Between 1823 and 1881 the 72nd Highlanders wore Royal Stuart Tartan (Prince Charles Edward Sett)
The red backround in the PCE Sett is slightly smaller than in the normal Royal Stuart.
Mhy father David Baxter Anderson was in the battalion both before and during ww11. Some of the stories were about Italy, where he was wounded although nothing was ever mentioned about the woundor the cause he met my Mother while in training for the Norway campaign ( a disaster some say)and was learning to ski and fell heavily and broke a leg. However i say this as a pointer to the fact that they were at that stage based at a large house called Blairmore in Aberdeenshire the valley in which the house can be found is Glass. It is half way between Huntly and Duftown my Grandfather was head gamekeeper in the area.
according to the information i have gleaned and continue to try the 2nd Battalion were taken out of France at some time prior to Dunkirk to train for the winter campaign in Norway. my father was Batman to Sir Gordon Lennox at that stage. There has been a suggestion that they were also involved with the hidding of caches of arms around the highlands. As they were all expecting the invasion across the channel. I stress the this is not proven although there was a peice in the local paper the Huntly Express about this happenning after the passing of a local who was involved in some way with this preperation for the continuing fight.
I am in Western Australia about 3.5 hours SE of perth in a town ??? called Kulin. hope this is of some help we both seem to be dpoing the same thing and i expect like me have had enough of brick walls anyway have a nice day.
I was under the impression that the 3rd Gordons stayed
in England during WW1. After reading the war diaries
relating to the 1st battalion, they received men from
the 3rd battalion to argument strengh in early 1915.
It seems they were also there in a administrative
capacity; the heading on the casualty form B103,
states the REGIMENT- CORPS as the 3rd Gordons.
According to E.A. James the 3rd Gordons stayed in Aberdeen throughout the War. Like all 3rd Battalions it was a Reserve and Training battalion for the two regular battalions.
Again according to James the 3rd Gordons provided drafts of 800 officers and 20,000 men for the regular battalions during the war.
Thanks Adam, the reason for my asking is as foiiows,
My Grandfather joined the 1/7th Gordons in May 1915.
Was posted to the 1st battalion on the 5th sept 1915.
Wounded in action 18th July 1916,still with 1st. BUT,
the heading on casualty form B103 states,
REGIMENT-CORPS as 3rd Gordons! Can you explain?
Hi John,
According to Order of Battle of Divisions part 1, by Major AF Becke(pp49-57), 1st Gordons were in the 76 Brigade, which was part of THIRD division in the period in question.This division was part of XIII Corps, Fourth Army from 14/7-16/17/8/1916.
I would hazard a guess, therefore, that the orderly mixed the spaces up and it should read Gordons, 3 Division.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Gordon
Hello Gordon, thanks for your contribution which seems
the feasible solution. BUT..My Grandfather was posted to his original battalion the 7th Gordons on the 1/12/16; and again on the 18/8/17 was attended by the
field ambulance.
And I'm sorry to say it on this other casualty form-
active service it states this time by rubber stamp,
REGIMENT-CORPS 3RD GORDON HIGHLANDERS.
Hi John,
In that case, all I can suggest is that you contact another contributor to here called Tom Tulloch-Marshall at prosearch@btinternet.com.
Tom specialises in tracing military records, and he may be able to trace your father's arny service records which may solve the problem once and for all.
Regards,
Gordon
Gordon - I dont know about my being "last ditch" ?! - but last week I did manage to put the car into a ditch ! - I've got plenty of excuses though - French battlefield - farm track - loads of mud, and no traction. Getting it out was amusing (not).
John - ref "posted to the 1st battalion on the 5th sept 1915. Wounded in action 18th July 1916,still with 1st. BUT, the heading on casualty form B103 states,
REGIMENT-CORPS as 3rd Gordons!" >
It was extremely common for men who left their battalions wounded, sick, etc, especially those returning to the UK, to be nominally "posted" to the home service battalion for pay and admin purposes - this applies to both Officers and Other Ranks. A huge proportion of these men never actually went near the regimental depot or saw any kind of service with the home service battalion - it was purly an administrative arrangement. Hence the "confusing" paperwork.
Regards - Tom
Well done Tom!
Knew you would have the answer! I knew you took your research seriously, but do you have to take it to the point of getting stuck in an authentic WW1 ditch to relive the experience!?
Regards, Gordon
Gordon - I did it deliberately really - so my mate and I could get some authentic Labour Corps "experience" getting the darned thing out again. Amazing what you can do with a spade, jack, couple of lenghts of wood, and a pile of stones. Probably slightly easier than un-ditching tanks though !
It was, by the way, my mate's company car - that's a good tip for the battlefields - always use someone else's car ! - Regards - Tom
Tom
Thanks for your item on wounded etc being posted to reserve battalions. I am currentley researching a man who seems to have served in several battalions and units of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Your item explains the how and why.
