WW2 Names

James Robertson Adamson

Corporal James Robertson Adamson, 2755952, 7^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Kirkcaldy, Fife, Resides Kirkcaldy, killed in action 23/24^th October 1942 aged 22, Grave reference XXV. A.6. El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

James Robertson Adamson was born 1920 Kirkcaldy, Fife, son of John Adamson and Charlotte Robertson, married 1903 Dysart. John Adamson occupation coal miner died 30^th June 1950. Children Charlotte, Margaret, David, John. (No death for Charlotte has been found in Scotland)

James Adamson was awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The War Medal 1939-1945, and the Africa Star.

Fife Free Press 21^st November 1942.

DEATHS. ADAMSON—KiIIed in action, in Middle East, October. 1942. Cpl. James Adamson. Black Watch, youngest son of Mr and Mrs John Adamson, 37 Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy. If all the world was ours to give. We would give it. yes. and more. To see the face of the one we loved Come smiling round the door.

Fife Free Press 21^st November 1942.

Fife Free Press 23^rd October 1943.

IM MEMORIAM. ADAMSON. —A tribute love and remembrance of our son. Cpl. James Adamson. Black Watch, killed on active service El Alamein, Egypt, 23rd-24th October. 1942 Deep in our hearts there is something so sweet. A remembrance of one we shall always keep: Hard was the blow that compelled to part from the son so near and dear to our heart.

7^th Battalion Black Watch 23/24^th October 1942.

William Archibald

Lance Corporal William Archibald 2697586, Royal Guards (Foot Guards) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, Died 19^th June 1945 aged 29, Grave reference Grave 430 Beath Old Cemetery.

William Archibald was born 16^th October 1916 at 201 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, son of Andrew Archibald occupation Hotel Manager, Private Royal Garrison Artillery, and Susan McIver, married 8^th March 1913, Cowdenbeath. Susan died 1968 Cowdenbeath aged 80

William Archibald married Jessie Izzat 1941, Cowdenbeath.

On the 19^th June 1945 William Archibald aged 28 occupation Barman, married to Jessie Izatt, died at Inglis Street, Hospital, Dunfermline, home address 9 Wemyss Street, Cowdenbeath. Father Andrew Archibald deceased occupation Hotel Manager, Mother Susan McIver Archibald afterwards Brown, cause of death Lung illness, Multiple Pyaemia. Signed by stepfather Archibald Brown.

As no details of which regiment of Scots Guards William Archibald enlisted in or any newspaper articles no military details can be found.

Headstone

William Archibald.

No details found to date.

Civilians

Grace Millar Currie Baird 21. Elizabeth Currie Baird 67. Mary Hunter 52. Christina Thomson 14. Alexander Brannan 68.

Date 28th January 1942, Time 9:50. Aircraft, Fairey Fulmar Mk II. 808 Squadron, Location 188-190 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland.

Narrative.

At 9.50am on 28th January 1942, the Fulmar II X8802 of 808 Sqn FAA, from HMS Merlin at Donibristle, piloted by 20 year old Acting Sub-Lieutenant Peter Guy crashed into the adjoining houses at 188 and 190 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife. The pilot was killed instantaneously while falling masonry and the ensuing fire killed the 4 occupants who were at home in the 2 houses at the time. At 188 were Elizabeth Baird aged 66 and her 21-year-old daughter Grace Miller Currie Baird. Victims at 190 were 52-year-old Mary Hunter and her 14-year-old niece (and adopted daughter according to the CWGC) Christina (Ina) Thomson. According to local history, the young Thomson had stayed of her work that day as she had a bad cold.

Information kindly supplied by David Allan.

– Over 70 years on, there remains a lack of clarity over the plane crash in Stenhouse Street during the War. German or British plane? German bomb? Shot down? There were many rumours as the facts were hushed up at the time. The true facts are this accident happened at 9.50am on Wednesday 28 January 1942. A Fulmar plane from HMS Merlin at Donibristle piloted by 20-year-old Acting Sub-Lieutenant Peter Guy crashed into and destroyed the adjoining houses at 188 and 190 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath. It was not shot down by enemy aircraft and it seems to have been a tragic accident. The pilot was killed instantaneously in the crash while falling masonry and the ensuing fire killed the 4 occupants who were at home in the 2 houses at the time. At 188 were Elizabeth Baird aged 66 and her daughter 21-year-old Grace Baird. Victims at 190 were 52-year-old Mary Hunter and her niece Christina (Ina) Thomson.

Peter Guy was the son of Captain (later Major) Vivian Guy and his wife Angela of Prospect House, Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire. He was interred at Dunfermline Cemetery.

Looking at the Cowdenbeath WWII memorial there are 5 civilians listed thereon – E Baird, G Baird, I Hunter (I believe this is Christina (Ina) Thomson who I am given to understand lived with her uncle and aunt who had adopted her) and M Hunter – these 4 perished in the Stenhouse Street tragedy. However, an A Baird is also listed but I cannot find any trace of such a person/death. The other civilian death recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Cowdenbeath is that of Alex Brannan of 237 Foulford Road who was an Air Raid Warden. He was aged 68 and died at 128 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath while on Civil Defence duty around 5pm on 17th August 1944. It seems he suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, fell fracturing his skull and died from his injuries. His name is not on the War Memorial so there seems to have been a bit of confusion.

Duncan Beaton

Corporal Duncan Beaton, 2757758, 7^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Enlisted Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, died of wounds 11^th March 1943 aged 26, Grave reference V1. E. 3. Salerno War Cemetery

Duncan Burns Beaton was born 17^th October 1916, Cowdenbeath, Fife, the second of four children born to Murdoch Beaton occupation coal miner and Emily Ella Chibnall, married 1906, Edinburgh.

Duncan Beaton would have been awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The War Medal 1939-1945, Africa Star, Ital Star.

Dunfermline Press.

Corporal Duncan Beatson, Black Watch, so of Mr and Mrs M Beatson, 55 Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, has been reported as having died from wounds in an Italian prison camp. Beatson who was employed in the Lindsay colliery when war broke out, was a member of the local territorials, four of his brothers are serving.

7^th Battalion Black Watch.

June 1942 – December 1942: North Africa

January 1943 – April 1943: North Africa

The battalion’s next close contact with the enemy was on 19 January 1943 in the advance along the coastal road towards Tripoli at a strongly defended feature on high ground which was promptly named ‘Edinburgh Castle’. After a first failed attempt next morning by a fighting patrol supported by tanks to open up a route round this, it was decided that the 1st Battalion would try to capture it next night while the 7th Battalion and other units would try, under cover of darkness, to get round by the coast and cut the main road behind the Germans. The enemy decided not to stand and fight, and the 1st Battalion was able to enter the ‘Castle’ without opposition. However, in retreating the Germans managed to cause may casualties among the 7th Battalion. Tripoli was successfully occupied two days later. The Germans had now withdrawn to a strong defensive position centred on Mareth, just inside Tunisia, where the Matmata Hills left only a narrow passage, blocked by the Wadi Zigzaou, between them and the sea through which to advance north towards Tunis. Contact was made with the enemy in mid-February near Medenine, On 6 March the Germans attacked without success and then withdrew. The next contact was at Wadi Zigzaou on 23 March, but before the battalion had to mount an attack across this the enemy again withdrew. The next obstacle 15 miles (24km) ahead on the advance towards Tunis was Wadi Akarit between the coast and Roumana Ridge. On 6 April 152 Brigade was allotted the task of attacking the southern end of this ridge, while the 7th Battalion followed the successful crossing of the wadi by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to attack the northern end of Roumana Ridge. It suffered considerable casualties before it could reach the base of the ridge still in possession of the Germans. In the afternoon it came under heavy attack from enemy tanks and the 1st Battalion was ordered up to help it. During the night both battalions were pulled back about a mile, but next morning it was found that once again the Germans had slipped away north. By this time, however, the battalion had captured a large amount of weaponry and taken a thousand prisoners, and it was not further engaged with the enemy.

Family Headstone Cowdenbeath Cemetery.

John Bingham

Sergeant John Bingham (Wireless Operator) 10365002, 115 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, born 1920 Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, Killed in action 28^th August 1942, Grave reference 9. H. 15. Reichswald Forrest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

Sgt John Bingham would have been awarded the 1939-1945 War Medal, 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star.

John Bingham was born 1920 Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of John Bingham and Jeannie Donaldson married 1920.

Fife Free Press 24^th October 1942.

Reported Missing Now Presumed Killed, Mrs. Bingham 29 Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath, has been informed through the British Red Cross that her son Sergeant John Bingham who was reported missing is now presumed killed. This information was based on a statement by Sergeant J. W. Middleton who was taken prisoner. Sergeant Bingham was previously in the Merchant Navy and enlisted in the RAF about two and a half years ago.

Sgt James Middleton was awarded the DFM for service with 77 Squadron on 18th July 1941 and was also Mentioned in Despatches on 1st January 1942. He was probably instructing at the time of the Thousand Bomber raids and flew the Cologne one on 31st May 1942 and Essen one 2nd June 1942 with 22 OTU. By the middle of 1942 he was flying with 115 Squadron, on the night of 27th / 28th August 1942 he was flying in Wellington BJ710 on Ops to Kassel when the aircraft was shot down over Germany. He was the only survivor and he saw out the end of the War as a PoW.

Vickers Wellington III (BJ710 KO-L) on a mission to Kassel on 1942-08-28

Bombardment of Kassel, 27-28 August 1942

German cities suffered large scale bombing by the Allied Air Force during the Second World War. The big bombing raids on Berlin, Hamburg and especially Dresden are well known. But other towns also suffered severe air attacks. For example, Kassel, situated in central Germany in the state of Hessen. This city was an important target and was repeatedly attacked from the air. A bombardment of Kassel was a dangerous operation for the bomber crews as well. For example, they suffered heavy losses during the night of 27-28th August 1942. More than 10 per cent of the bomber force, 31 aircraft, were lost that night.

The Attack.

Preceded by the pathfinders, the 270 bombers took off from their airfield in England around 8:30 PM. No.115 and No.142 Squadron supplied the most aircraft (fifteen each) for the attack. Wellington Z1469 (142 Squadron) had taken off from RAF Grimsby. Sergeant Norman Child recalls: “we were routed in ten miles south of Münster. Flak ships were very active off the Dutch coast. There was no trouble so far. Visibility good. Approaching target and all hell let loose approximately ten miles ahead. Very heavy barrage! Town ringed with guns and searchlights. Several kites had been hit and gone down.”

Only a small number of aircraft had to abort the mission on route to Kassel or had been shot down before they reached the target. The bomber force arrived over Kassel around midnight. The pathfinders were able to illuminate the area well. They had dropped 51 flares, their best effort so far. Hereby, the remainder of the attacking force knew exactly where to drop their bomb load and many crews claimed to have hit their targets. But they also experienced that the warnings for the city’s heavy defences at the briefing were justified. Child: “for a few minutes everything was chaos. Searchlights and flak were forcing us lower and lower. The flak was so bad and the searchlights so blinding! Front and rear turrets were firing at the searchlights and between them they accounted for five.” Flight Sergeant Leslie Seamark’s Wellington was caught by several searchlights. His Observer, Sergeant Richard Lind, later reckoned there were 15-20 of them. The aircraft was subjected to intense heavy flak. Seamark succeeded in escaping German defenses, but the crew experienced two very scary moments. First, when the pilot’s oxygen mask was holed by a bullet from light flak. Surprisingly, Seamark only suffered a slight graze on his chin. Moments later, the fuselage of the Wellington was damaged by impact with a factory chimney. The badly damaged bomber had to fly back to England at a precarious height. Meanwhile, it was constantly fired at by flak. However Seamark managed to reach Grimsby at 2:30 AM. During the debriefing the crew admitted it had been a very daunting trip.

31 aircraft failed to return, more than 10 per cent of the bomber force. Losses were heavy for 142 Squadron in particular. Five (Wellington Z1266*, Z1338, Z1396, Z1411 and Z1424) out of fifteen aircraft deployed on this operation were lost, all from ‘B-flight’. 25 airmen from the squadron were killed and five were taken prisoner of war. Norman Child’s concludes: “Our aircraft looked a mess. Full of holes and big chunks off. The next day we discovered, to our horror, that of the six aircraft from ‘B’ Flight, our crew were the only survivors.” In total, 154 allied airmen lost their lives during the operation on Kassel. Another 20 crew members were taken as prisoners of war and 15 men were able to evade capture by the Germans.

Ian Ashley Birrell.

Sergeant Ian Ashley Birrell, 1823774, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Air Gunner) Born Culross, Fife, 1925, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 5^th April 1945 aged 19, Grave reference Panel 273, Runnymede Memorial, Surry, England.

Ian Ashley Birrell was born 1925 Culross, Fife, son of Peter Birrell and Ruby A Mitchell Connors, married 1923, Culross. One other child found Ruth Mitchell Birrell 1923 Culross.she died 1924.

No Newspaper entry found.

Details, On the night of 4^th April 1945 at 19:07 hours 45 aircraft of 153 squadron including NX563 from Scrampton for a mining operation in the Kattegat (Silverthorne Area). Lost without trace.

RAF Scrampton is to Bomber Command what Biggin Hill is to Fighter Command. It embodies all that is the air war of those dark days of the 1940s, the bravery and dedication of crews, the sacrifice, the loss and the heartache. It has had a long and successful life; even today it is a military airfield but one that sadly operates as a shadow of its former self.

The departure of both 57 and 617 Squadrons from Scrampton allowed for development of the runways. Concrete was laid for the first time, in sufficient amounts to accommodate more heavy bombers, and the first to arrive were the Lancaster I and IIIs of 153 Squadron (RAF).

153 Sqn were to see out the war at Scrampton, but their stay was not a good one. As the war ended, 153 began the mining operations that Scrampton had been so used to at the outbreak of war. Casualties were high with many crews being lost including that of the Gibson’s contemporary, Canadian born Wing Commander Francis Powley. On the night of April 4th/5th, two Lancaster Mk. Is – NX563 ‘P4-R’ and RA544 ‘P4-U’ with Powley on board, were both shot down by Major Werner Hussmann of I./NJG3, over Kattegat, whilst on a ‘gardening’ mission. The crews were all lost without trace and are commemorated on the Runnymede memorial.

Crew of NX563, Sergeant Ian Ashley Birrell, 1823774, Flying Officer Arthur Samuel Blake 54690, Flight Sergeant John Bracken Coffey 1062192, Flying Officer Edward Owen Griffith 159139, Sergeant George Edward Thomson 1825993, Flying Officer Leonard Carlisle Carter 160755, Flight Lieutenant Arthur Joseph Winder 64893.

Flight Sergeant John Bracken Coffey, Service Number 1062192 was serving as a Tail Gunner with 153 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

On the night of 4th / 5th April 1945 John had left R.A.F. Scrampton in Avro Lancaster NX563 on a Mine Laying Operation in the Kattegat between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

He was 27 years old and the Son of John and Lily Coffey from Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh and Husband of Edith Sybil Coffey, of Duncannon, Co. Tyrone.

Lancaster NX563 was shot down and the body of Flight Sergeant Coffey was never recovered.

Andrew Black

Private Andrew Christie Black, 3054080, 2^nd Battalion Royal Scots, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, Died between 1^st and 2^nd October 1942, Grave reference Column 11. Sai Wan Memorial, Hong Kong, China.

Text, letter

Description automatically generated CWGC.

