On 10 September 1915, the Fremantle Herald reported: “J.A. McTavish, a junior player who used to operate with the old Richmond team, has also found an honored grave in blood-stained Gallipoli.” He also appeared a few times for Rangers United.
John McTavish was a bugler in the 11th Battalion and was one of the first ashore on the morning of 25 April 1915. On 6 August 1915 he received a serious gunshot wound to the shoulder. He did not recover from his wounds and died at sea on board the hospital ship Sicilia on 10 August 1915. John McTavish was buried at sea on the same date by Chaplain Steele. He was only 22 years of age.