DOES anyone who contributes to this forum have a knowledge of equestrianism (phew!) and showjumping?
I am attempting to trace records of my grandfather's cousin. His name was Fred Ahern, a colonel in the Irish Defence Force. He is credited as a founder of the army's equitation school at The Curragh and led the Irish Army team to a number of international championships in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Biographical and career details are scant, although he died in 1958.
Very much a short in the dark and a little off topic, I hope you'll indulge me.
I am looking for information about a person with the name Stephen Craig. He was an airpilot during the second war 2 and was shoot down maybe in Germany during the war. He was married to Mary Caig, and her stops the informaton about this couple. Is there anybody that can help me with more information about this couple?
Isnt it funny when you give thought to it many people complain about walking a few miles to get exercise
My uncle was in Black Watch and he used to laugh like crazy in the joggers they wont all complain after a few miles he said they should have been with him in europe,he said he never realised it but they walked all over Europe never gave a thought to where they were going or how many miles they had walked,he said he landed in europe and was all round the desert with Monty and walked every where he said to me he only weighed 9stone had legs like a greyhound,and no matter how many woodbine he smoke was never out of breath so what happened to modern man few miles and completely knackered,and they dont carry anything,I used to work for a scrapman and he said he was in RASC during war and all through the war drove a lorry, he said he couldnt resist picking up souveniers from most towns they got just wee nic nacs he said and and the worst day of his life was when his lorry was blown up at Dunkirk,he said that put him off collecting after that and laughed,he just seem to never discuss the sad times and then he was transferred to the infantry and walked all the rest of the war,and people complain after a few miles now.
If you contact www.BagpipesatBest.com you will enjoy listen to the A-Z on all tunes its a great site and makes your feet tap,,many Gordon tunes.and if any pipers out there havent the wind anymore to play you can get electronic pipes they have same chanter only you dont blow same fingering, site is www.electronic bagpipes.com if you have problems finding contact my email address thanks slanche scottybearcat@yahoo.co.uk
Hello wondered if you can help me there used to be a large house in ADEN Park between Mintlaw and maud etc I have been told the military used it in 1944 my father was with The americans stationed there January-May1944 anyway there was 200 plus american guys there plus British I can find out what American corps were there then and what regiments of British army was there I was told it was training camp,for Gordon Highlanders,, my mothers brother was in Gordons and died at Kranji POW camp 1939 his name was George william Cassie number 2876173 he was in 2nd battalion his sister my mother died in 1967 it seems her and my father had banns up to marry but he was shipped 3 days before wedding and id like to know if he ever made it through the war or I can honor his memory and finding out his division or Corps iss what I require to contact US army records in St Louis all I know he was with Americans stationed there ,,was about 200plus guys, at a training camp at ADEN HOUSE thats all info I have already contacted Whitehall they recomended i try local Gordons Museum /TA after all they always used old camps etc. maybe you can help,maybe you have something on record I have been searching for my parents for 50years and by sheer luck met a guy on a chat room thats father in law was sargent Major in Gordons TA ,the guy I met on internet was also the local master of Masonic lodge so he knew all news in the village of Maud where my parents were ,all I need is name of the United States corp that was there in Jan-May 1944,my parents met at the dance they had saturday night I need to know what american corps were there in January-May1944 before going to Normandy etc contact,,,can you help me please ,replies to Bryan Scott Cassie Screen name > scottybearcat@yahoo.co.uk
I have just read an article in the Dundee Courier
about a Wireless listening station in Montreathmont Forest near Kinnell called PO Box 25, Forfar or
SCU3, during the second world war. I was wandering if anybody could tell me more about it,when opened / closed. or any photos etc. Im just naturally curious as I live in the area.
Hi David,
From what i remember, these were usually large metal tanks located underground to minimise electrical interference, with the radio equipment etc crammed into a tight space. There was usually a hut or two above ground, both as a shelter/cookhouse, and equipment store. The aerial was situated above ground too, of course.
These were usually run by the Y service, which I think was a branch of mi6, and I'm sure there was another one near Cupar. There was a book about the Y service which was published in 1980 by an ex-servicewoman, and I'll try to find the details amongst my notes.
I don't have any information on Montreathmont specifically, but the chances are that at least some of it still remains: I remember reading an article in Short Wave Magazine about ten years ago about a farmer somewhere in England digging up what he had thought for years was maybe an old jeep or tank, and finding the underground chamber for a forgotten listening post!
Regards, Gordon
Hi David,
The book I mentioned is "The Enemy is listening: The Story of the Y service", by Aileen Clayton. This was published in 1980, but I don't have the publisher's name.