Private Andrew Black would have been awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The Pacific Star, and the 1939-1945 War Medal.

Andrew Christie Black was born 27^th October 1918, 53 School Street, Cowdenbeath, Father Andrew Black occupation coal miner, Mother Mary Ann Burt, they were married 4^th February 1910, Dalgety, Fife.

Dunfermline Press..

A Cowdenbeath soldier has been reported missing following the sinking of a ship in southern waters. He is Andrew Black, son of Mr and Mrs Andrew Black, of Blamey Crescent. Black was taken a prison by the Japanese at Hong Kong, and as being taken to a prison camp was sunk by the Japs. Black enlisted in the Royal Scots nine years ago after leaving Beath secondary school. He is 26 years of age. He was an enthusiastic soldier and took a great interest in the sporting activities ot the regiment, especially swimming, for which he won a cup and other prizes.

Death Certificate.

The defence of Hong Kong.

During the Second World War, most of our country’s overseas military effort took place in Europe—Canadians also fought bravely elsewhere. Canadian soldiers went to help form a defence force in Hong Kong in 1941, just in time for the outbreak of war in the Pacific.

By late 1941, the war in Europe had been going on for more than two years. In the Far East, the Japanese were fighting in China—in this part of the world, the real war for the Allies had yet to begin. This changed as the political situation grew more strained between Japan, on the one hand, and the United States and Britain on the other. It became clear that the British Crown colony of Hong Kong was vulnerable and had to be protected. Britain decided to reinforce the colony with more troops in the hope this would deter Japan from attacking or at least delay any Japanese advances. Canada was asked to contribute to this effort.

On the morning of December 8, Japan attacked Hong Kong. Japanese warplanes pounded the airport and their ground forces poured across the frontier from China and into the mainland portion of the colony. Demonstrating an unexpected skill at night fighting, the Japanese kept advancing. After three days of combat, the defenders had been pushed from the mainland and back to Hong Kong. It was during this time that Canadian soldiers from D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers engaged the enemy, becoming the first Canadian Army unit to fight in the Second World War.

On December 13, and again on the 17th, the Japanese demanded the defenders’ surrender only to be quickly rejected. During this time, the Canadians and other defending troops prepared for the inevitable Japanese assault on Hong Kong. On December 18, the Japanese crossed from the mainland in the darkness and invaded the island. The Allied defence positions quickly became overwhelmed and had to draw back into the mountains to the south.

Over the coming days and nights of heavy fighting, the Allies offered brave resistance and took part in many counterattacks. However, the Japanese were able to maintain the offensive due to their greater numbers, battle experience, access to reinforcements and armaments, and total air domination. By contrast, Canadians and other Allies were relatively inexperienced, exhausted from continual battle and bombardment, and had no hope of receiving additional supplies or reinforcement. The Canadians suffered many casualties, including the death of Brigadier Lawson. It was during this fighting that Company Sergeant-Major John Robert Osborn of the Winnipeg Grenadiers earned the Victoria Cross, the highest award for military valour a Canadian can earn. Despite fighting to the end, by Christmas Day 1941, the battered Allies had no choice but to surrender.

Sinking of the SS Lisbon Maru

It is inevitable that in war there will be tragedies, but few can match the sheer heartlessness and unnecessary loss of life that occurred with the sinking of the Lisbon Maru on the 1st October 1942, in which almost 1,000 men lost their lives.

Late in September of 1942, the Japanese assembled 1816 British and Canadian prisoners of war on the parade ground of the Shamshuipo Camp in Hong Kong. The prisoners were to be transported to Japan to work as slave labour in the dockyards and ports of Imperial Japan. The men had been captured during the fall of Hong Kong late in 1941 and were hoping for early release, but it quickly became apparent that their release was not imminent and that they would be prisoners for a long time. The news that they were to be transported to Japan did not fill them with enthusiasm even though the conditions in Camp Shamshuipo were appalling with crowded quarters, poor food, non-existing medical supplies and rampant disease. Death was common as the conditions were so bad.

The entire contingent of prisoners, the majority of whom came from the Royal Scots, Middlesex Regiment and Royal Artillery, were under the command of Lt. Col. H.W.M. (Monkey) Stewart, who was the Officer Commanding of the Middlesex Regiment. He was assisted by a small number of fellow officers. The prisoners were divided into groups of 50 men and given a detailed but ineffective medical examination before being transported to the Lisbon Maru on the 27th September. Conditions aboard the freighter were unimaginably bad. All 1816 men were squeezed into three holds aboard the ship. The holds were divided with wooden dividers and men were packed like sardines with a mere 18 inches of space for each person. Those on the lower levels were inundated with human waste as illness and dysentery were rife.

Also, there were 25 Japanese guards and 778 Japanese troops on board the Lisbon Maru when she left Hong Kong.

The food issued to the prisoners was good by prisoner of war standards, and there was fresh water for drinking but none for washing. There were only life belts for half the prisoners and far too few lifeboats. All four of the lifeboats were reserved for the Japanese troops along with four of the six life rafts. This left two life rafts to cater for 1,816 prisoners.

The Lisbon Maru sailed into good weather, and for four days the voyage was very uncomfortable but uneventful, and the prisoners were allowed on deck for some fresh air and exercise, but this changed dramatically early in the morning of the 1st October.

In the evening of the 30th September, the USS Grouper (SS 214), a submarine attached to the US Pacific Fleet, sighted a group of nine sampans and a large freighter in the East China Sea, just south of Shanghai, some six miles off the Zhoushan archipelago. The moon had risen, and the vessels were clearly visible in the bright moonlight, but the moonlight prevented the captain of the submarine from launching an attack immediately. He determined their course and moved ahead of the flotilla intending to launch his attack at daybreak. The captain of the USS Grouper had no idea that the freighter carried prisoners of war, he could only see the Japanese troops.

At 6:30 am on the morning of the 1st October, the prisoner’s duty officer started waking the men to get them ready for roll call at 7:00 am. Some of the men took advantage of the early start to visit the latrines on the deck to avoid the inevitable rush a little later on.

At daybreak the submarine was not in a position to fire but by 7:00 am she was ready, and as the Americans only saw the Japanese troops on board, they fired four torpedoes and of the four, one scored a hit. The commander of the submarine then saw that the freighter had changed course and was lying dead in the water. The commander of the submarine reported that the freighter raised a flag that looked like ‘Baker’ and started firing at the submarine with a small calibre weapon.

The prisoners had felt the explosion, and the lights failed, leaving them completely in the dark. The prisoners up on deck saw intense activity amongst the Japanese troops before they were hustled down into the hold but there was no information about what had happened. Shortly before 9:00 am, the Grouper fired another torpedo, but it missed. The Grouper had spotted a bomber in the air around the freighter just before firing the last torpedo, and shortly after the last torpedo was fired, three depth charges went off. The submarine came to periscope depth and saw the plane but not the freighter and assumed, incorrectly, that the ship had sunk. The submarine remained in the area during the day, but at dusk, the commander decided that they should leave while they could.

The Japanese troops on the freighter calmed down but became completely unresponsive to the prisoners. Requests for food, water, latrine breaks, or latrine receptacles were ignored, and the conditions in the hold deteriorated.

The prisoners could feel that the freighter was lying dead in the water and had started to list to one side. What they did not know was that the destroyer ‘Kure’ had arrived and in the late afternoon the transfer of the 778 Japanese troops had started. While this transfer was taking place, the Toyokuni Maru arrived, and a conference was held to discuss what was to be done with the Lisbon Maru. The outcome was that the remaining Japanese troops would be transferred to the Toyokuni Maru while the crew of the Lisbon Maru along with the 25 Japanese guards would remain on board the Lisbon Maru while it was towed to shallow water. Lieut. Wada, the leader of the Japanese guards, insisted that the hatches covering the holds be closed as he did not think that there was sufficient manpower to stop the prisoners escaping. The captain of the Lisbon Maru disagreed as the risk was too great if the ship sank but by 9:00 pm that night Lieut. Wada had insisted that the hatches be closed as he was in charge of the prisoners, not the captain of the ship. Reluctantly the captain ordered his crew to close the hatches.

This meant the prisoners were in complete darkness and there was no airflow, so the conditions below deck became impossible. No food, water or latrine breaks had been allowed for over 24 hours, and most of the prisoners had no more water in their bottles. Col. Stewart maintained order and kept morale high by insisting that the Japanese would not abandon ship, leaving the men to die. During the night conditions deteriorated so badly that Col. Stewart decided to try and break out of the hold. One prisoner produced a butcher’s knife and Lieut. H.M. Howell climbed the ladder and tried to pry open the hatch. Unfortunately, he was too debilitated to open the hatch.

Eventually, the prisoners managed to get the hatches open, and there was a state of panic as everyone tried to get up the ladder. Officers maintained order, and soon the men were climbing the ladder one by one only to be met with machine gun fire as they exited the hatch. The Japanese guards were firing on the men as they appeared. After a while, the prisoners managed to subdue the fire, and 1,750 men made it off the Lisbon Maru and into the water. They swam towards the Japanese boats that had come to the aid of the Lisbon Maru but were met with gunfire as Japanese soldiers strafed the water. Some prisoners made it onto the ships but were shot and their bodies were thrown back into the sea.

Some prisoners were picked up and taken to Shanghai, but 338 men were rescued by Chinese fishermen who defied the Japanese and sailed out to collect the swimmers. The fishermen never disclosed that they had rescued the prisoners and today there is a small museum on Dongii island which caters to the rescue. Dongii island was where the prisoners were cared for until the following day the Japanese landed on the island and recaptured all the prisoners.

A roll call showed that 846 men had died in trying to escape the sinking Lisbon Maru. The remaining prisoners ended the war as forced laborers, but many died during the harsh Japanese winters.

At the end of the war, the captain of the Lisbon Maru was sentenced to seven years in prison, the Japanese interpreter, Niimori Genichiro, was sentenced to 15 years in prison but Lieut. Wada Hideo, who ordered the hatches closed and battened down, died before he could be brought to trial.

The wreck of the Lisbon Maru has lain quietly at the bottom of the sea but now researchers indicate that they have located the wreck of the Lisbon Maru lying four miles off the coast of the island of Dongfushan, in some 100 feet of water. A Chinese businessman, Fang Li, commissioned the search saying he wanted to raise the wreck and return the bodies to their families. This has not received a warm reception from the families of the dead men or the survivors. They feel that the wreck should have the status of a war grave and should lie undisturbed.

One of the survivors, 92-year-old Dennis Morley, of Stroud in Gloucestershire remembers the fateful day as if it were yesterday. In an interview with The Telegraph, he described the hellish experience that he and the other prisoners went through but he is thankful that he went on a ‘peace & reconciliation’ trip to Japan in 2007. He believes that this trip brought him peace and put a stop to his nightmares, but he has very strong views that the wreck must not be disturbed.

The gallantry and bravery of the men aboard this freighter and the bravery and dedication of the officers that managed the evacuation must stand proudly in the annals of maritime warfare.

The Lisbon Maru.

USS Grouper.

Prison of War.

James Blair

Gunner James Blair, 2083313, 404 Battery 127 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 19^th November 1944, Grave reference 7. A. 11. Bergen – Op- Zoom War Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

James Costello Blair was born 1922 Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Robert Blair and Annie Costello, married 1908, Cowdenbeath. There were at least 2 other children Annie and James. Annie died 1958, Dunbarney and Dron, aged 71.

Dundee Courier11th December 1944.

COWDENBEATH GUNNER KILLED Mr and Mrs Robert Blair, 150 Perth road, Cowdenbeath, have been notified that their son, Gnr. James Blair, R.A., has been killed action in North-West Europe. before the war he was a bricklayer. A piper in Kelty and Blairadam Pipe Band, he was leader in his regimental band.

Raised in 1938, this battalion had its headquarters and the 320th Company based in Dundee. The 319th Company was based in Aberdeen, with the 404th Company based in Cowdenbeath. In January 1940, this unit was redesignated as the 51st (Highland) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. In February 1942, this regiment was converted into the 124th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.

In January 1940, this unit was redesignated as the 51st (Highland) Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. In February 1942, this regiment was converted into the 124th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.

William Borthwick

A picture containing text, person, wall, standing

Description automatically generated Sergeant William Borthwick, 1559228, 10^th Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 20^th December 1943 aged 22, Grave reference Panel 143. Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

William Borthwick was born 1921 Cowdenbeath, son of William Borthwick and Helen Terry Brady, married Dundee 1916. Helen died 10^th September 1949, Cowdenbeath, William died 1945, Kirkcaldy.

No newspaper entry.

Halifax II HX186 ZA-E 10 Sqn.

Operation: Frankfurt. Take off 16.38 Melbourne, Yorkshire, England.

Shot down by a night fighter, Oblt. Rudolf Szardenings, his 4th victory, 5./NJG3, near Boppard, River Rine:3.100m.

Airplane caught fire and exploded in mid air and crashed 20.12 near Boppard, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany in the River Rhine.

The remains of Sgt. Rochecouste were located in part of the fuselage in the Rhine, but the rest of the aircraft and crew members were never recovered. (comment in tapatalk forum of family member of F/S Grant)

F/S Grant is also remembered on his parent’s grave in Belgian Gardens Cemetery, Townsville City, Queensland, Australia.

The parents of Sgt. Borthwick lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Buried in Cowdenbeath cemetery so information incorrect)

Of those who died, three are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, while Sgt. Rochecouste from Quatre Bornes in Mauritius and is initially buried at the local cemetery of Boppard in grave 430 and reburied on …. in Rheinberg War Cemetery.

Crew members:

• Sgt. W. Borthwick +

• Sgt. A. Hayes pow

• Sgt. C.J. Baxter pow

• Sgt. T.G.F. Kingham pow

• Sgt. T. Paling +

• Sgt. J.M.H. Rochecouste +

• F/S D.C. Grant RAAF +

Rank: Sergeant (Pilot) William Borthwick

Service No: 1559228

Born: ….

Date of Death: 20/12/1943

Age: 22

Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 10 Sqdn.

Cemetery: Runnymede Memorial

Grave Reference: Panel 143

Additional Information: Son of William and Helen Terry Borthwick, of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Family Headstone Cowdenbeath Cemetery.

Ann Bowman.

Private Ann Anderson Bowman, W/239617, Auxiliary Territorial Service, born 1921 Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, Died 13^th November 1943 aged 22, Grave reference Section P. Grave 161. Dunfermline Cemetery, Fife.

Ann Anderson Bowman was born 1921, Cowdenbeath son of James Bowman and Helen McInnes. James died 24^th April 1964 aged 73, Helen Mitchel Bowman died 20^th September 1950, Dunbarney, Perthshire.

Death Certificate.

Ann Anderson Bowman died 13^th November 1943 in Military Hospital, Fort George, Inverness-Shire aged 22 years. Cause of death Pulmonary Embolism, Pleural Effusion, Pneumonia, 21 days.

Family Headstone Dunfermline Cemetery.

Auxiliary Territorial Service

Women had served with the British Army during the First World War in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, founded in 1917 but disbanded in 1921. In the autumn of September 1938, when war seemed possible again, the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) was established, organised on a regional basis in the same way as the Territorial Army. It incorporated members of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), the earliest women’s voluntary corps, which had served with distinction in the First World War.

In April 1941, the members of the ATS were given full military status, although they continued to be paid two-thirds of the wage of a man of the same rank. As well as Britain, recruits were sought from the Dominions, India and the West Indies. Six hundred West Indian women volunteered of whom half stayed in the Caribbean while 200 served in the USA and 100 in the UK.

