Hi Listers, Family legend has it that my g.g.grandfather was born John BLYTH(E), but deserted from the army & changed his name to John LAW, his mother's maiden name, which is the name he used to marry my g.g.grandmother in Lanark in 1880. It would seem likely - although not yet definite - that he was born John BLYTHE, the son of Andrew BLYTHE and Margaret LAW in Markinch, Fife, in 1851. Can anyone point me the right direction to trace an army derserter - guess it would be 1870s? Many thanks ... Ann Callaghan