Another book you could try is "This Dangerous Menace:Dundee and the River Tay at War 1939-45" by Andrew Jeffery. Again, published in 1993 but don't have the details. This chap is actually engaged in maritime research at St. Andrews University, so you might be able to contact him if necessary.An unrelated book which you might be interested in is "On Flows the Tay-Perth and the First World War" by Dr. Bill Harding, published in 2000 by Cualann Press. This actually covers the wider area, not just Perth. I got all these books in my local library, but if you can't get them try the inter-library loan system. There might be a small fee, but they're capable of wondrous things!
Regards, Gordon
Found your message on the internet on Montreathmont i am a radio engineer at montreathmont radio station which is owned by the Scottish Executive can i help ?
Would anyone who has read John Hussey's article in Isuue No.117 of "The British Army Review" entitled " 'Uncle' Harper at Cambrai: A Reconsideration" care to comment on the content/ conclusions ?
I also understand that this article was published in the Journal of the Western Front Association, "Stand To!" No.62 in 2001
We are trying to put together a list of events for the June Gathering in France so we can circulate it to all interested parties on my list. ANY information you have on Services, visits to memorials etc., together with dates and times would be appreciated.
You have been sent this mailing as you appear on our list as "interested or connected to the Parachute Regiment". If you do not wish to receive further contacts from us please advise and we will remove your details.
EXTRA EVENT FOR JUNE.
On 4th June 2003 at the small village of Vatteville La Rue, Seine Maritime, France two men of the 8th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment, killed in August 1944, will be remembered and honoured by their families, friends and old comrades.
Charles Rutherford McIlhargey, from Renfrew, and his comrade Robert Box, from Carlisle, both of 8th Para, lie together in this quiet and peaceful village churchyard, next to another Commonwealth War Grave, that of Trevor Morgan of the South Wales Borderers.
Charles and Robert were wounded in late August 1944 during heavy fighting in the nearby village of Beuzeville. They were left by their comrades in a small field just outside the village while fighting continued. When their comrades returned for them they had disappeared, for many years it was thought they had been picked up by the Germans and shot.
A few years ago it was discovered from local villagers, the two men had been picked up by a German patrol, their wounds treated before being loaded onto transport and moved out. It was during this journey the German convoy was spotted by an RAF plane and attacked subsequently killing the two men.
Bern and Fay Robins, who are related to Charles McIlhargey, have been piecing together the story and tracing the surviving families. With the help of Yves La Cuziat from The Friends of 8th, situated in France, they have organised the event which will be attended by Charlie's daughter from Canada and his only surviving brother who will both be visiting the grave for the first time. It is also hoped that Robert's surviving brothers will also attend, as will many veterans from The Parachute Regiment.
Bern and Fay have made up a commemoration (attached) to the two men, had it blown up and framed and will present it to the Mayor of the village at the ceremony. They are always pleased to hear from Para Veterans or their families and can be contacted by phone or Fax on 0033 - 299 485 629 or by e-mail on robins.at.trans@wanadoo.fr
Photographs of the War Graves of the Parachute Regiment who are buried in France are available FREE on the Internet at www.genuki.org.uk/big/paras/
Best Wishes
Bernard and Fay ROBINS
4 Rue Du Mont St. Michel
Trans La Forét
FRANCE
first who would have taken photos'as camera's not invented till 1800s, try internet type at keyword Uniforms of Highland Regiments 1600s onwards,Stirling castle shop has great book on that subject
I have a large (rather battered) photo of The Highland Society London. The occasion was the Welcome Home Banquet to the Officers of Highland Regiments and Corps who served in South Africa. The 125th Anniversary Dinner, Grand Hall, Hotel Cecil, London, 21st March 1903.
If there is anyone out there who would be interested to have it, let me know. I would be most happy to send it to anyone who would like it!
Hello Wendy,
I am doing some research into the Hotel Cecil and one of my Internet searches produced your Posting of Feb 24th 2003, which mentions that you have a photo, taken at the Hotel, of a military dinner in 1903. I write in the hope that you might still have it, even after all this time .
I am looking for information relating to Polish camp guards at camp 21 Comrie ( Cultybraggen ). Inparticular I am after information regarding a Leiutenant Augustyn Stasko who was stationed there and remained in Scotland after the war changing his name to Stewart.
Hi Richard,
You could try the various Polish ex-servicemen's organisations . There are clubs in most areas.
For a more exact note of Polish Units involved, if you have access to the PRO or have someone who can do it for you, a look in the series Weeky/Monthly returns on the strength of the British Army (Scottish Command)will tell you who was stationed at camp 21. If you scroll down the forum a few lines, you will find an answer I gave to a researcher looking for information on POW camps in Angus-you may find the leaflets I mentioned to him useful.
Regards,
Gordon
Dear sir; I ould like to find any information that
you may have on my Grandfather:
Sgt. John McLarty who served with the 5th Highland
Light Infantry (Glasgow) I believe his Regt'l
Number was l694. He was killed on 25 Dec 1915 while
serving in the Dardenelles
John - quite possibly "Inflammation of Connective Tissue" - inflammation of the joints or cartilage. Movements post admission to the Field Ambulance may give you a clue.