In December 1941, the government passed the National Service Act which allowed the conscription of women into war work or the armed forces. Women could choose to join the ATS or its naval or air force equivalents, the WRNS and the WAAF.

The first women who joined the ATS had no uniform and received little training, working in traditional female roles as cooks, clerks and storekeepers. After the initial influx of volunteers a system of basic training was established lasting six weeks. New recruits were issued with their uniform and asked to carry out trade tests to establish which area they should go into. Experience in civilian life was usually crucial for example, if a woman had been a shorthand typist she would almost certainly be assigned clerical duties. During the course of the war the range of duties undertaken by the ATS expanded and women worked as telephonists, drivers, mess orderlies, butchers, bakers, postal workers, ammunition inspectors and military police.

The women of the ATS also made a significant contribution to Anti-Aircraft Command of the Royal Artillery, known as ‘ack-ack’. They made up mixed batteries, taking over some of the tasks formerly performed by the male crew, including finding enemy aircraft and controlling the direction of the gun, although officially they never fired the guns. Others operated searchlights. Some ATS members were at permanent Anti-Aircraft camps and others were mobile. These mobile units were particularly busy during the V1 and V2 rocket campaigns against southern England in the summer of 1944.

As well as home defence, women from the ATS served in most theatres of war, as well as other important locations such as Washington. Following the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, some mixed Anti-Aircraft batteries were sent to France but the speed of the advance meant that the batteries were soon dissolved and the ATS women moved into general clerical work.

At its peak, 210,308 women were serving with the ATS. 335 were killed.

William Bowman

Gunner William Bowman, 1105468, 28^th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, Died 21^st October 1942 aged 28, Grave reference 1V. E. 13. Milan War Cemetery, Italy.

William Bowman was born 26th September 1914, 6 Thistle Street, Cowdenbeath, son of David Bowman occupation coal miner and Agnes Whyte, married 12^th August 1892 Cowdenbeath. Agnes died 1946, Dunfermline, aged 74.

Dunfermline Press.

Mr and Mrs Bowman, 63 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, have been informed that their son Gunner William Bowman, RA, has died in a prison camp in Italy. Prior to the war Bowman was employed as a coal washer with the Fife Coal Company in Cowdenbeath. He was reported missing in North Africa, and was then reported as a prisoner of war. Recently he wrote home that he was recovering.

George Buchan.

Sergeant George Danskin Findlay Buchan, 1348002, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cupar, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 8^th December 1942 aged 19, Grave reference Gweru Cemetery Plot 4. Row A. Grave 9. Zimbabwe.

George D.F. Buchan was born 1923 in Cupar, Fife, the youngest of five children born to David Buchan and Agnes Georgina Danskin, married 1906, Markinch, Fife. David died 1965 at 7 Bowling Street, Cowdenbeath, aged 84. Agnes died 1970 at Hill Street, Cowdenbeath aged 89.

Dundee Courier 16^th December 1942.

BUCHAN. —In Southern Rhodesia, Dec. 8, 1942, Sergt. G. D. F. Buchan (Findlav). R.A.F., aged 19, beloved younger son of Mr and Mrs D. Buchan, 245 Stenhouse St., Cowdenbeath.

The Scotsman 15^th December 1942.

On active service at S. Rhodesia, during December 1942 las a result Of ail accident), Sgt , G . D. V. BUCHAX (Findlay} aged 19 years, younger son of Mr and Mrs D. Buchan. 245 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath.

BAILEY, BUCHAN & COFORD. BAILLIE, Sergeant William Aitken, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (1345039), Pilot, 24 Combined Air Observers School, Rhodesian Air Training Group, Moffat, Rhodesia, 08 December 1942, Killed Whilst Flying, Oxford I AS487, Crashed during training flight, Age 21, Lanark, Gweru Cemetery, Zimbabwe. BUCHAN, Sergeant George Danskin Findlay, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, (1348002), Pilot under Training, 24 Combined Air Observers School, Rhodesian Air Training Group, Moffat, Rhodesia, 08 December 1942, Killed Whilst Flying, Oxford I AS487, Crashed during training flight, Age 19, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Gweru Cemetery, Zimbabwe.

Alexander Keir Buchanan.

Flight Sergeant Alexander Keir Buchanan, 640503, 7^th Squadron Royal Airforce Volunteer, Reserve, Born Lumphinnans, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 15^th February 1944 aged 24, Grave reference Panel 216 Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

A.K. Buchanan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal, awarded for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy, The War Medal, the 1939-1945 Star, The Air Crew Europe Star Campaign medal

Citation for Award of DFM

BUCHANAN, Alexander Keir. 640503 F/Sgt, No 7 Sqn

F/Sgt Buchanan has completed 35 operational sorties with the Pathfinder Force, 22 of which have been as a marker. F/Sgt Buchanan has been wireless operator to one of the best blind marker crews in this squadron and has taken part in all the recent raids on Berlin. He has maintained a high standard and has at all times shown a most commendable devotion to duty. F/Sgt Buchanan has carried out his duties in the most satisfactory manner and has proved a valuable member of his crew.

Alexander Keir Buchanan was born 1920, Lumphinnans, Fife, eldest of eight children born to Daniel Buchanan occupation coal mine overman, and Jane Keir, married 24^th October 1919, Cowdenbeath, Daniel died 18^th November 1975, Kirkcaldy, aged 79. Jane died 18^th October 1975, aged 71

Marriage.

On the 4^th September 1943 at 407 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, Alexander Keir Buchanan 23, occupation Grocers Manager, Sergeant gunner Royal Air Force, home address 21 Wilson Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, married Joan Hosie 21, occupation Engineers Machinist, home address

Dundee Evening Telegraph 21^st April 1944

Flight- Sergeant Alexander Buchanan, receives the D.F.M. He was born in 1920, and before enlisting in 1939 was a grocer.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 21st April 1944.

Another raid on Berlin on 15/16 February saw the loss of S/L J.A. Hegman DSO DFC RNZAF serving with 7 Squadron. He was aged 29 and had been a farmer before he joined up in 1941. He had received the DFC in early 1943 whilst operating with 162 Squadron. In his 7 Squadron crew was P/O W.G.K. McLaren DFC, whose decoration had been gazetted in April 1944 for operations with this same squadron and so would have been on a second tour. Their Lancaster (JB414 MG-Y) went down near Berlin. Three DFM holders also died: Flight Sergeants D.E. Harrison (bomb aimer) A.K. Buchanan (wireless operator) and W.D. Nichols (air gunner). David Harrison had flown thirty-nine operations, twenty-six of which had been as marker. Alexander Buchanan had just been recommended for his DFM after thirty-five operations twenty-two of which had been as marker, while Bill Nichols, from Huntingdon, was 40 years old and had similarly been recommended after 40 operations as a mid-upper gunner.

RAF Oakington.

Oakington will always be the spiritual home of 7 Squadron yet the Squadron was based there only from October 1940 to July 1945 but being unique in Bomber Command having been based at the same station throughout its World War II operational career.

Construction of Oakington began in the summer of 1939 – the site, some 5 miles north west of Cambridge, having been selected for an expansion scheme airfield. Operational use started in July 1940 when it was used for 218 Squadron (2 Group), which had recently returned from France, with the first offensive operation in August 1940.

In September 1940 Oakington became part of 3 Group when it was chosen as the base for the first Stirling squadron – 7 Squadron. 218 Squadron left Oakington in November 1940 so that 7 Squadron could have more space. Then in November 1940 Spitfires of the recently formed 3 Photo Reconnaissance Unit arrived – however because of the poor surface during the winter months the Spitfires frequently used Alconbury.

Oakington grass surface was also the cause of problems for the heavy Stirlings during the winter of 1940/1941 – there were a number of landing and take-off accidents because of the strain put on its undercarriages. Oakington was first used by 7 Squadron for an offensive mission in February 1941 to attack Rotterdam docks.

But because of the service Oakington was frequently unserviceable with the result that the Stirlings had to fly to Wyton to bomb-up for operations. In the spring of 1941 runway construction began – the main runway 05-23 and 1700 yards long was completed first with 01-19 (1300 yards) and 10-28 (1400 yards) completed over the next twelve months. 05-23 was subsequently lengthened to 2000 yards and 01-19 to 1530 yards.

Subsequent building work included realigning the perimeter track and expanding the domestic accommodation to allow for nearly 2000 personnel.

The Pathfinder Force, which 7 Squadron had joined in August 1942, became No. 8 Group in the January of 1943. Its policy was to have two Squadrons per airfield. At Oakington 7 Squadron, which was being re-equipped with Lancaster’s to replace the Stirling, was joined by 627 Squadron formed with the Mosquito.

The latter Squadron moved to No. 5 Group in April 1944 being replaced by the newly formed 571 Squadron. With the end of the conflict 7 Squadron moved to Mepal, 571 to Warboys with Oakington now becoming part of Transport Command. During the summer of 1945 it was the base for 86 and 206 Squadrons flying ex-Coastal Command Liberators for long-range troop transport to the Far East.

Thomas Buckley

Sergeant Pilot Thomas Buckley, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, Died 29^th November 1942 aged 21, Grave reference Grave 3279, Beath Cemetery, Cowdenbeath.

Thomas Buckley was born 1921 Cowdenbeath eldest son of Bernard Buckley and Agnes Cherrie, after their marriage Bernard and Agnes live at 19 Mungall Street, Cowdenbeath. They lived there for 12 to 15 years then moved to 43 Factory. Bernard died 1953 Dron, Perthshire aged 55, Agnes died 25^th April 1983 aged 81 in Dunfermline.

Thomas Buckley death certificate.

Thomas Buckley Sergeant Pilot R.A.F. (single) Found 29^th November at 9:40am at Balwearie Golf Club, Kirkcaldy, usual residence RAF station (Errol) age 21. Parents Bernard Buckley occupation (Dockyard labourer) Agnes Buckley nee Cherrie. Cause of death, due to war operations multiple injuries and burns, seen after death by? Craig.

No newspaper entry found to date.

Sgt Thomas Buckley, 1369639 29/11/42

Master T8467 of 9(P)AFU based at Errol, Tayside, hit tree while low flying and crashed on Kirkcaldy Golf Course, Fife.

Headstone.

Andrew Cameron.

Sergeant Andrew Cameron, 1566579, 160 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 6^th May 1944 aged 23, Grave reference Column 435. Singapore Memorial, Singapore.

Andrew Cameron was born 1922 Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Andrew Cameron occupation Pithead Labourer, and Annabella Menmuir. Annabella died 1958, Dunfermline aged 75. Andrew Cameron snr died 1950, Cowdenbeath, aged 71.

On the 20^th February 1943, at Beath Manse, Cowdenbeath, Andrew Cameron 21, occupation Plasterer and Slater (Journeyman) Flight Mechanic Royal Air Force, usual address 2 Prospect Street, Cowdenbeath (Now engaged in war service) married Margaret Stanley Mill 22, occupation Glass Company Collector, (Private Auxiliary Territorial?) usual address 26 Woodside Cowdenbeath, (Now engaged in war service)

No newspaper entries found to date.

Ditching of a Liberator FL911

At 1710 hours on the 6th May 1944, a Liberator was engaged in a depth charge dropping exercise 30 miles west of Puttalam. The weather was good and sea moderate. After dropping a smoke float as a target, the aircraft turned and ran in at 50 feet. Two depth charges were released and almost immediately afterwards two explosions were heard by the pilot. The nose of the aircraft vas flung violently, upwards and the combined efforts of both first and second pilots, were required to right the aircraft. The captain shouted to the wireless operator, who had been flung against the back of the second pilot’s seat by the explosion, and he managed to switch on his transmitter and send “S.O.S.” followed by a long dash. This signal, in a corrupt form, was picked up by R.A.F. Station, Ratmalana, which notified N.A.O.R. of the bearing, but were unable to confirm that the signal was an “‘S.O.S.”.

The pilot of the, aircraft found that he could maintain a straight course using full power on his port engines and reduced power on the starboard engines. Full starboard rudder was required to do this as elevator and rudder trimmers were inoperative. Height was gradually being lost and the pilot had no option but to ditch the aircraft. It was not possible to give ditching orders as the captain who had both hands on the controls, could not use the hand microphone. There were two impacts, the first one throwing the pilot (who was not strapped in) against the instrument panel. The second impact, which was not so violent as the first, appears to have rendered the pilot momentarily unconscious, as he next remembers being just below the surface. of the water. He scrambled out through the broken cockpit roof and swam to the mainplane. The forward portion of the aircraft, which had broken away at the trailing edge of the mainplane, had come to rest .in an attitude where the mainplane was almost, vertical: There were no signs of the rear portion of the fuselage.

The wireless operator, who must also have been momentarily rendered unconscious, remembers nothing of his efforts to get out of the aircraft-he was, however, seen by the pilot to be standing on the mainplane with another member of the crew. One of the passengers, of whom there were four, was also clinging to the wing tip of the mainplane. The pilot observed dinghies floating in the water about fifty yards away and asked if any of the others could swim. to them. They replied that the distance was more than they could manage. He, therefore, swam over to the dinghies only to find that they were badly torn, presumably having caught on the jagged edges of the fuselage on being released from their stowage’s.

Meanwhile, the wireless operator had slipped into the water (or the mainplane had sunk beneath him) and found one of the other survivors swimming beside him. The wireless operator then got hold of a parachute bag from which he extracted the Mae West it contained. This he put on and the other survivor asked if he could find a Mae West for him. While swimming around looking for another parachute bag, the wireless operator found another man in a Mae West, obviously unconscious. He tied the tapes of the Mae West, which were undone, as best as he could and then swam back to where he had last seen the man who had asked him to find a Mae West, but there was no sign of him. The W/O now found himself alone in the water- A `K’ type dinghy which he found was torn and . unusable. Shortly afterwards the pilot swam up to him, supporting. himself by hanging on to a parachute bag. The pilot had not realised until now that it contained, a Mae West and the two of them commenced to swim in what they thought to be the direction of the coast. The wireless operator suffered from burns on his chest and leg and was at times compelled to hold on to the pilot for support. Nevertheless, they kept on swimming, being afraid of becoming cramped. They found the water quite cold after a few hours’ immersion. Small fish occasionally attempted to nibble the wounds of the wireless operator, but he found little difficulty in keeping them at bay.

About 2200 hours the. sound of engines was heard and the steaming lights of a launch came into view but passed out of sight to the westward, heading, north. Just after dawn on the 7th May, an aircraft was seen to the westward also heading north. As there were no aids on the Mae Wests, such as floating torches, fluorescine, whistles or distress Signals, no attempt could be made to attract attention although the two survivors, as is usual, shouted loudly when both launch, and aircraft came in sight.

High speed launches had been sent out from Colombo, one at 1900 hours and the other at 2225 hours on the night of the 6th May to search the area indicated by radar plot and the bearing of the distress signal. A pinnace had accompanied the second-high speed launch. These marine craft searched all through the night and it was probably the pinnace, manned by a volunteer crew, whose lights were seen by the survivors.

A Walrus, 1 Harvard and 2 Wildcat aircraft searched an area up to 20 miles west of Puttalam before darkness set in on the 6th May but saw no signs of wreckage or survivors.

