John Young was recruited into the Factory’s growing Toy Department on his first day on 29th January 1929 and worked there until 1966.
He was worker number 62.
In 1916, as an 18 year old Corporal in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, John was badly gassed and wounded during the Battle of the Somme.
Exposure to a gas attack during the First World War, particularly mustard gas, would have caused physiological trauma for soldiers like John as well as inflict long-term damage on their lungs, respiratory, muscular and nervous system. It would have also affected eyes to some degree and caused all sorts of symptoms daily ranging from skin-itching to nausea to seizures.
A trained tailor by trade, John's skilled needlework made him a natural fit for toy making, and during his 37 years at the factory he played a key role in expanding its toy product range.
The toys were sold year round in the factory’s three Edinburgh shops, including one on George Street, and onboard the Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory Travelling Shop, which visited Balmoral in the summer. As well, the factory's toys reached a global audience through 25 cruise liners that sailed all over the world.
John also fulfilled special orders for Christmas and birthday presents.
As a key member of the department, he would have advised on toy design and manufacturing processes.
He spent his days sewing teddy bears and other soft toys together using his sewing machine.
He also designed dress patterns for doll’s clothing and made upholstery for miniature sofas, curtains and beds to be used within the department’s doll houses.
John retired from working in the factory in 1966.