Regards - Tom
Hi Graeme,
According to "The Admiralty regrets: British Warship Losses in the 20th century" by Paul Kemp, this ship was an armed merchant cruiser built in 1923 and was sunk by the German raider Thor on 4th April 1941, at 14 deg. 25' N, 40 deg. 40' W.
The Admiralty intercepted a German communique the next day which stated that the Voltaire had been sunk with no survivors. A Canadian AMC, the Prince Henry, reported steaming through oil and wreckage on 7th and 9th May and it was thought this might have come from the Voltaire. When she did not answer signals, the Voltaire was declared lost on 3rd May.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Gordon
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY.FROM MY RESEARCH I KNEW THAT THE THOR HAD SUNK THE VOLTAIRE JUST ONE OF THE THOR'S MANY SUCESSES.THERE WERE INDEED MANY SURVIVORS ABOUT 75% OF MAN WERE TAKEN ABOARD THE THOR AND TAKEN BACK TO GERMANY,MY GRANDFATHER WAS ONE OF THEN.TRYING TO FIND OUT WHICH POW CAMP THEY WERE SENT TO.MY MOTHER REMEMBERS SOMETHING ABOUT IT BEING NEAR A CONCENTRATION CAMP,BUT NOT WHICH ONE.ALSO GOING BY THE CITY OF DUNDEE ROLL OF HONOUR THERE SEEMED A LARGE PERCENTAGE MEN FROM DUNDEE,MOSTLY IN THE R.N.V.R.
We belive that my father in law James C Russell (Jimmy) was on the Voltaire and became a prisoner of war finally escaping by stealing a German Staff Car and joining up with Paton's columns. He would have been about 18 when this ship was sunk but ufortunatly never talked about his time in Germany. He died in 1995 and if you come across any info on him I would be oblidged if you could pass this on. He came from Torry in Aberdeen.
hi john ,sorry can't be much help at moment. only thing i can suggest is to try and get a copy of sailors in cages by roger coward.he was a member of crew of the voltaire when it was sunk.this is a fairly old book printed in the 60's or there abouts.
I was interested to reseach the vessel that my uncle- David McLean was sunk on during the war. Reading your message you wanted to know which POW camp they were confined for the period of the war. My uncle was imprisoned in Stalag VIIIB in Upper Silesia in Poland.He was in the camp band, a photo of him and his fellow band members was sent to my mother in postcard form. He escaped but was recaptured and beaten by the Germans.He returned to Dundee at the end of the war, but in 1951 left for Canada where he lived in London Ontario until he died in 2002 - aged 82.
I hope this information may be of some help in knowing where many of the crew were held prisoner.
Read with interest your paragraph. That was my father. During his time as a POW he was latterly held at Milnagord in Germany before being repatriated because of a foot/leg injury. Recuparation took place near Liverpool before being allowed back to Dundee where he was married in Oct 1944 at St.Mary's Lochee to my mother Isabella.
Sgt. John Munro 78th Regement
Died Between 1842 and 1870
From Ross and Cromarty good posibility from Resolis are
Children were Helen, Cathrine, and Duncan.
thank you for any help.
RAF Roll of Honour Project is seeking information on RAF casualties 1918 - 1948 and British and Commonwealth Air Forces in Second World War
Project has been given help by the CWGC and have access to details recorded on Debt of Honour register, but Project wants to expand details, add information in cases when little is recorded, ie Squadrons and the many Training Units, cross reference to aircraft involved, serial number of aircraft, other caualties in same aircraft etc. crash location etc
Details of interwar RAF deaths especially welcome along with places of burial, especially if non CWGC Gravestone
Any help / assistance most gratefully received and fully acknowledged
Project aims to compile a searchable database covering all casualties.
Allister Smith (no login) from IP address 217.158.156.200
Does anyone know what the colours of the KOSB Piper's hose tops were, prior to the 2nd W.W.?
Of course they could be the same as today but I can only view black and white photographs of the period.
Sincerely
Allister Smith
From the colour illustrations in Scottish Units in the World Wars, the picture of Pvt D Laidlaw VC 15th Division 1915 his hose are khaki with red and green diamond patterns and red flashes.
The pipe bag and kilt are Royal Stewart.
Hello Malcolm,
Thank you for the information and for responding to my query.
Sorry not to have responded before, I thought that I had organised all responses to be sent to my e-mail address.