On the morning of the 7th May, the Air Sea Rescue Walrus at Ratmalana was ordered to the search area and arrived there about 0430 hours. Two flights, each of six Beaufort aircraft stationed at Ratmalana, were ordered to search an area 3600 square miles in extent around the search position, on the morning of the 7th May., Thunderstorms interfered with the Beaufort search and, at times, lowered the visibility -to such an extent that visual contact was difficult to maintain. The Fleet Air Arm Walrus from Puttalam carried out combined searches throughout the day with the A.S.R. Walrus, both aircraft returning to Puttalam for refuelling.

At about 1120 hours on the 7th May, the Pinnace, which was searching the southern portion of the area, found an ” H ” type dinghy, which was picked up. The C.O.2 bottle of this dinghy was not discharged, and this would appear to indicate that the dinghy was released on impact and the retaining cord severed before it could operate the cylinder. The pinnace then combed this area thoroughly, finding several pieces of wreckage. It was not until an hour later that two survivors wearing Mae Wests were sighted: one of them frantically waving his underpants. A member of the pinnace crew swam to the pilot and helped him to the side of the boat. Both survivors on board, the search continued for another hour. The two appeared to have suffered little from thirst or exposure and, in fact, the W/Op asserted that he could have kept going for several hours longer. The master of the pinnace nevertheless became alarmed at the feeble state of the wireless operators’ pulse and decided to return to base.

The high speed launch whose fuel was running low, returned at the same time and a nursing orderly was transferred from this launch to the pinnace to attend to. the two survivors. Base was reached at 1600 hours on the 7th May and the survivors were soon in medical hands.

A relief high speed launch had been. despatched to the area to continue the search in co-operation with the two Walrus aircraft, and she continued this search all through the night of the 7th May. On the 8th May searches were continued by the Walrus aircraft, but no further survivors were picked up or wreckage sighted. The search was called off at last light on the 8th May 1944.

Comments

As far as can be ascertained, none of the crew or passengers of the Liberator were wearing Mae Wests at the time of the accident. Had the four survivors of the ditching who were not picked. up, been wearing Mae Wests, they would have stood a better chance of being rescued.

No additional aids were attached to the Mae Wests. These, if carried, would have made the task of the searching surface crafts easier, for the light from a floating torch signal might have been seen by the pinnace.

If search aircraft had been laid on when the ” S.O.S.” was received, an hour’s daylight would still have remained, and the aircraft could have searched into the night with a good chance of spotting visual signals. It was not known that no additional aids were carried on the Mae Wests.

Fluorescine would have assisted in the location of the survivors. Men in Mae Wests alone are very small targets for which to search.

Crew

Sergeant Andrew Cameron, Warrant officer class 2 George Edgar Cooper, Sergeant George Dunkley, Flying officer George Korski, Warrant officer class 11 Franklin Thomas, Flying officer Duncan Farquhar Macdonald, Flying officer Richard holt Morgan, Flight sergeant Douglas Henry Skinner, Flight sergeant William Robert Wiseman.

Alexander Coull.

Sergeant Alexander Coull, 1559064, 149 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 22^nd June 1943 aged 19, Grave reference Row M. Coll. Grave 40-41. Wonseradeel (Makkum) Protestant Churchyard, Netherlands.

Alexander Coull was born 1923, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of William Coull and Flora Dunn, married 1923, Dunfermline. Flora died 1986, Cowdenbeath aged 88. William died 1973, Cowdenbeath, aged 74.

Dunfermline Press.

Sergeant Alexander Coull RAFVR, so of Mr and Mrs W Coull, 162 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, reported missing from air operations is now presumed to have lost his life. He was a former pupil of Beath High School, and he left there for Edinburgh University, under the training scheme of the RAF. He was nineteen years of age.

RAF bombing raid on Krefeld 22^nd June 1943.

In the early morning of the 22nd June 1943 the RAF undertook another bombing raid over Germany, this time the target was to be Krefeld.

The information below is taken from RAF Report AIR 14/3441

Plan of Attack.

The aircraft came for various RAF Bomber Command Groups:

1 Gp – 119 Lancaster’s & 37 Wellington’s.
3 Gp – 99 Stirling’s & 11 Lancaster’s.
4 Gp – 132 Halifax & 40 Wellingtons.
5 Gp – 92 Lancaster’s.
6 Gp – 44 Halifax’s & 22 Wellingtons. (Royal Canadian Air Force Bomber Group)
8 (Pathfinder) Gp – 12 Mosquitoes, 19 Stirling’s, 33 Halifax’s & 49 Lancaster’s.

Zero hour was 01:30 hours and with the period of the raid to be 01:27 to 02:20 hours. The weather at the RAF bases was listed as light cloud between 2 – 3,000 feet and good visibility. Weather over the target was reported as being 4-6/10ths thin patches of cloud, topping at 8-10,000 feet with occasional patches at 8/10ths thin cloud through which markers could be seen plainly. Visibility, moderate to good, with a slight ground haze.

Between 01:27 and 02:19 hours 10 Oboe* Mosquitoes were to mark the aiming point for the raid with red Target Indicates (TI’s). To guard against failure of the Mosquitoes, two further waves of the aircraft, 18 a t01:30 and 13 at 01:57 hours were detailed to drop yellow TI’s blindly on H2S** if no red TI’s were seen on arrival. Between 01:32 and 02:18 hours, 37 “back-ups” were to drop green TI’s at the red if seen, but otherwise at the estimated centre of the concentration of yellow TI’s. If neither red or yellow TI’s were seen, green TI’s were to be aimed at the established centre of the existing pattern of green. All TI’s dropped after 01:45 hours were to cascade from 10,000 feet, before this time all were to be dropped from 3,000 feet.

The Attack.

9 out of the 10 Oboe Mosquitoes detailed to mark the target dropped their red TI’s accurately but at irregular intervals. The use of the “back-up” marking aircraft was excellent and a concentrated attack was delivered on the centre of Krefeld. Although there was a tendency for the attack to drift backwards along the line of approach, night photography indicated that about 75% of the force bombed within 3 miles of the aiming point. Eleven identified factories and 12 other small industrial areas were destroyed or severely damaged. The gas works was damaged along with 2 gas holders damaged by fire. However, the greatest damaged was to business and residential property, including many public buildings.

Enemy Defences.

Flak and Searchlights

Ground defences at Krefeld consisted of moderate heavy flak and very little light flak. Predicted heavy flak decreased in intensity as the attack proceeded and in the later stages some barrage fire was reported. Only a smaller number of searchlights exposed, and these operated to the North and South of the target. They were hampered by smoke and moonlight and gave little assistance to the flak. En route, heavy flak was reported over Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Leyden and also from the Dutch Islands and a ship off Noordwijk, and some intense light flak was reported from Katwijk. In all 28 aircraft were damaged by flak, two being totally destroyed and five other seriously damaged.

Fighters

Intercepted enemy wireless traffic disclosed 12 enemy patrols. It was estimated from reports of returning aircrew that 8 aircraft were shot down by flak and 30 by fighters. Of the aircraft lost, one was seen to crash near the Dutch Island, the cause being unknown.

*Oboe was a sophisticated set of electronic equipment that could receive radio signals from transmitters in England. The difference in the pulse times etc could be worked out by the receiver and give an exact location over the enemy target. When this information was computed the bomb aimer was given a signal exactly when to drop his marker or bomb load.

H2S was the first airborne ground scanning radar system and on 30[SUP]th[/SUP] January 1943 it was used by the RAF bombers for navigation for the first time, so became the first ground mapping radar to use in combat. At first fitted to Stirling and Halifax bombers.

This aircraft crashed at Skellingthorpe near Lincoln soon after takeo ff. It was reported that the aircraft dived vertically into the ground from 6,000 feet, all the crew were killed.

The reason why I have posted this is that a number of years ago I was given, by my wife, the Flying Logbook of grandfather, Sergeant John Atkinson. He was a crew member of the only Stirling bomber that was lost from 149 Squadron on the raid of the 22nd June. The aircraft was reported as crashing at 02:39 hours into the Ijsselmeer off Makkum, The Netherlands.

He was 28 years old when we died, one of the oldest members of the crew whose average age was just 23 years. John had been posted to 149 Squadron from 1657 Conversion Unit on the 18th April 1943 and took up his duties as a Flight Engineer. We was to undertake only 9 operational sorties before his death and had only been on the Squadron for 66 days.

There is one entry in his log that has and I think will always stick in my mind, it is on the 25th May 43 on a sortie over Dusseldorf which he states “Both wing bomb doors hand wound down and up at 16,500 ft”

In all he completed just over 63 daylight flying hours and 75 night-time hours.

The crew on that last flight were:

Sergeant James Lowrie, 148179, Pilot, RAFVR aged 21. James commission to Pilot Officer had come through, but never got to wear it.
Sergeant John Atkinson, 1017417, Flight Engineer, RAFVR aged 29.
Flying Officer Donald Harrison Lyne, 125540, Navigator, RAFVR aged 23.
Sergeant Alexander Coull, 1559064, Bomb Aimer, RAFVR aged 19.
Sergeant Donald Charles Holmes Fudge, 1312340, Wireless Operator / Air Gunner, RAFVR aged 22.
Sergeant Ernest Claude Waite, 1279016, Mid Upper Gunner, RAFVR aged 21.
Sergeant Ernest Graham Hird, 1319154, Rear Gunner, RAFVR aged 29.

The morning after the crash local people collected the remains of the crew and they were buried in mass grave, except for two gunners Sgts Hird and Waite, they were buried separately. Later the Germans salvaged most of the wreck.

The crew is now buried at the Wonseradeel (Makkum) Protestant Churchyard, The Netherlands.

Further research reviled that BK799 was shot down by Oblt Ernst Drunker of 12. /NJG1. He recorded the combat at 5,000 metres and claimed the aircraft came down about 2 kms west of Makkum. He lived through the war and was credited with 47 “kills” of which 45 were night attacks.

George Croal.

Private George Croal, 14633927, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders also 6^th Commando, Born Edinburgh, Midlothian, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 6^th June 1944 aged 36, Grave reference 11A. O. 5. Ranville War Cemetery, France.

George would have been awarded the 1939-1945 Star, The War Medal, France and Germany Star, eligible for Normandy Campaign Medal.

George Croal was born 1908 Corstorphine, Edinburgh, illegitimate son of Euphemia Croal.

On the first June 1931 at West Parish church Cowdenbeath, George Croal 22, occupation bricklayer’s labourer, usual address Manse Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, married Isabella Smith Menzies 20, occupation Domestic Servant, usual address 145 Union Street, Cowdenbeath

Euphemia Croal lived at 8 Downfield Place, Gorgie, Edinburgh, from about 1915 till her death in 1964 aged 77

Isabella Smith Menzies died 1939, Cowdenbeath, George and Isabella had one child named Annie Smith Croal who went on to marry Robert Hutton in 1957, Cowdenbeath.

In the 1911 census.

George Croal 3 was living with his Mother and her family at Dunbar Cottages, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, family were. William Croal 48 occupation House Painter, Mary 46 married 25 years and bearing 6 children all of whom survive, Euphemia 24, William 14 school, Fred 12 school, John 6 school, Allice 6 grandchild, George 3 grandchild.

Dunfermline Press.

Private George Coull, 145 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, lost his life in the fighting in Normandy, on 6th June. A native of Edinburgh, he has resided in Cowdenbeath, his wife who died four years ago being a daughter of Mr and Mrs Menzies, 145 Union Street. Deceased who was an enthusiastic member of the Webster Burn Club, Cowdenbeath.

Following close behind the 8th Brigade on Sword Beach was Brigadier The Lord Lovat’s 1st Special Service Brigade. No.4 Commando, with two French Troops of No.10 Inter-Allied Commando in hand, were the first to arrive on the beach, landing an hour after the assault troops. The Commandos had produced their plan on the assumption that the beach would be cleared of opposition by the time that they arrived, leaving them free to push inland with great speed. They were not pleased, therefore, to find that control of the beach was still in dispute. No.4 Commando and their French comrades entered the fight immediately and, as their excellent offensive training had instructed them, went about clearing the beach defences with tremendous speed and aggression.

This vanguard of the Brigade was to be detached from Lovat’s command for the initial period of the invasion. While the remainder of the Brigade raced to the aid of the 6th Airborne Division, No.4 Commando went about clearing opposition from the town of Ouistreham, bordering the eastern end of Sword Beach. Here, the French Commandos became engaged in protracted and vicious street fighting, which intensified as they arrived in the Casino area, their objective. No.4 Commando proceeded through the town in a similarly hard-fought fashion, but when they reached the site of their own objective, a coastal battery, they found nothing. The battery had been withdrawn, some days previously, to a point a few miles away, and from there its guns fired upon the Commandos at the original site, causing some losses amongst them. In all, Nos. 4 and 10 Commandos suffered some one hundred casualties in Ouistreham.

Following on half an hour behind No.4 Commando came the remainder of the Brigade, with No.6 Commando at their head, followed by the Royal Marines of No.45, and then by Brigade HQ with No.3 Commando. As the fighting in Ouistreham was going on, the Brigade formed up on Sword Beach to the tune of “Blue Bonnets”, played by Piper Bill Millin. By this time, most resistance on the beaches had been cleared and enemy action consisted of a distant bombardment of the shoreline, however, this barrage and the unexpected earlier fighting to get off the Beach had cost the Commandos sixty casualties, though this was a lesser toll than had been anticipated.

With No.6 Commando “blazing a trail” in the lead, the Brigade were quickly off the mark and pushing inland. Lovat had planned on a very cut and thrust procession to the bridges, proceeding mostly across-country and avoiding all the major routes where German resistance would be dug in and waiting. The planning stages of the invasion had produced a plethora of aerial photographs for the Commandos to study, and these had revealed the positions of many pillboxes, the standard fortification that was to be found all over Normandy. Some of these positions No.6 Commando avoided, so as not to become delayed in unnecessary fighting, others they overcame with ruthless efficiency, using anything from small-arms and grenades to flame-throwers and, when they caught up, amphibious DD tanks, which had landed with the first wave of infantry.

Following on behind, the Royal Marines of No.45 were delayed around the village of Colleville-sur-Orne, two miles from Sword Beach, when they were counter-attacked by a local German unit. No.3 Commando, in the rear, had sensibly steered away from this action, but they were also slowed down when they encountered a minefield and had to pick their way through it.

No.6 Commando, meanwhile, had passed through the village of St Aubin d’Arquenay, one and a half miles to the north-west of Bénouville, when a nearby battery suddenly opened fire in the direction of the Beaches. One Troop peeled away from the main force and attacked this battery, manned by Italians, in the rear, taking all the crew’s prisoner and spiking their guns. Shortly after, an enemy platoon was observed to be approaching the village and it was subsequently ambushed, accounting for several men killed and the remainder taken prisoner, the ordinary soldiers amongst whom turned out to be Russians.

Beyond St Aubin d’Arquenay, the natural cover that the Commandos had up until now been cleverly exploiting, disappeared, and so they covered the last leg of their journey to Bénouville with haste, trusting that no enemy would catch them in an exposed position. It was at this point when No.6 Commando came under attack from Nebelwerfers, “Moaning Minnies” as they were known, rocket-propelled artillery which showered burning petrol upon impact, though in the event these did little damage. As the Commandos drew nearer to Bénouville they were fired on several times and halted, however their overall pace did not slacken. Relief for the 6th Airborne was at hand.

Edinburgh Evening News 19th September 1939.

CROAL. —At Cowdenbeath, on the 11th Inst., ISABELLA MENZIES. beloved wife of GEORGE CROAL. Funeral (private) on Thursday Cowdenbeath.

