| Regimental number | 15278 |
| Date of birth | |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Occupation | Clerk |
| Marital status | Married |
| Age at embarkation | 30 |
| Height | 5' 10" |
| Weight | 147 lbs |
| Next of kin | Wife, Mrs M. Laing, 6 Bosworth Terrace, Wellington |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on embarkation | Lieutenant |
| Enlistment status | Volunteer |
| Unit name | New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 15th Reinforcements, 1st Draft, Otago Infantry Battalion, D Company |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Wellington on board Waitemata on |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Embarked Wellington, 25 July 1916; disembarked Devonport, England, 3 October 1916. Proceeded overseas to France, 24 October 1916; joined 1st Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment, 29 October 1916. Report, Captain E.J. McIntyre, 1 March 1917: 'In the best interests of the men under my command, I beg to report, that Lt Laing J.A. does not possess those qualities of leadership required for the efficient & effective leading of his men in the field. He lacks inititaive & the power to inspire in his men that confience which is so essential for the effective handling of men in action.' Lt Colonel Charters, CO, 1st Bn, Otago Infantry Regiment, 1 March 1917: 'This officer came with 15th Reinfocements as a Lieut. and although he is the second senior Lieut in the Battalion, he is inferior in knowledge & capability to the Second Lieutenants.' Seconded for duty in England; attached on strength of NZEF Headquarters, London, 19 March 1917. Commenced return to New Zealand from Plymouth on board HT 'Athenic', 5 April 1917 (rated as 'inefficient and not fit to hold a commission in the field'); discharged, 18 July 1917. Total war service: 1 year 1 62 days (of which 321 days were abroad) Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 37, p. 10 Archives New Zealand (Wellington), Agency AABK, Series 18805 |