Aye yours
Allister
If any of you are into the military game "Cossacks, the Art of War" I just want to inform you that I have our version of this tragic battle, Culloden, at our site. We are the Hawks and we build historic battles using the Editor from this game, post them, and then play them against each other at the site for the game. Go check out our site http://thehawks.50megs.com
I wonder if anyone has any information on the regiment my uncle was in I know it was artillary and he went to India in 1935 I have heard the term Battleaxes, he had been writing his memoirs but had only got to 1942 he died 2 weeks ago aged 93
my Dad is 83 and was in the 51st HD and has lost his medals and we would love to replace them for fathers day I have a list of them so if anyone has any ideas where to get them from I would be pleased to hear from them
Hi Glen,
Battleaxe could refer to two things; Operation Battleaxe, 15th June 1941 when the British launched an offensive intended to relieve Tobruk and recapture Cyrenaica. However, the 51st weren't in Africa at this time so perhaps your father took part in this before either he or his regiment were later transferred to the 51st.
The other reference is to the 78th (Battleaxe) Infantry Division which took part in Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa in November 1942.
If you know your father's regiment, you could try looking up www.regiments.org to try and get some more details.
Regards, Gordon
Hi Thanks for your reply but you misread what I wrote
I was asking about my uncles regiment this was where the term battleaxes came in I think it was a name for the regiment they were the last to actually have horse drawn artillery I think he said they wore red coats? in 1935 when he went to India.
then I had enquired about medals for my father he is still alive and knows where his regiment went etc he has an excellant memory
many thanks Glen
Sorry Glen!
Managed to get both parts mixed for some reason. Haven't heard of an artillery reg. called battleaxes, but if you scroll down the forum till you find a message from Tom Tulloch-Marshall, he would probably be your best bet to chase up sources.
Regards,
Gordon
My great Uncle, James Fox Fothergill,served as a Private with the Cameronians on the Western front where he died on Thursday 28th January 1915 aged 26. He is buried in the Royal Irish Rifles Graveyard at Laventie.
Does anyone know what the 2nd battalion were doing in the area at the time andany idea why a Scottish Rifles would be buriedin the Irish Rifles Graveyard?
The Royal Irish Rifles Graveyard is only the name given to the cemetery and it does not mean only RIR soldiers could be buried there.
It was either started by the RIR who gave it its name, or a lot of the men in the cemetery were from the RIR and the Regiment requested that the cemeteries name be changed as is the case with Seaforth Cemetery in Belgium.
If you look up your great uncle's entry on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website there will be a short description of the cemetery, where it is, when it was used, and probably why it gots its name.
2nd Cameronians were in 23rd Brigade, 8th Division.
8th Division in War 1914-1918 by Lt Col J H Boraston and Capt E O Bax Cyril was reprinted in 1999 by Naval and Military Press ISBN 1-897623-673 order code 2953 costing Ł36.00
It is a comprehensive history and has lists of awards, mentions in despatches etc. It also has excellent maps of each area which the 8th were.
Good hunting
Aye
Malcolm
Hi David,
You could try writing to the PRO at Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond TW9 4DU, asking for Military Records Leaflet no. 19 (Prisoners of War and Displaced Persons 1939-53), and no. 29 (Prisoners of War in British Hands 1698-1919). You can also do this through the website at www.pro.gov.uk.
In the Great War, both the War Office and the Foreign Office had POW depts., but the former was attached to the Home Office. This had responsibility for the 25 or so of these in Scotland.
In ww2, the War Office was responsible for all POWs, and there were about 20 camps in Scotland.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Gordon
I am looking for my Father, John Henry James Provette, whom I understand was a Private in the Royal Scots in 1955.I was born in Southlands Hospital in 1955, 2nd July and was then given up for adpotion. At present I now know my Mothers name to be Vera Gladys May Provette. My mission in life here is to try to find my mother and my father and would be very grateful for any information that anyone could give.
Three pictures of my greatgrandfather William Clark Easson.
1st pic is him alone in kilt uniform
2nd pic is him and three friends in dress uniform (pants)
3rd pic "THE MYSTERIOUS RAGS" is on a banner above a group of gentlemen in suits some with flowers in lapels and most wearing hats,also some have canes in there hands. The on sitting in the center of the photo has a lute. My gandmother wrote on the back of the photo "My father and gang"
I think you must be refering to the Black Watch Of Canada. There were 3 Battalions of the Canadian Black Watch (CBW), and because the Battalions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) were numbered as they were raised, the three CBW battalions were numbered,13,42 and 73. I believe that the Valcartier Camp was the Depot Camp of the 1st Quebec Regiment which sent drafts to England to the 20th Reserve Battalion, which in turn sent men to France to the 13th and 42nd Battalions CEF. I am not sure where the 73rd got their men. I am curently researching the service of a man who served in all three battalions!
I am trying to get as much information as I can about my grandfathers service in the Machine Gun Corps in ww1. I know he was in the machine gun battalion attached to the 51st Highland Division, joining them in France in January 1918, and served until after the Armistice. I also know that he was involved in the March retreat and was wounded at least once. If anyone could give me pointers as to where he would have served, and the actions he would have been involved in I would be very grateful. Unfortuately his diary is mostly illegible now, having been written in pencil.