Dundee Courier 21^st June 1944.

KILLED IN NORMANDY Pte. George Croall, Cowdenbeath, was killed on the first day of the invasion of Normandy. Croall, who was a widower, leaves a family of one girl, who resides with her grandparents, Mr and Mrs Menzies, 145 Union Street, Cowdenbeath. His wife died four years ago. Prior to enlisting he was employed as a bricklayer. He was well known in Cowdenbeath and was an enthusiastic Burns lover.

War Diary 6^th Commando 6^th June 1944.

Headstone

Lord Lovat went on to form the SAS

Henry Cunning

Third radio officer Henry Cunning, S.S, Hatasu (Liverpool) Merchant Navy, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 2^nd October 1941 aged 19, Grave reference Panel 56. Tower Hill Memorial, London.

Henry (Harry) Cunning was born 1922, Cowdenbeath, son of Robert Cunning coal miner and Janet Hutchison, no marriage found, Robert died 1945 due to a mining accident, Janet remarried Melville Cumming occupation bus driver and died 18^th November 1969, at 48 King street, Cowdenbeath.

Sunday Post 9^th November 1941.

Henry Cunning (20), only son of Mr and Mrs Cunning, Dean Street, Denbeath, a radio operator in the Merchant navy, has been reported missing from 3^rd October.

Death record.

The SS Hatasu was a Liverpool registered general cargo ship but was armed & had a small complement of Royal Navy gunners on board and was en route to New York in ballast (empty) as part of a convoy. Some 600 miles SW of Newfoundland the ship was trailing behind the rest of the convoy when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Although it managed to return fire, the Hatasu had been split in two & sank within minutes. Of the 47 crew all but 7 died. The 7 survivors were rescued by a destroyer, the USS Charles F. Hughes, & taken into Reykjavik. The U-boat was captained by Kapitanleutnant Wilhelm Dommes, holder of the Iron Cross First Class & the Knights Cross. Although he survived the war, U 431 was itself later sunk, with the loss of all 52 hands, off Oran, Algeria in Oct 1943 by a Wellington of 179 Sqdn based in Gibraltar.

Alexander Cunningham.

Stoker 1st Class Alexander Cunningham, D/KX 140831, HMS Charybdis, Royal Navy, born Lochgelly, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 23^rd October 1943 aged 23, Grave reference Panel 82. Column 1. Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, England.

Alexander Cunningham was born Lochgelly 1920, son of Alexander Cunningham and Janet Hardie, married 1920 Cowdenbeath. Janet died 1956, aged 79, Cowdenbeath,

Operation Tunnel was mounted when the Royal Navy gained intelligence that the Germans would be moving a convoy along the Brittany coast on the night of the 22nd/23rd October 1943. The cruiser HMS Charybdis and her accompanying six destroyers should have been a strong force to reckon with.

Instead, it seems that the German shore-based radar gave them advance warning of the movements of the British ships, which they were able to communicate to the convoy escort, only 5 miles off the French coast. Although the Charybdis picked up the approach of enemy ships on her radar, it was too late to anticipate a joint torpedo attack by a group of German destroyers.

The Charybdis was hit almost immediately by a torpedo, and the destroyer HMS Limbourne soon afterwards, both ships were soon sinking. The German ships withdrew, undetected.

On board HMS Charybdis was David Royle, stationed in the Transmitting Station. He was aware only that the enemy ships had been detected and that they were intending to close with them before attacking:

Suddenly there was a terrific explosion. I left my seat, hit the deckhead and fell back across the table. I did not need to be told we had been torpedoed. All the lights had failed, my earphones were silent and had slipped round my neck. Water was rushing in somewhere and I heard the Bandmaster calling for the emergency lighting. This too had failed.

The ship was now listing over to port, so that in the inky blackness one could not tell if one was standing on the deck or on a dividing bulkhead. I had hung my lifebelt up, on entering the T.S.. – contrary to ships “Standing Orders” and stumbling about nearly had my head yanked off. My earphones were still plugged in, and the strap round my head brought me up with a jerk.

Piesse gave the order to leave the T.S., but it seemed an eternity before the watertight door was located and forced open. Fortunately, it had not jammed, but there was an immediate inrush of water. We moved by instinct, groping for the steel ladder to the next deck. There was no sound of gunfire above, and I don’t believe I could feel the throb of engines.

…

The next few minutes were very hazy but, by the list now of the ship, it meant getting on to the upper deck quickly was imperative.

The next ladder seemed to be lying flat instead of vertical, no wonder because when I got on the upper deck the port side was almost awash. The old ship seemed to be sinking fast, from the stern. One didn’t need to jump, I just kicked off my shoes and stepped into the “drink.”

…

[He stepped into a patch of oil and was immediately covered in it – it was probably this that saved his life, protecting him from the worst effects of the cold. After swimming around for some time and narrowly avoiding a German destroyer travelling at speed, he saw some red lights further away in the water]

…

Eventually I reached them. It was a Carley float, and hands reached to grab me to them. Inside the Float were two badly wounded men and hanging on the lifelines on the outside were 16 others, two or three I recognised as young Boy Seamen. There was only sufficient room for each person to put one arm through a line, and then with hands clasped hang on.

After a while the body became numb, and the cold more intense. One by one, men and boys were letting go, drifting away. Nobody had the strength to hold them back. Some became unconscious and by the ridiculous design of the Naval lifebelt, the head fell forward and the person drowned.

The oil fuel was now having its effect, and my retching no longer cleared the breathing. The clinging grip of it seemed to be everywhere, nose, mouth, eyes and hands. The seas were rising too and the Carley Float was rearing up on the crest of each wave, tumbling down into the trough, to be met by the next white capped sea. It must have cast off some man every time it did this half somersault, because there was more space around the float. By now I was not aware of any feeling in the lower part of my body.

I consider it my responsibility to record here that conditions were the same, with the few other Carley floats that had survivors around them. Indeed one “float” similarly over-manned in it’s early stage was approached by the Captain, and the men urged him to join them. But turning and swimming away, he called “keep going, help will be here soon.”

He lies now with over a hundred officers and men at Dinard, near St. Malo, Brittany. Over eighty men were buried at St. Bruic, Brittany thirty-eight at Howard Park, Jersey, nineteen at Le Foulon, Guernsey, and the ship’s Padre with two unidentified, on the island of Isle de Bas. More than five hundred officers and men died that night.

At what time the seas abated I do not know. A heavy swell persisted and there appeared to be the first signs of dawn. The “float” had now just four of us hanging on its sidelines, with two motionless bodies lying inside. It brightened still further, and I looked at the man next to me. He was totally unrecognisable, only the white of the eyes showing. I tried to speak but could not, neither it seemed could he.

As the “float” rose on the crest of a large swell I saw to my left a faint sign of land, with my eyes gummed up with oil it could not have been all that far away. Another big land swell, and over to my right I could see a destroyer and not all that far away. Each lift of the “float” gave me another sight of her.

She was stopped now, broadside on. A Hunt Class, one of ours. But had she seen us? she must be in range of enemy shore batteries, and with the coming light in danger of air attack. Being stopped she was a target for any ‘U’ boat. I tried to tell the others she would not wait – lets swim for it – but I could only speak with one hand. That was it, I must try and reach her before she got underway again. I let go the lifeline and struck out. Two, three strokes and everything went black.

The names of the two Petty Officers who dived into those October seas with lifelines attached and saved the other three men (unfortunately the two inside the “float” had died) are P.O. Johnson and P.O. Guy, of H.M.S. Wensleydale. The time, 0625 hours, exactly 25 minutes after the FINAL order from C-in-C Plymouth to clear the area. Two previous orders to do so had not, fortunately been carried out

Andrew Davie

Gunner Andrew Davie, 953523, 123 Field Regiment Royal Artillery, Born Dunfermline, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 18^th April 1941 aged 21, Grave reference Section H.14. class 7. Grave 2. Inverness (Tomnahurich) Cemetery, Inverness.

Andrew Davie was born 1920 Dunfermline, Fife, son of Andrew Davie occupation Boiler Fireman, and Margaret Watson, married 1914, Aberdour, when they first lived in Cowdenbeath they stayed at 7 Arthur Place. Margaret died 1971, Cowdenbeath, aged 77. Andrew died in Carnock, in 1966 aged 77. (Needs to be verified)

Death.

On the 18^th April 1941 at the Northern Infirmary, home address 69 Union Street, Cowdenbeath. Andrew Davie 21, occupation Miner, Gunner 203^rd R.A. Battery. Father Andrew Davie Boiler Fireman (Private Royal Scots) Mother Margaret Watson.

Cause of death, Gunshot wound of abdomen (Self-inflicted) 17 days, multiple perforations of bowel, General Peritonitis, Father present.

Sister A. W. Dewar.

I cannot find any link between Alice Whitehead Dewar with Cowdenbeath, but I believe this is the correct person commemorated on the WW2 Cowdenbeath War Memorial.

Sister Alice Whitehead Dewar, 270637, Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, Born Kinross, Perthshire, Residence Edinburgh, died 12^th February 1944 aged 28, Grave reference Panel 22. Column 2. Brookwood 1939-1945 Memorial, Surrey, England. Also commemorated on the Kinross War Memorial, also Kinross Parish Church.

Alice Whitehead Dewar was born 1916, Kinross, Perthshire, daughter of James Dewar occupation Coachbuilder (Master) and Mary Ann Stewart, Mary lived and worked as a domestic servant at 5 Merchiston Avenue, Edinburgh. At their marriage James was living at 17 Brand’s Building, Kinross. They were married on 29^th November 1911, at the Maitland Hotel, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.

A casualty of the sinking of the SS. Khedive Ismail that was en-route from Mombasa, East Africa to Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka). The third worst shipping disaster of WW2.

She was hit by two torpedoes fired by the Japanese submarine I-27. She is reported to have sunk within two minutes taking 1,297 of the ship’s 1,511 complement with her.

The casualties included 44 Queen Alexandra’s Sisters – 7 East African Military Nurses – 17 Wrens and 8 Women’s Territorial Service (East Africa).

The Khedive Ismail was the 14th victim of Captain Toshiaki Fukumura’s submarine, but his luck ran out three hours later when his sub was blown in half by a torpedo from HMS Petard with no survivors.

It was one of the most dramatic naval encounters of the last war – and yet the loss of the troopship SS Khedive Ismail has been largely forgotten by everyone outside an ever-decreasing circle of survivors and their relatives.

The former liner had left the African port of Kilindini as part of convoy KR 8 crowded with black soldiers from the 301st Field Artillery Regiment bound for Burma, along with a strong contingent of female auxiliaries and nursing staff. But an attacking Japanese submarine succeeded in putting two torpedoes in her engine room, blowing up her boilers and sentencing most of the trapped African troops and nursing staff to a watery grave. No less than 1,297 of them lost their lives.

The Admiralty did not release the details of the sinking of the SS. Khedive Ismail till 40 years later.

Perthshire Advertiser 8^th March 1944.

MISSING. Information has been received by her parents. Mr and Mrs James Dewar, Montgomery Street, that their daughter. Sister Alice – W. Dewar, of the Queen Alexandra Imperial Military Nursing Service, missing. Sister Dewar has been the military cursing service for year.

Frederick Dick.

Sergeant Frederick Dick, 1067547, 218 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 27^th June 1942 aged 21, Grave reference 13. C. 5. Sage War Cemetery, Niedersachsen, Germany.

Frederick Dick was born 1920 Cowdenbeath, the youngest of five children born to George Dick occupation coal miner, and Janet Sinclair. George died 1^st September 1958, Cowdenbeath, aged 76. Janet died 12^th April 1948, Cowdenbeath, aged 66.

No newspaper article found to date.

Accident Report for DJ974.

28th June 1942, 0:2.28 LT, 218 (Gold Coast) squadron, departure RAF Markam. the aircraft was hit by Marine Flak and crashed into the sea near Hohenstiefersiel. Initially Sgt Waters and Sgt Dicks were buried at Wilhelmshaven. They now rest in Sage war Cemetery:

Pilot:1193368 Sgt Ralph Waters – Sage War Cemetery 13. C. 10.
Flight Engineer:925390 Sgt John Kingston Lew Heath – Hanover War Cemetery Coll. grave 10. E. 14-17.
Observer:116027 Plt Off Horace Martin Simon – Hanover War Cemetery Coll. grave 10. E. 14-17.
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner:998998 Sgt John Armstrong – Hanover War Cemetery Coll. grave 10. E. 14-17.
Wireless Operator/Air Gunner:974840 Sgt George Anderson Gow – Hanover War Cemetery 10. E. 13.
Wireless operator/Air Gunner/58117 Sgt Thomas Campbell Parry RCAF – Hanover War Cemetery Coll. grave 10. E. 14-17.
Air Gunner:1067547 Sgt Frederick Dick – Sage War Cemetery 13. C. 5.

218 Squadron history for June 1942.

Harris was anxious to use the thousand force again as soon as possible, and after a night’s rest, he ordered it to be prepared for a raid on Essen on the night of the 1/2nd. 956 aircraft were available to answer the call, including fifteen from 218 Squadron, led by the flight commanders, S/Ls Kerr and Ashworth. Sgt McAuley and his crew were forced to return early, when N3753 developed engine problems, and they walked away from the crash-landing. The remainder of the squadron’s crews completed their sorties, delivering over 112,000lbs of bombs. Sadly, very few of them fell where intended, as bombs were sprayed over a wide area of the Ruhr, and damage in Essen was light and superficial. It was a tremendous disappointment after the success at Cologne, and a follow-up raid by a conventional force twenty-four hours later was equally ineffective. Some compensation was gained at Bremen on the 3/4th, however, when the city authorities reported their heaviest and most damaging raid to date. Among the eleven missing aircraft was the squadron’s W7474, which fell victim to a nightfighter over Holland, and only one man survived as a PoW from the eight man crew of P/O Webber. Harris was determined to make his point at Essen, and tried three more times during the month, on the 5/6th, 8/9th and 16/17th, thus bringing the number of sorties during June to 1,607. Out of these, eighty-four aircraft had been lost, no industrial damage had been inflicted, and only a modest few houses had been destroyed. Earlier, on the 6/7th, the first of four raids during the month on Emden had produced an excellent return of three hundred houses destroyed, but this success was not repeated when the Command returned on the 19/20th, 20/21st and 22/23rd. Only the last mentioned resulted in any significant damage, and this and the one on the 20/21st cost the squadron an aircraft. S/L Ashworth died with two of his crew, when W7530 was shot down by a night fighter over Holland, and the five survivors were taken into captivity. N6078 failed to return on the 22/23rd and was lost without trace with the crew of P/O Medus. The final thousand bomber raid took place on the 25/26th with Bremen as the target. Bomber Command was able to amass 960 aircraft, while Coastal Command, ordered by Churchill to participate, sent a further 102 aircraft, in what was classified as a separate operation. Never-the-less, the numbers converging on Bremen on this night exceeded those going to Cologne at the end of May. 218 Squadron contributed fourteen Stirlings to what was a moderately successful operation, which fell well short of Cologne, but far surpassed the debacle at Essen. 572 houses were destroyed, and many important war industry factories sustained damage, as did one of the shipyards, but the cost in bombers was a new record forty-eight, including one from 218 Squadron. W7503 was shot down by a night fighter onto the banks of the Ijsselmeer in northern Holland, killing the entire crew. P/O Ball was on his fifteenth operation and had flown on all of the “thousand” raids, and his wireless operator, Sgt Rogers, had completed twenty-four sorties. Three follow-up operations against Bremen on the 27/28th, 29/30th and 2/3rd of July each added to the damage to housing, industry, and the docks, but 218 Squadron again suffered casualties. DJ974 was shot down by flak over Germany on the 27/28th, while N3718 was lost on the July raid, and neither produced a survivor from the crews of Sgt Waters and P/O Jeary respectively. The squadron registered a record 113 sorties during the month but lost six aircraft and five crews in the process. Having failed so dismally at Essen, Harris would turn his attention upon its Ruhr neighbour Duisburg during the second half of July. In the meantime, 218 Squadron left Marham for Downham Market, taking up residence there on the 7th, and participated in a raid by almost three hundred aircraft on Wilhelmshaven on the 8/9th, when many of them wasted their bombs on open country. The first of five raids on Duisburg in less than four weeks was mounted on the 13/14th, by a little under two hundred aircraft. Cloud and electrical storms made conditions difficult for bombing, and the city escaped with the slightest damage. Thirty-one Stirlings set off shortly before 19.00 hours on the 16th for an ambitious dusk attack on a U-Boat yard near Lübeck, using cloud-cover to mask their approach across the North Sea and Denmark. All six of the Stirling squadrons provided aircraft, but only eight crews reported bombing as briefed, and 218 Squadron’s W7475 was fortunate to survive an attack by five fighters. An operation was mounted against the Vulkan U-Boat yards at Vegesack on the night of the 19/20th in which a further thirty-one Stirlings took part, but later photographic evidence revealed that no bombs fell near the town. It was back to Duisburg on the 21/22nd, 23/24th and 25/26th, when a moderate amount of housing damage did not reflect the effort of despatching a combined total of 819 aircraft, thirty one of which failed to return.

