Sorry about that, thought my reply had been posted a few days ago, but this site seems to have a habit of swallowing things!
I've checked through all my records for the 1st, 2nd and 4/5th Bn RSF between 1935 and 1940, can't find him in any of the journals, lists or seniority rolls. Most odd!
From looking at his age, medals and location, I would say that he joined the RSF when he was 18 (there are 3 John Blacks) to see the last year of the war and continued serving for at least 10 years. Then he must have left and been put on a reserve list, only to have been recalled in 1940 to train soldiers at the depot in Ayr. (he is wearing a sash, which brings a depot sergeant to mind) he is wearing the ribbons for 2 medals (perhaps the victory and war medals of WW1)
Unless of course I have it all wrong and due to the BEF losses of the 2nd RSF in 1940, he was drafted in from another regiment?
Only his service record will tell you. (have you applied to the MOD for it?)
Sorry I can't be of any more use.
Miskimmin wise, we are south of england born and bred, but my grandfather was an orphan at one of the quarrier homes in Glasgow and his birth certificate say's Newtonards on it. So I can only presume they came over in the 20's.
What is your interest in the miskimmin name?
ttfn
Iain