I don't know how much help I can be but each Brigade had its own Machine Gun Company until 1918 when they came under Divisional Command as a Machine Gun Battalion within the Divisional Order of Battle (ORBAT).
Each MG Coy took its numerical title from the Brigade to which it was attached. In the case of the three Brigades attached to 51st (Highland) Division they were all formed on 16 January 1916 as follows:
152nd Machine Gun Company 152 MG Coy was attached to
152nd (1st Highland) Brigade, 51st Highland Division
153rd Machine Gun Company 153 MG Coy was attached to
153rd (2nd Highland) Brigade, 51st Highland Division
154th Machine Gun Company 154 MG Coy was attached to
154th (3rd Highland) Brigade, 51st Highland Division
On 19 February 1918, the three MG Coy's were absorbed into the 51st Battalion, Machine Gun Corps
(51 Bn MGC)
A great uncle from the Glasgow area died in WW1. All we have is a very small picture in what is thought to be a "Sweetheart" pendant. From this picture, the hat badge appears to be a snake or serpent entwined around a vertical rod or pole. Picture is too small to see any other details. If anyone can identify the unit from this description, I would be pleased to hear. The person in the picture is one of two Graham boys from the Glasgow area killed in the war. Search of records has indicated some possibles but as their parents were deceased, no next of kin listed to assist in identification. If regiment can be identified, it may be of considerable help. Thanks.
George Leask
If the serpent climbing the rod is contained within a small laurel and surmounted by a crown, it is probably the Regimental Cap Badge of the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Further to my last, I have done some digging at the Commonwealth War Graves Site (metaphorically speaking of course) and, using your criteria, have come up with one possible match.
There are 1049 persons named Graham who were killed during the Great War.
Of these, only 12 appeared to have served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and only one, who was incidentally awarded the Military Medal, was listed as coming from Glasgow with parents who were deceased.
He is:
322083 Private James GRAHAM, MM
2nd/2nd North Midland Field Ambulance RAMC
who died on 21 March 1918 aged 37 and is
commemorated on the ARRAS Memorial.
His Next of Kin (NOK) are listed as the Late James and Isabella GRAHAM, his parents, and Agnes GRAHAM, his wife, all of 139 Greenhead Street, Glasgow.
From the description that you give of your great uncle's cap badge, it sounds like the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Corps). My great uncle was in the RAMC during WW1 as well.
I recently came accross a picture in the "SCRAN" site of a building in Kilmarnocks' Grange Street described as a factory. I have established that it was once the "Adult School". During the scond world war I remeber it as a tempoary billet for army pesonnel and I would like to establish which regiment/regiments they were. The year would be about 1942/3. If anybody was stationed there or has any information I would be most grateful for their assistance.
I have been told through family folkore that my Great Grandfather was a member of the 1st Battalion...Cameron Highlanders. He would have been inlisted circa WWI. Is there a web site that I can go to or a mailing list that will do look ups? My gr. grandfathers name was Andrew Woods.
The Queen's Own Highlanders Museum at Fort George will have a copy of a four volume list of Cameron Highlanders recruits from 1881-1917. The list is alphabetical and gives regimental numbers. Because your grandfather is not called John MacDonald or Donald MacLeod or such-like there may only be one entry for your g-granfather's name.
The address for the Museaum should be on another part of the Scots at War Site
I have a record that one of my ancesters (John McIsaac)born Comrie 22nd May 1791, was a Colonel. Comrie is, of course near to Perth,but there is no indication as to what regiment (or Militia?) he was serving in. Can anyone help with giving direction as to where I can start searching?
Hi Allister,
You could try looking at www.regiments.org for a starting point. There is also a Comrie near Dunfermline-might be worth checking you have the right one.
Regards, Gordon
Once again,many thanks for your kindness and advice. I'll follow it up. It is most certainly the Perth Comrie but it is a valid and valuable piece of information. I wouldn't have thought to search for another Comrie!
Regards
Allister
My uncle was at both the Battle of Falkland and Jutland and survived both. His shipped survived at the battle of Jutland. I was originally led to believe that he may have been on the Invincible or the Inflexible. I think now that it must have been the latter. I am also informed that he was sent to Archangel in 1917 on what I can only assume to be some kind of clandestine mission as I can find very little information about British involvement in these parts at that time.
Is it possible to find out any information about crew members from the ships at Jutland and more information about the same involved at Archangel 1917.
My Uncle was called Henry Lamont and came from the Naval Dockyard Town of Rosyth in Scotland.
Hi Jim,
I'm sure the Commandos had some sort of training facility at Troon, which was also later used for D-Day training. If you look up www.combinedops.com (i think its .com anyway), you may well find the answer.