Robert Dobbie.

Ordinary Seaman Robert Dobbie, D/JX 287270, HMS Lively Royal Navy, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 11^th May 1942 aged 20, Grave reference Panel 67. Column 1. Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, England.

Robert Dobbie was born 1921 Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of William Dobbie and Annie Penman, married 1921, Dunfermline, William died 1962 aged 73, Cowdenbeath. Annie died in Dunfermline aged 81. (In 1925 William and Annie were living at 39 Elgin Rd Cowdenbeath, 1940 they were living at 35 Moss Side Rd, Cowdenbeath.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 19^th May 1942

Cowdenbeath Seaman Missing Mr and Mrs Dobbie, 35 Moss Side Road, Cowdenbeath, have been officially informed that their son, Robert Dobbie, of the Royal Navy, has been reported missing, presumed killed. Formerly grocer with Mr Galbraith, Cowdenbeath, he was associated with the boys’ section of Cowdenbeath Y.M.C.A.

Three Destroyers Lost. Over 500 officers and men ” were saved when three out of four British destroyers were lost under intensive German air attacks in the Eastern Mediterranean on Monday and early yesterday. Total casualties cannot be heavy, says an Admiralty communique announcing the sinkings. The destroyers were the Lively (1920 tons), completed in 1940; the Jackal, and the Kipling, both 1690 tons, completed in 1939 R.A.F. Beaufighters shot down a Heinkel 111, and damaged at least two more and five Junkers 88. Official Admiralty communique states that on Monday afternoon a force consisting of four of our destroyers were heavily attacked by German aircraft in the Eastern Mediterranean. H.M S. Lively (Lieut. Commander W. F. E. Hussey. D. 5.0., D.S.C., R.N.) was hit and sank. The remaining three destroyers were subjected further heavy air attack by the German Air Force. During the evening. H.M.S. Jackal (Comdr. C. N. Lentaigne. D. 5.0., R.N.) and H.M.S. Kipling (Comdr. A. St. Clair Ford, D. 5.0., R.N.) were both hit. H.M.S. Kipling sank. H.M.S. Jackal was taken in tow but had to be sunk by our own forces during the early hours of yesterday morning since it became impossible to save the ship.

The Loss of Lively and Kipling

On the 10th of May 1942 the British destroyers HMS Jackal, HMS Jervis, HMS Kipling and HMS Lively sailed from Alexandria at 18:15 to intercept an Italian convoy of 3 merchant ships escorted by 3 destroyers which had sailed from Navarins Bay, bound for Benghazi, however at about 15:15 on the 11th the ships were spotted by German JU88 reconnaissance aircraft which flew round the ships at a height of 10,000 feet despite the anti-aircraft fire from the destroyers, then flew off. At this point the proposed attack on the convoy was called off by the commander of the force, aboard HMS Jervis and the force turned back for Alexandria, forming line abreast, with HMS Lively on the Port wing of the formation. Shortly after this an escort of Beaufighters arrived over the destroyers.

At 16:25 the force was attacked by a force of Junkers JU88s of Fliegerkorps II, North of Sidi-el Barrani, the dive-bombing attack coming out of the sun at a steep angle. At about 16:30, during the first wave of the attack, which had overwhelmed the 4 Beaufighters escorting the British ships, although they shot down a Heinkel III and damaged two more and five of the Junkers JU88s. HMS Lively was sunk 100 miles North East of Tobruk at 3324N 2538E, with the loss of 76 of her crew. A diving JU88 dropped 4 bombs from a low altitude, almost unopposed as the Livelys main armament did not fire, possibly mistaking the German aircraft for one of the Beaufighters, and the pom-poms line of fire was masked by the superstructure, the only guns firing being the Oerlikons.

At least 3 of the bombs hit the Lively on the forecastle, penetrating through three decks before exploding, blowing out the whole forepart of the ship. Travelling at high speed, she drove the wrecked forepart under the surface, rolled over onto her Starboard side and sank within 4 minutes. Survivors from the forward part of the ship and the bridge were distributed over about quarter of a mile as the rapidly sinking ship lost way with her stern in the air, and the bridge and funnel awash. As the remainder of the survivors abandoned the ship more bombs exploded in the water around them, several of them tried to climb into a ships boat which had floated free, but this capsized and sank.

HMS Kipling moved in, picking up some of the survivors in the oil contaminated water, followed by HMS Jervis, which started picking up some of the larger groups, however they were driven of by further bombing attacks, circling around the survivors position. After the attacks ceased Kipling again returned and started picking the main groups Livelys men from the water Jervis came back and commenced to pick up the more scattered survivors

One of these was the Livelys commanding officer, Lt. Commander Hussey, who was holding on to a coir torpedo fender with the Gunnery Officer, John Jones and Able Seaman Dommett, a member of B guns crew, who was semi-conscious. As HMS Jervis approached, Lt. Commander Hussey left the fender and swam towards the approaching destroyer, catching hold of the boat rope near the bows, holding onto which he was towed for several hundred yards, as the Jervis, with her scrambling nets lowered moved towards the fender. The 2 men on the fender were rescued and Lt. Commander Hussey, suffering from exhaustion was hauled aboard.

Almost all the survivors were picked up by HMS Kipling and HMS Jervis, and the 3 destroyers set off for Alexandria but shortly afterwards they came under air attack from Junkers 88s of another squadron. HMS Kipling, now 60 miles North of Mersa Matruh, and was also sunk, at 32 38N 25 20E and HMS Jackal was severely damaged and set on fire.

The survivors from the Kipling were picked up by HMS Jervis, which attempted to take the crippled and burning Jackal in tow, however this proved to be impossible, and her crew were taken off. HMS Jervis, now with some 650 survivors aboard, sank the Jackal with a torpedo at 4:55 then set course for Alexandria. Several of the injured survivors had died during the night, including Lt. Commander Hussey, and at 10:30 the ship briefly stopped some 60 miles west of Alexandria, and, with a brief service they were buried at sea, before the Jervis finally returned to Alexandria.

S. Elder.

Nothing found to date.

Alexander Ferguson.

Lance Corporal Alexander Allan Beveridge Ferguson, 5114042, 7^th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 19^th June 1940 aged 21, Grave reference 18.3.17. Gent City Cemetery, Belgium. (Also commemorated on the family headstone in Beath Cemetery, Fife)

Alexander Ferguson was born 1918 Cowdenbeath, Fife, the third of five children born to Gilbert Ronald Ferguson occupation Tailer (Waiter) and Margaret Allan Beveridge, Margaret and Gilbert were married 17^th June 1908, 17 Rose Street, Cowdenbeath. Gilbert died 3^rd August 1957 aged 74 in Dunfermline. Margaret died 14^th February 1962 aged 77, in Beath, Fife.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 27^th June 1940.

COWDENBEATH MAN MISSING, Mr Gilbert Ferguson, tailor, High Street, Cowdenbeath, and president of the Miners’ Welfare Institute, has received official intimation to-day that his son, Alex. Ferguson, Royal Warwick’s, has been posted missing and injured. He was educated at Beath Secondary School.

Dundee Courier 28^th June 1940

Mr Gibson Ferguson, tailor. High Street, Cowdenbeath, who is president of the Miners’ Welfare Institute, received intimation yesterday that his son. Alex. Ferguson, Royal Warwick’s, had been posted missing and injured. Alex was educated at Beath Secondary School.

Birmingham Mail 12^th July 1940.

Would Any Soldier from France or their friends who have seen or heard anything about L/Cpl. FERGUSON 5114042 Royal Warwickshire Regiment, kindly write to Mr G. Ferguson, 255, Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath. Fife.

Fife Free Press 7^th December 1940. (Also in Dundee Courier 2^nd December 1940)

FIFE MAN KILLED IN ACTION. Mr and Mrs G. Ferguson, Stenhouse Street. Cowdenbeath, have been informed through the International Red Cross that their younger son L.-Cpl. Alexander Ferguson, Warwick Regiment, was killed in action at Ghent. Ferguson, who was reported missing and wounded several months ago held a position Birmingham under the Customs and Excise.

7^th Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment May-June 1940.

The 2nd, 1/7th and 8th Battalions were part of the BEF in France and Belgium. Like other units they had to fight their way back to the beaches of Dunkirk when the German army launched their Blitzkrieg.

At the same time, the 1/7th and 8th Battalions were in Belgium. On the 16th May with the Allied front crumbling rapidly they were ordered back. With the Germans advancing in a pincer movement there was a danger that the BEF would be cut off. 143 Brigade (including 1/7th and 8th Battalion) was sent to defend the Ypres-Comines canal zone. The lives of many thousands rested on the depleted force. The troops withstood the assault of three German Divisions on the 27th and 28th May. This saved 2nd Corps and did much to aid the successful withdrawal of the BEF. Just one night made a big difference to the number of men that reached England safely (midnight 28th May 25,000 and 29th May a further 47,300). However, the loss of life amongst the three Battalions was great, on their return to England their combined strength was less than 700 men (about one Battalion).

William Fox.

Nothing found to date

William Elmslie Frew.

Flight Lieutenant William Elmslie Frew, 50286, 83^rd Squadron Royal Air Force, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Speenhamland, Newbury, Berkshire. Died 27^th August 1944 aged 19, Grave reference Grave 243. Randbol Churchyard, Denmark.

William Elmslie Frew was born 1922, Cowdenbeath, son of Thomas Frew occupation coal miner and Margaret Swanson, Margaret and Thomas were married 12^th November 1897, Beath, Fife. Thomas died 24^th September 1921 at West Fife Hospital usual address 53 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath. Margaret died 1960, Cowdenbeath, aged 79.

William Frew married Kathlyn Doris Baker in 1943 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, Kathryn remarried in Newbury 1952 to Ralph Newton, she died 27^th October 2009 aged 86.

Crew of Lancaster111 PB192. 83^rd Squadron RAF. 27^th August 1944, Flight Lieutenant (WO) William Elmslie Frew 50286, Flight Sergeant Alwyn Victor Howarth 997285 (WO) Squadron Leader Albert Sydney Perkins 128053, (Nav) Flight Sergeant Bert Smith 1591474, (FE) Pilot Officer Keith George Tennant, 426768.

On the return flight over the Jylland peninsula PB292 was attacked by a German night fighter piloted by Ofhr Gerhard Wartenborger of 4./NJG 3 at approx. 03:30 hrs. The Lancaster caught fire and finally exploded in the air. The wreckage fell to the ground at Høgsholt northwest of Vejle covering several sq. kilometres with debris.

Most fell in fields belonging to Farmers Svend Guldborg and Richard Jensen. Three bodies were found among the wreckage and one was found in a machinegun turret near Leerbæk Gård farm. A fifth flyer was found near Fruens Møllested with a hole in the deployed parachute.

The Danish police found Air bomber W/O Raymond (Ray) E. Page unharmed not far from the crash site and took him to the police station in Vejle from where the Germans collected him.
He was sent to Gulag Luft in Oberursel near Frankfurt am for interrogation and after about two weeks he was sent to Stalag Luft VII Bankau where he was from September 1944 to 19/1 1945. The prisoners were then force marched to Stalag IIIA at Luckenwalde where Page arrived on 8/2-45. He stayed here until liberation.

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Auction Details 7^th August 2018 (Special Auction Services, Newbury, Berkshire)

A WWII DFC medal group, awarded to F/LT WILLIAM F FREW, Frew flew in RAF Lancaster III PB292, 83 Squadron Bomber Command, on 28th August 1944 was shot at by a German Night Fighter over the Jylland Peninsula, where the Lancaster exploded in mid-air, this lot comprises of DFC in box, Air Crew Europe Star1939-45 Star, War and Defence medal, plus his wings badge, and paperwork and photographs relating to his Memorial (parcel)unfortunately there is no logbook with this medal group

Christopher Friel

Stoker 1^st Class Christopher Friel, P/KX101098, HMS Barham Royal Navy, Born Kelty, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 25^th November 1941 aged 22, Grave reference Panel 55. Column 1. Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire, England.

Christopher Friel was born 1919, Kelty, son of William Friel occupation coal miner, and Jane McAvoy/McGill. Jane died 1953 in Provan, Glasgow, aged 81. William died 1965 in Cowdenbeath, aged 88.

In 1940 William Friel and family were living at 14 Station Road, Cowdenbeath.

No Newspaper articles found to date.

Christopher Friel death details, Christopher Friel, P/KX101098, Stoker (1) HMS Barham, born 4/9/1919 Kelty, Fife, death 25^th November 1941, cause of death Lost Overboard at sea.

Roland Bundy account of sinking of HMS Barham.

On the 25th November 1941 I was serving on H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth, which was at that time the flagship of Admiral A. B. Cunningham. We were in the Eastern Mediterranean, midway between Crete and the Bay of Sollum. It was a most beautiful day – warm sunshine, blue cloudless sky and the sea was flat calm.

It was just after 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and I had just come off watch. Like most of the watch I had taken a mug of tea on to the upper deck to enjoy the sun and admire the view. It was a beautiful sight – 3 large battleships steaming in a line ahead and with a screen of twelve destroyers in a “V shape” ahead and around us. H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth was leading, followed by H.M.S. Barham which was about 300 yards astern of us, and H.M.S. Valiant another 300 yards astern of her.

Suddenly at 4.23 we saw two or three large columns of water rear over the decks of H.M.S. Barham, followed by an enormous explosion and two further explosions seconds later. She had been struck by four torpedoes.

Almost immediately after a German submarine broke surface before crash diving only about 40 yards off the starboard rail of the Valiant. She was unable to manoeuvre to ram the submarine for fear of colliding with the Barham which was continuing to steam on her course, rolling over on a perfectly even keel with neither bow nor stern in the air, but listing very quickly indeed. The Valiant did open fire on the submarine but it was so close to her that she could not depress her guns sufficiently and the rounds passed over the submarine.

