on 18th December 1916.
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| Lance Corporal McCotter was discharged to Base Details on 8th January 1917 and rejoined unit same day in the field.
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| Lance Corporal McCotter was transferred to and taken on strength of 11th Light Trench Mortar Battery on 12th February 1917.
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| Lance Corporal John McCotter was serving with the 11th Light Trench Mortar Battery when he was wounded in action on 25th March 1917 with a gunshot wound to the chest.
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| Lance Corporal McCotter died of his wounds at 2nd Casualty Clearing Station the following day on 26th March 1917 He was 24 years old.
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| From the Belfast Newsletter dated 4th April 1917:
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| Lance Corporal John McCotter, Australian Forces, Lisnagrot, Kilrea, died of wounds.
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| From the Northern Constitution dated 28th April 1917:
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| Official intimation has been received by Mr John McCotter, 11th Light Trench Mortar Battery, A.I.F., died on 26th March 1917 at the 2nd Casually Clearing Station, France, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Lance Corporal McCotter paid a short visit home some months ago. He emigrated to Australia four or five years ago and responded to the call of the motherland at the outbreak of hostilities. Lieutenant Wilson, O.C. of the section to which the deceased was attached writes:-
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‘His unfailing good nature, his readiness to work and his ability to smile when circumstances were made him a favourite with all. We feel the loss of a friend.’
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| Lance Corporal McCotter is buried in Bailleul Communal Cemetery.
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| John McCotter is also commemorated on Kilrea War Memorial.
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| The CWGC record Lance Corporal John McCotter as the son of John and Mary McCotter, of Lisnagroat, Kilrea, Co. Londonderry.
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