Regards, Gordon
A Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers trained in the Upper Rhondda Fawr Valley in South Wales (Seen at Treherbert many times) I presume they were training for Normandy but I am not sure of this fact - What Battalion did I see in the Rhondda as a schoolboy during the Second World War. Do you know?
Looking through my wifes grandmothers diary from 1917
she as a nurse cared for a number of Gordan Highlanders in the Killingsbeck war hospital in leeds.
I would like to know where the Gordan highlanders sreved in 1917.
regards John.
I am an ex pilot from the South African Airforce and a member of the Cape Town Highlanders
1st,2nd, 4th,5th,6th,7th,8th,9th and 10th all in France ( Plus the 48th Highlanders of Canada a sister Regt) Another sister regt, The London Scottish were also in France in fact the 1st Territorial Battalion to land in France.
Is there any way to determine exactly where a Battalion was on a specific day, such as June 15, 1918? An uncle of mine died on that day in France and is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.
Gordon Wilkie (no login) from IP address 195.93.49.8
I found a letter from this organisation's secretary in my local rag, and thought others might be interested in contacting them.
The organisation is a registered charity,founded by a group of both retired and serving police officers, and specialises in battlefield pilgrimage tours. It covers both world wars, not just in Europe, and also the Boer and Zulu wars. The staff include guides with specialist knowledge, and the tours are tailored to individual needs-nothing is too obscure, apparently. The letter states that financial assistance can be given, or photographs taken for those unable to travel. They also do war grave tracing, and additional research if required.
The WRS actively supports Forces charities and causes.
If anyone reading this would like to know more (and I must stress I have no personal experience of, or connection to this group), send an A5 envelope with a 44p stamp to:
Mrs Anne Park,
The War Research Society
3 Denburn Court
Aberdeen
Scotland
AB15 1PJ
Regards,
Gordon
Sympathies to Malcolm for recieving such an unhelpful answer whilst trying to help. Hooge was attacked and counter-attacked many times by many units.
"1/10th who else !" should probably be assumed to be the 1/10th Bn King's Liverpool Regt, but there should be no need to assume anything when a simple answer would suffice.
Maybe this is some secret operation where nothing should be divulged, in which case the wealth of information which is available re the "who else !" attack should be kept secret ~ so "secret" it shall remain. Regards - Tom
I remember reading a book on the Great War years ago which included a picture from, I think, the battle of Hooge.
I think this picture came from 1915, so I could be completely wrong, but it showed a small section of British troops holding a mine-crater just prior to a fierce German counter-attack. The commentary stated that none of the men in the picture were ever seen alive again.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
Regards,
Gordon
Sorry if i have upset anyone but i am very interested in the Charge at Hooge have collected some photo`s of men who had been killed there and i was just interested in finding out if there was a book i could purchase that may give me more information on the Charge,my search will continue thanks Tom
Regards
Tony
Hi,
The 1/10th (Scottish) Battalion King's Liverpool Regiment is also known as the Liverpool Scottish and their website is on: http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk
They should be able to provide you with the information you want plus they would be interested in the photos that you have.
Try also the book "Bravest of Hearts" by Hal Giblin.
The book "The Liverpool Scottish 1900-1919" by A M McGilchrist.
Does anyone have any information regarding a battle that was fought near Kirkconnel, Dumfriesshire? The battle was (according to RCAHMS)fought in June/July 1484 between the 9th Earl of Douglas and the Duke of Albany against troops of James III. I should point out that the Kirkconnel mentioned is in Upper Nithsdale and NOT the Kirkconnel in the south of Dumfriesshire. Any info would be great.
King James III. having imbibed an unhappy prejudice against his two brothers, Albany and the Earl of Marr, they were arrested by his orders, 1479, and Marr put to death. Albany was committed prisoner to the castle of Edinburgh, whence he made his escape by means of two casks of malmsey wine, with which he intoxicated his guards, and, according to Pitscottie, killed them. “One of the casks,” says Douglas, “contained a coil of rope, which was let down from a retired part of the wall (the king was then in the castle). Albany’s servant first descended, but from the shortness of the rope, fell and broke his thigh. The duke guarded against the same fate by lengthening the cord with the torn sheets of his bed, and descending safely, first carried his faithful domestic upon his back to a place of security, and then proceeding to Newhaven, was received on board a French ship lying off that place, which immediately sailed for France. He was forfeited, 4 Oct. 1479, and troops were sent to besiege his castle of Dunbar, which soon yielded, the garrison escaping in boats to England. He met with an honourable reception at Paris, where his expenses were defrayed by Louis XI.; and he remained there till 1482, when be proceeded to England, where he entered into an agreement with King Edward IV., disgraceful to himself, and treasonable to his country. By that agreement Edward obliged himself to assist him in reducing Scotland and maintaining his royalty against James.” Albany assumed the title of Alexander, King of Scotland, by gift of the English king; consented to pay homage to Edward, and to give up to him some counties and places in the south of Scotland, particularly Berwick. He afterwards joined the English army, which advanced against Berwick, and after taking that town, marched to Edinburgh. His grace nevertheless found means to make his peace with his brother, King James III., who engaged to restore his estates and offices, and to grant an amnesty to his followers, and having delivered the king from the power of the Earl of Atholl, his uncle, who kept him a prisoner in Edinburgh Castle, he acquired great favour. However, in 1483, Albany renewed his former treasonable agreement with King Edward IV., and having previously placed his castle of Dunbar in the hands of the English, he and the Earl of Douglas invaded Scotland with 500 cavalry and some infantry. They suffered a defeat at Lochmaben, 22nd July, 1484, when Douglas was taken prisoner, and Albany escaping by the swiftness of his horse, retired into France. By act of the parliament of Scotland, 1st Oct. 1487, the lands forfeited by Alexander, Duke of Albany, Earl of March, Marr, and Garioch, Lord of Annandale and Man, were annexed to the crown.