In the meantime, the Barham was listing over so far that dozens of men were sliding down her side and standing on the anti-submarine bulge halfway down. It was obvious to us on the Queen Elizabeth that the Barham was sinking fast, and I can remember that we were shouting to the men to jump. This was how close we were to her.

The Captain’s motorboat and the ship’s whalers all broke away from their lashings and rolled down the deck and side of the Barham knocking men over like ninepins. The list became so pronounced that after only about 3 minutes from the time of the torpedoing the Barham’s mainmast struck the surface of the sea, and seconds later we saw water pouring into her funnel.

Suddenly there was a blinding flash, an enormous explosion and a mushroom of black smoke rose thousands of feet into the air. Debris was hurled into the air, and I saw one of the 15-inch gun turrets lifted up hundreds of feet. We were ordered to take cover because of the falling debris. Apparently, a fire aboard the Barham caused a small magazine to explode and this in turn blew into the main magazine of the battleship.

In 4 minutes and 45 seconds a 35,000-ton battleship was lost and with her 868 officers and men. A friend who was serving on her dived overboard as soon as she was struck and was picked up a mile astern. The gives some indication of the speed of the fleet and of the stricken ship which had kept up even while she was sinking. Two destroyers picked up 474 survivors. The submarine couldn’t be attacked by depth charges because the survivors were spread over a large surface of the sea. Unfortunately, many sailors couldn’t swim and on a large ship not everyone wore a life jacket. It was difficult to imagine such a large ship sinking so quickly.

There is no doubt that it was a very brave effort on the part of the German submarine. It was presumed that she must have been only just below the surface when she crept through the screen of the12 destroyers so the ASDICs failed to detect her and the surface ships were also closely packed. Probably the reason she was visible when she crash dived was also because she was so close to the surface. The German crew were apparently given a tremendous reception when the submarine returned to her dase.

John Geddes.

Able Seaman John Geddes, P/JX 343620, Royal Navy H.M.L.C.I. (L.) 290. (Landing craft) Born Lochgelly, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 6^th February 1944 aged 23, Grave reference 11. D. 11. Naples War Cemetery, Italy.

John McDonald Geddes was born 25th July1922, at 45 School Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Henry Geddes and Margaret McDonald who were married 1917 in Dunfermline. Margaret died 1993, in Dunfermline aged 98.

No newspaper entries found to date.

Death certificate John Geddes.

John Gillespie.

Private John Brough Gillespie, 2758162, 5^th Battalion Black Watch, Born Thornton, Fife, Residence Perth, died of wounds 27^th July 1943, aged 24, Grave reference 11. A. 32. Enfidaville War Cemetery, Tunisia.

John Brough Gillespie born 6 February 1919 Cleveland Place, Thornton, Markinch, Fife, Scotland Son of William Gillespie & Rebecca Brough

John Brough Gillespie Married 28 November 1941 Barony Church, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland to Maggie (Margaret) Lynch, Witnesses Agnes Smart & James Ewart.

Maggie Lynch born 11 September 1921 36 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland died 25 November 1982 Milesmark Hospital, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland Maggie’s death was registered by A Perry Executor of 30 Viewfield Terrace Lumphinnans, Fife, Scotland ,

Dundee Courier 9^th August 1943.

5^th Battalion Black Watch May 1943-October 1943.

Early in May, after the cessation of all fighting in Tunisia, the battalion moved to Djidjelli in Algeria to be trained in amphibious landings, which were eventually made on the coast of Sicily on 10 July, landing just west of Pachino Point, the southernmost tip of the island. The few Italians there quickly surrendered and on the subsequent advance inland no enemy were met until, four days later, Germans were found in possession of the small towns of Francafonte and Vizzini some 50 miles (80km) inland. Vizzini is perched on top of a hill and there was no way to get round it. Two companies of the battalion succeeded in overcoming some fierce resistance and by nightfall, with some losses, they were in possession. Next was the advance across the Catanian Plain towards Paterna at the foot of Mount Etna. The battalion was able to cross the river Dittaino with little difficulty during the night of the 18th to attack the village of Sferro some eight miles (13km) short of Paterna. Unable to take the village, they had to lie up between it and the river throughout the next exceedingly hot day under constant shellfire. The Gordon Highlanders managed to take the village next night, but the front then became static and both they and the 5th Black Watch were relieved a few days later by 1st and 7th Black Watch. The battalion was involved in some minor skirmishing during the subsequent push to Messina, which was entered by American units on 14 August, thus in effect ending the battle for Sicily. The battalion crossed to the mainland of Italy with the 51st Division on 8 September and six weeks later was on its way back to the UK, eventually to take part in the D-Day operations in Normandy and beyond.

John Grant.

Private John Grant, S/139901, Royal Army Service Corps (Death certificate he was attached to WSMT) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 19^th June 1940 aged 20, Grave reference Section C. Cons. Grave 3735. Plymouth (Weston Mill) Cemetery, Plymouth, Devon.

John Grant was born 1919 in Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Edward Grant and Marjory Stenhouse / Manderson, married 1917, St Giles, Edinburgh. I believe Marjory died 1964 in Cowdenbeath aged 79. (not verified by death certificate)

No newspaper article found to date. 17^th June 1940,

Name of ship Dorsetshire, Official number 143659, Date of death 17^th June 1940. Place of death Quiberon, Name J Grant, Male, age 20, Private 139901, RASC. WSMT Coy, Birthplace Cowdenbeath, B.E.F. France, Cause of death Cardiac failure following Diphtheria, Passenger.

HMS Devonshire was in Britain having a major refit but left for Freetown on the 23^rd June. Quiberon was in the South West of France part of the “Atlantic Wall” which was 388Km from Plymouth.

Peter Hay.

Sergeant Peter Hay, 2985930, 7/10^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Born Lumphinnans, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 26^th October 1942 aged 23, Grave reference X1. A. 2. El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

Peter Hay was born 1919 In Lumphinnans, Fife, son of James Rattray Hay and Annie Browning, married 1906, Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire. From about 1930 they lived at 23 Moss Side Road, Cowdenbeath, but in 1940 the address was House and Garage 23 Moss Side Road, Cowdenbeath, James died 25^th April 1954 aged 72, Cowdenbeath. Ann his wife died 8^th January 1962 in Cowdenbeath, aged 78. Peter Hay is also commemorated on the Family Headstone.

No newspaper entry found to date.

Notes on the Battle of El Alamein from the 7th BN Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

On Oct 25th orders came that we were to attack NAIRN, a long ridge in front of GREENOCK which provided the enemy with a good O.P. and was strong in anti-tank guns and well protected by M.Gs and mortars. The whole direction had now rather swung to the south and STIRLING our original objective, having been attacked by tanks and pounded by guns, was to be taken in a simultaneous attack by the 5th B.W. Both attacks were to start at 2300 hours, and both were to be silent, i.e. without artillery support. Our plan for NAIRN was to attack with “A”, “B” and “D” Coy, now only about forty strong, and Bn H.Q. to hold the ground already won, in case anything went wrong, and to follow them on to the ridge, about 1,800 yards, on the success signal. “A” Coy much depleted, arrived back only an hour or two before taking part in the attack. All went well, until unfortunately there was a slight confusion and some noise on one part of the start line which caused one or two of the enemy M.Gs to open up before the troops had left. But all got off all right and the first enemy positions were taken without difficulty. As they neared the second positions however, the attack came under heavy crossing machinegun and mortar fire. “A” Coy suffered especially heavily, all their officers being hit. Despite this, however, and although they converged rather than diverged as had been intended all the Coys pushed on and cleared every post they came to. A conservative estimate is that sixty or seventy of the enemy were killed. Twenty odds were taken prisoner. From the reports coming in, it looked as if the attack had run into something too strong and a set-back seemed probable. But then came a message on the wireless from Capt. J.C. MEIKLEJOHN, O.C., “B” Coy to say that he had reached his objective and collected remainder of “A” and “D” Coys to him, giving him about a hundred men in all, and that he was holding on, but that the enemy seemed to have closed in behind him, and to have cut off all communications and to be threatening counter attack. The explanation seems to be that relief of the Italians, whom we had been disappointed to find in front of us in the first attack, by Germans was taking place. All the troops encountered in this attack were Boches. It has come out since that Rommel was not expecting our main push in the north, so he probably thought he could safely leave the northern sector to the Italians but changed his mind later.

Meanwhile the mortar fire shifted on to Bn H.Q. and the transport and anti tank guns which were again waiting for the gaps in the minefields to enable them to get forward. It soon became clear that MEIKLEJOHN was cut off. He reported that he was short of ammunition, so two carriers were sent off to try to find him, but they were unable to find him. Lt.A.J.A. STEWART then set off with the same two carriers, came within hearing distance of MEIKLEJOHN, but could not reach him on account of mines. Lt. F.A. SILLS, who was now the only officer left with MEIKLEJOHN unwounded, came out to try to guide him in but eventually ran into a party of Germans as there was a shout of “Up the Argylls” followed by the sound of grenades, and Lt SILLS had not been seen since. STEWART was to far off to help and MIEKLJOHN’s party could not hear what happened. STEWART then returned to Bn H.Q. but set out on another attempt, this time with four carriers, two towing anti-tank guns, but this attempt was again a failure and two of the carriers were blown up on the minefields. Daylight stopped further attempts. Meanwhile MEILKEJOHN and Major HUGH FORSTER, 126 Fd Regt R.A., our F.O.O. had been in wireless communication and through his wireless MEIKLEJOHN directed defensive fire which FORESTER put down round his position, thus probably saving him from being over-run. All the next day the position remained the same, further attempts to get ammunition, and now food and water also, through failed and it was only the day after that supplies eventually reached the garrison. All attempts accurately to place their position on the ridge by shell fire, very light, etc. failed and thought they could see us we could not see them.

When reached they were found not only to be on their objective and in occupation of one and the main positions on NAIRN, but to be in excellent spirits, in spite of their trying experience. The whole thing was a great piece of work on the part of MEIKLEJOHN, who gave a magnificent display of leadership, courage and determination. Rather ironically while I was still swithering about risking my sound base by launching the last party of men of “C” Coy on to a two-thousand-yard objective, a motorised battalion attached to the tanks came up and occupied it and were the first friends that MEILKEJOHN saw. They left next morning with as little warning as they had come, leaving MEIKLEJOHN in the middle of a full-fledged tank battle and still inaccessible.

NAIRN was occupied with “B” and “C” Coys (now Capt. D.E. YOUNG) forward on the ridge and “D” Coy (Capt. A.M. LESLIE) back. For a short time there was also an “H” Coy consisting of spare men of “HQ” Coy, and commanded by Lt. J.H.F. MORTON. MEIKLEJOHN was sent back to the Div. Rest Camp to recuperate and was sent from there to Hospital, and of the original Rifle Coy’s Officers, YOUNG was then the only survivor. All the others, except MIEKLEJOHN, having become casualties, all wounded except J.L. GILMOUR killed and F.A. SILLS missing. At this time drafts of officers and men began to arrive, first our own re-enforcements, then from 2nd and 5th Seaforth’s, 2nd and 5th Cameron’s, and finally seventy from the 91st, bringing the battalion at the end of the battle to something like full strength again. Officers were still short and several of the newcomers were Cameroonians. The four Coys were reformed, command of “A” Coy being given to Capt. G.V. SEYMOUR, R.S.F. The shortage of N.C.O’s was a serious problem, so many having been lost in battle, and rapid promotion was inevitable, and in many cases well deserved.

Round the position on NAIRN, we laid a complete system of minefields, the anti tank guns and machine guns and mortars were sited and one or two successful mortar shoots were conducted by telephone from observers pushed with two forward platoons over the crest. Shelling and occasional machine gunning, apparently on fixed lines, continued and there were some casualties, but not a great number. At this time the men were being worked pretty hard as they were often shelled very heavily by day and much of the night was spent in patrolling and laying the mine fields, which could not be done in daylight as they were under enemy observation and fire. A fighting patrol was sent out to destroy the most annoying machine gun post, but it was unsuccessful. It started badly as a joint patrol, half Argylls and half 7 B.W. The start was delayed by a threatened counterattack and finally when the patrol got within 30 yards of its objective it met high wire and fire was opened on it from several directions. Both officers were wounded, ours was Lieut. A.S. BOWDEN, and his patrol withdrew, Pte. SHIELDS carrying a wounded comrade all the way back to our lines. A reconnaissance patrol to discover the position of another M.G. post, which it was proposed to tackle, also came under fire as it approached. This post was to have been attacked, but before this could be done the battalion was relieved by Botha Regt. of the S. African Div. and sent out of the line for “rest”.

Samuel Johnston.

Many thanks to David Allan who sent all the details for Samuel Johnston which I have copied in their entirety

Corporal Samuel Johnston, 2932856, 1^st Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Nairn, Morayshire, died 25^th February 1945 aged 25, Grave reference Face 18. Rangoon Memorial, Yangon, Myanmar.

Samuel Johnston was born 1919, Cowdenbeath, the second of four children born to David Johnston and Janet Walls Halkett, David died 13^th November 1955 aged 66, form Stomach cancer, Janet died 1969 Cowdenbeath, aged 77. Samuel Johnston married Christina Wallace 2^nd August 1941 in Nairn, she died 2001 in Nairn aged 80.

Sam Johnston – Just after the end of the Great War in 1919, Samuel Johnston was born in Cowdenbeath. He later worked as a miner in the local pits and embarked on a footballing career. Tall and well built, he represented junior side Bowhill Rovers in season 1937/38 on the right wing. He made an increasing impression as the season wore on culminating in his four goal haul in April 1938 in a 12-1 drubbing of Cowdenbeath side Kirkford Juniors. Sam was now attracting senior scouts and he scored two on the opening day of the next season v Kirkford Juniors and then grabbed a hat trick in August 1938 as Rovers hammered Glencraig Colliery 8-1. Sam Johnston then joined Edinburgh 2nd Division side St Bernard’s – a side that had played in the 1938 Scottish Cup semi-final. Sam made his debut in a 1-0 win over Stenhousemuir on 10th September 1938.

He was a regular for the Saints in 1938/39 and scored 8 goals. He also played in the wartime league in 1939/40 and scored a double in a 6-2 win over Forfar. Sam was a speedy, elusive player with bags of natural ability. Of course, by this time the country was at War and Sam was one of those who went off to do his bit having enlisted in 1939.

He joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and was posted to Fort George. Whilst up north, he married Christina Wallace from Nairn in 1941. He also played for Nairn County at this time. Sam became a Corporal in the 1st Battalion of the Highlanders and went to serve in the Far East. In 1944, he was a member of the British and Commonwealth forces who heroically defeated the Japanese advance at the bloody Battle of Kohima – this turned aside the Japanese invasion of India. The Camerons’ memorial at Kohima bears the famous inscription, attributed to English poet and classicist John Maxwell Edmonds, which states poignantly:

When you go home, tell them of us and say
For their tomorrow, we gave our today.

Sam Johnston did survive to fight another day but sadly lost his life on the banks of the Irrawaddy River on 25 February 1945 as the Camerons fought to drive the Japanese out of Burma. His widow was left to bring up their two-year-old son David Johnston on a war widow’s pension.

This young boy was to follow the football path his father had trodden and exhibited much of the talent and flair his father had shown in his own career. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Davy Johnston was the most talked about footballer in the Highlands – one who also turned his back on fame aged just 26 when he was an Aberdeen star at Pittodrie under Eddie Turnbull.