I have tried searching everywhere.I have a mystey photo of either my GrGrgrandfather or his father in uniform http://www.geocities.com/krystalrose59/familyphotos.html .The name is George Steer(either Sr. or jr.).Through my grandfather, he talked about his grandfather fighting in Gibraltar.The uniform doesnt match that of those the seaforth highlanders wore(kilts).If you recognize this uniform,Id greatly appreciate hearing about it thank-you for your time...Cindy
The photo is of a sergeant in the 72nd Regiment of Foot , Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders of about 1863 to 1871. The 72nd and 78th Ross-shire Buffs amalgamated in 1881 into The Seaforth Highlanders ( The Ross-shire Buffs, The Duke of Albany's). His whiskers also date him as the regulations for home service stated,,,' the chin, underlip and at least 2 inches of the throat to be cleanshaven'. This gives a problem - the Regiment was in India until 1866 so it could be the photo dates from 1867 to 1871 then. The Regiment returned to India in 1871 and in 1878 was involved in the Second Afghan War.
The tunic is red with white piping and the trousers were Oxford blue. In the Crimea the 72nd were the only Scottish Regiment to wear feather bonnets with tartan trews. They became kilted on merging in 1881.
Aye
Malcolm
Sorry Malcolm, I disagree with you on the Regiment. I think the reference to the Seaforths is a red herring. The 72nd wore Royal Stuart Trews and Highland pattern Tunics from 1823 until 1882 when they changed to the mackenzie kilt en-route to Egypt. (They were the 1st Seaforths in June 1881 but retained theire trews until 1882).
Unfortunately I can't provide any other regiments as an alternative since it could be any line Regiment: English, Welsh, Irish or Lowland Scots, since they didn't adopt Tartan until 1881.
Because the linked depot system based on specific recruitment areas for certain regiments was not introduced until 1871 any regiments based in Scotland prior to 1871 would have recruited Scots.
However I'd agree with you that the picture was taken circa 1860s -1870s.
My Great Grandfather Capt Robert Renwick Lauder serve with the 78th Ross-shire Buffs & th 72nd Duke of Albany's 1871-1899. Your picture sounds interesting.
My father served with the Scottish Horse R.A. 1939-45. They did indeed go through N.Africa and onto Sicily & Italy.
My father is John Eales (sergeant), let me know what you want to know and I will ask him.
If you have any news of other surviving members, I would be pleased to pass news on to my father.
my family during ww2 in normandie, france, hid cameron walker on their farm for approximatly four years. upon his return to scotland, cameron passed away six months later. our information on which unit he belonged to is not certain, either 1st or 4th black watch regiment. mr lorne wallace of the dunning historical society is doing research on cameron walker and the hubert family. my father, john(JEAN)HUBERT was the person who found cameron outside the farm, during occupied france. my phone is(702)456-1434, LAS VEGAS NEVADA USA. i am a beginner with the computer, no e-mail address yet.
In Rev. James B. Leslie's "Clogher Clergy and Parishes" (published 1908) he refers to Lt. Col. James Galbraith, prominent in Ulster about 1630 to 1650, as having served in "the old Scots Regiment." Can anyone tell me what regiment that might be and where I might find out more it and James Galbraith's possible service in it.
James Galbraith received the rank of Lt. Col. while fighting in the Laggan Army in Ulster from 1642 to 1649, first against the Irish rebellion and later against Parliament and Cromwell's forces. Thanks.
Further to my request for enlistment details, if anyone can give any detail on the events leading to Pte. Bamford's death on 10 April, 1918 I would be very chuffed! The CWGC site doesn't cover this.
Details of the events of the Battle of the Lys are on pp302 - 313 of the History which is available from Naval and Military Press as a reprint.
He was either in the 6th BW at Le Bouzateux Farm or lining the ralway line 200 yards further north. The area is north of the La Bassee canal, Epinette.
Aye
Malcolm