In the late 1950s, Davy Johnston joined his father’s old club Nairn County and was soon featuring on their left wing. In 1960, Tommy Walker came up to Nairn and signed him for Hearts. Dave impressed at Tynecastle with 3 goals in 7 games but suffered from homesickness and asked to be released. Hearts reluctantly agreed and he resigned for County.

He prospered back in the Highland League scoring 47 goals in season 1962/63 and then running riot in 1963/64 with 73 goals. Nairn were championship runners-up by one point that season but did win the North of Scotland Cup and the Highland League cup.

In 1964/65, ex-Cowden centre Dave Beveridge joined Nairn to further augment their fire power but they again lost the title race by a single point. Many English and Scottish League clubs had made approaches to Davy Johnston but were all rebuffed. He tallied 61 goals in 1965/66 and was still banging them in at the start of the next campaign.

Then in November 1966, Eddie Turnbull at last persuaded Davy to join Aberdeen. 6 months later he was playing in the Scottish Cup final v the Lisbon Lions. Turnbull believed he had a future international player in Johnston and with his goalscoring background he was often deployed as centre forward. In 1967/68, he hit the national headlines when Rangers, unbeaten in all 33 League games, lost their last match of the season 3-2 at Ibrox to Aberdeen – Johnston scored twice – to hand the title to a flabbergasted Jock Stein and Celtic. Turnbull’s team was ever improving, and Dave moved back onto the left wing in a front-line which now included Jim Forrest, Joe Harper and Davie Robb. Then sensationally at the end of season 1968/69, Davy walked out on Aberdeen – citing illness and other rather unconvincing reasons for his waygoing. No number of entreaties or threats from Aberdeen and their manager could change his mind. Davy then played out the rest of his career in the Highland League – he was to star at Inverness Caley for six honour strewn years before winding his career down back at Nairn.

Davy Johnston died aged 61 in 2004 and last year a book was published telling his story – ‘Pittodrie’s Silent Assassin: Davy Johnston’. Thus, was Davy Johnston commemorated. His father Sam Johnston from Cowdenbeath is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial, the Cowdenbeath WW2 Memorial, and the Beath High School War Memorial.

James Stuart Kennedy.

Sergeant James Stuart Kennedy, 948904, 61 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, born 1921, Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 29^th December 1943 aged 22, Grave reference 9. B. 2. Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery, Germany.

James Stuart Kennedy was born 1921, Cowdenbeath, son of James Kennedy and Janet Morris Forrester, married 1915, Cupar, Fife, James Kennedy snr died 9^th December 1954 aged 66, Janet Forrester died 28^th September 1958 aged 71.

No newspaper details to date.

This is the story of Richard Stuart crewmate of John Stuart Kennedy.

Richard “Dick” Stuart grew up with his brother and three sisters on a small dairy farm in the Cheshire village of Astbury. As a young man, he played soccer for Congleton Town FC and was a popular figure with the local ladies.

In June 1942, he answered the call of duty and joined the RAFVR. His training took him across the Atlantic to No 3 B&G School at MacDonald, Manitoba, set in the Canadian prairies West of Winnipeg. He trained there as an air gunner over the winter of ‘42/43, before embarking on the RMS Queen Elizabeth at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 28th March for the voyage back to war-torn Europe.

He was sent to RAF Cottesmore on 20th April for the next stage of his training. “I got crewed up today”, he wrote to his brother on 24th April. “An Australian PO pilot has asked me to join him. I wanted an Aussie for a pilot, they are good guys. This one, George Harvey from Queensland, seems no exception.” Dick was correct in his assessment. George Harvey qualified as a pilot of “above average” ability, and subsequent events showed him to be a responsible and capable leader. George’s other crew picks were “Reg” Carver, navigator, from Crofton Park in South London, “Harry” Sheppard, bomb aimer, from the Isle of Sheppey and Noel “Ginger” Meehan, wireless operator, an Irishman.

The crew trained in Wellingtons, moving to RAF Saltby on 17th May and recruiting another air gunner; Don “Tommy” Thomas RCAF from Merriton, Ontario. On July 16th they transferred to No 1654 Conversion Unit at Wigsley to train on Lancaster’s. Here, they were joined by Stuart “Ken” Kennedy, flight engineer, from Cowdenbeath in Scotland who made up the full Lancaster crew of seven. They completed their training and were posted to 61 Squadron at Syerston on 19th August 1943.

Dick’s Crew Mates – Back Row from Right: – “Reg” Carver (Nav), George Harvey (Captain), Noel “Ginger” Meehan (W/Op), Don “Tommy” Thomas (M/U Gunner) and Stuart “Ken” Kennedy (F/Eng). The four-ground crew are not identified but are thought to include “Oscar” and “Geordie”. Photo from George Harvey’s family

The first impression they created at 61 Squadron was less than glorious. On the 25th they were sent out for a combined bombing, gunnery and cross-country exercise, where they were required to drop smoke flares into the North Sea and then bomb the smoke. Unfortunately, both their smoke flares sank, leaving them with nothing to aim at. Then, Harry the bomb aimer suggested bombing a shipwreck they had passed on the way out, so they found the rusting hulk and successfully bombed it. To give the gunners a work-out, they made a few strafing passes before flying back to Syerston, feeling well pleased with their contribution to the war effort. Their bubble was abruptly burst when a car screeched to a halt under the nose of their Lancaster and the adjutant stormed out. “…if your lot are the stupid clots who shot up that boat, you’re for the high jump.”

A few minutes later they were in front of an angry Wing Commander Penman, fresh from a phone call with the Navy, “screaming bloody murder” because a salvage crew had been on the boat. George Harvey owned up in detail and the crew got away with writing letters of apology to their victims, amidst mutterings about the many failings of “sprog crews”.

Maybe as payback for this incident, they subsequently had a prank played on them. Someone told them they would be getting their own aircraft, which was very unusual this early in their career. They diligently set to work on the newly delivered Lancaster, aligning and testing the guns, cleaning the aircraft, polishing the Perspex and test flying to check that everything was just right. The aircraft, “N-Nan”, went on to an illustrious career of over 100 operations, but Dick and the crew never flew in her again.

Things didn’t improve when George, the captain, went off on a “second dickie” familiarisation flight. The crew waited up to count the returning bombers in, but to their dismay George was not amongst them. It turned out that his aircraft had returned early with engine failure and George had retired safely to bed. George finally completed his second dickie trip to Nurnberg on the 27th and the crew were ready for their first op.
They had a relatively gentle introduction to operational flying, with a short trip to Monchengladbach on 30th August. The second op on 31st August was a different story, though, with the “Big City” as the target. Dick confided in his diary that he “wasn’t exactly happy” at the prospect. Sure enough, they got a taste of real war, with both Dick and Tommy opening fire on night fighters that approached them. Dick’s diary recorded that “It didn’t turn out so bad”, and to make things better the station allowed them transport into Nottingham where he met a “real swell girl”.

Over the next three months, under George Harvey’s skilful leadership, Dick and his crewmates steadily built up their experience. They were back to Berlin on 3rd September, then Mannheim on the 5th, which was the first operation in their own aircraft; JB116 R-Roger. On the 6th they went to Munich and had another encounter with a JU88. Tommy got in a good burst and claimed it in the combat report as damaged, possibly destroyed. Dick’s diary stated “Had it pretty tough over Munich and I think Tommy shot one down”.

The next trip was to Hannover on 22nd September, with Tommy firing a burst at a fighter on the return journey. They were back to Hannover on the 27th, with Dick’s verdict being “it wasn’t too bad”. October 1st took them on an uneventful trip to Hagen, then Kassel on the 3rd, again with no fighters or flak, followed by Frankfurt on the 4th.

October 7th was a raid on Stuttgart, which turned out to be quite eventful. Tommy’s memoirs report that a small German air raid took place, which fired up the British air defences just as the RAF bomber stream was on its way South. Their Lancaster was “intercepted” by a Beaufighter and a stand-off ensued, in which neither aircraft dared make a move in case it spooked the other into opening fire. Tommy said he finally took a torch and flashed a short message in morse code which politely translated as “go away”. The Beaufighter got the message and slowly dropped back out of sight. The return from Stuttgart was also dramatic due to widespread fog over the bomber bases. Dick’s crew was one of many diverted to Hurn near Bournemouth, resulting in chaos over the diversion airfield and unfortunately some crashes.

On 18th October, Dick’s birthday, they were back to Hannover again, entrusted for the first time with a second dickie pilot to gain experience with the now battle-hardened crew.

20th October was a terrible trip to Leipzig through storm fronts, heavy icing and a near impossibility of locating the target in the dreadful weather, finishing up with an emergency landing at Foulsham.

On 22nd October the target was Kassel again and they had an encounter with a searchlight. George’s diary reports that they had to dive out of it five times before losing it for good. Weather was poor, with a lot of icing, and they were diverted to Swinderby on the way back.

Dick and his crew got some well-earned leave, but arrived back to find the squadron was moving from the well-appointed pre-war style base at Syerston to somewhat more primitive facilities at Skellingthorpe.

Their first op from the new base was Berlin on 18th November and Dick suffered a drama on this trip. From his mid-upper vantage point, Tommy noticed that Dick’s turret had stopped moving. George sent the flight engineer and second dickie pilot back to investigate, finding Dick slumped over his guns and the turret hydraulics frozen. It turned out Dick had been air sick into his oxygen mask, which had frozen and blocked his oxygen supply. Fortunately his crewmates brought him round quickly.

They were back to Berlin on the 22nd November and again to the Big City on the 26th where they were coned by searchlights for about a minute on the run in to the target. Tommy described George’s brutal diving manoeuvres, violating the Lanc’s never-exceed speed to escape the cone.

A Lancaster next to them was hit and trailed flames. Dick saw one man bail out OK. The next man’s chute burnt away because he pulled it too early, and a third man was wrapped round the tail and dragged to his death behind the burning aircraft. Dick told Tommy but kept what he had seen from the rest of the crew.

It was on the return from this op that luck began to turn against them. On the way home they received a radio message saying Skellingthorpe was fogged in and their diversion airfield was RAF Catfoss, a training base inland from Bridlington in Yorkshire.

The fog persisted for a couple of days before clearing enough to attempt a take-off. The squadron climbed into their aircraft, but then went on standby because an aircraft further up the line had flat batteries. While these were being replaced, routine Beaufighter training flights were in progress. Then one of the Beaufighters developed engine trouble, attempted an emergency landing, but headed directly for R-Roger. Some of the crew got out before the Beaufighter’s undercarriage straddled R-Roger’s mid upper turret and broke the Lancaster’s back. Miraculously, the worst injury was concussion. George had to be rescued from the cockpit by a ladder, and in his diary, he reports it “broke his heart” to see their 100% reliable Roger lying wrecked. It was subsequently repaired, re-issued to 9 Squadron and lost on an operation to St Leu d’Esserent on 7th July 1944.

With Roger gone, their next trip, to Leipzig on 3rd December, was in “S-Sugar”, a war-weary Lancaster with yellowing Perspex and engines that emitted copious streams of sparks. Over Leipzig a flak shell exploded under a wing and spun them round. Another flak shell then burst where they would have been if they had continued flying straight. On their way out of the target area they were attacked by a night fighter which was engaged by Tommy in the mid-upper turret. Dick was unable to return fire, because a flak splinter had severed the hydraulic line to the rear turret. However, the fighter was scared off by Don’s onslaught and they got home safely.

It appeared that things were looking up when a new Lancaster, DV399, was delivered to the squadron. Because of the crew’s experience and seniority, George was able to secure DV399 as the new “R-Roger” and they set about familiarising with the new aircraft. On 11th December, they went out on a practice bombing exercise, dropping their bombs but getting no credit because they didn’t explode. It turned out that poor Harry, the bomb aimer, had forgotten to arm them. Sadly, Harry appeared to take the experience badly, because the following day he got on his bike to go back to his lodgings, rode in front of a car and was knocked into a ditch. According to George’s diary, he was not badly hurt, but the car went in on top of him and pinned Harry face down. The man who had survived nearly 20 ops over Nazi Germany ended his life drowned in a Lincolnshire ditch. George, the Captain, once again showed his strength of character by insisting on personally breaking the news to Harry’s wife, who expressed disbelief at what she was told. She also said that Harry had been waking up at night shouting about flak and searchlights. She wanted him to see the medic about his nightmares, but Harry had refused. He feared he might be taken off flying duties and could not bear the prospect of letting his crewmates down.

The operation to Berlin on 16th December proved memorable. They were just inside Germany when a teething problem on the new DV399 made itself felt. The starboard inner engine started running erratically and had to be shut down. This gave them a dilemma: turn back and fly alone through the defences near the Dutch coast or press on to Berlin on three engines. They chose the latter. To help maintain height, they jettisoned the 4,000lb cookie, but they were well below the rest of the bomber stream when they bombed the target. According to Tommy’s memoirs a cookie from another aircraft fell tumbling past them. What they didn’t know at the time was that three incendiaries had hit them without igniting. One lodged in an undercarriage bay and two more in a wing. When they finally arrived back at Skellingthorpe and lowered the undercarriage, the lodged incendiary fell out and ignited, causing temporary panic about an attack on the airfield. Wing Commander Stidolph the CO heard about the crew’s heroics, met them in person after breakfast and gave them a lift in his car to their quarters.

It was Berlin again on 23rd December. Dick wrote in a letter to his family that his crew now held the squadron record for trips to the Big City.

Christmas 1943 was Dick’s last, but a very happy one. He had always been popular with the ladies and a steady stream of girlfriends had come and gone. But then he had met Doreen, who lived in Davies Road, West Bridgford, a suburb of Nottingham. Dick’s letters told the tale that Doreen was more than just another girlfriend. He told his brother that he “had found himself courting” and confided to his oldest sister that he was thinking of marrying. A letter to his parents said he had been invited to spend Christmas at Davies Road and he duly turned up at Doreen’s house on Christmas Eve. The next day the whole family enjoyed Christmas dinner at a posh hotel in Nottingham. He stayed with Doreen for Boxing Day and the 27th, before finally travelling back to Skellingthorpe on the 28th. His diary repeatedly declared his love for Doreen and how wonderful it had been to stay with her and her family for that memorable Christmas. Wedding bells appeared to be in the air for the New Year.

There were no ops on the 28th. Instead, Bomber Harris had planned a big effort on Berlin for the 29th, the symbolic third anniversary of the worst night of the London blitz. By now, Dick and his crew were hardened veterans. George had been promoted to F/Lt and was standing in as acting Flight Leader. Tommy had been promoted to P/O. The experienced crew was selected for wind finding duties, which involved taking off early, flying ahead of the bomber stream to observe wind conditions over Germany and radioing the data back to assist the main bomber force. On 29th December, with Kenneth Prouten from Lake, Isle of Wight, serving as stand-in bomb aimer, they took off from Skellingthorpe at 1622, about 20 mins ahead of the rest of the squadron. Their duty was doubly dangerous as they were flying alone and had to break radio silence over Germany to transmit the wind data.

They were South of Magdeburg when they sent their second radio transmission. Maybe it was this that gave them away, but the Germans knew that they were there. Without warning, they were coned by searchlights and a flak barrage opened up around them. They took a hit directly under the belly of the aircraft and Tommy felt flames coming up through the floor beneath his mid-upper turret. He had to get out in a hurry, but his oxygen mask was tangled inside the turret and he tore it off to escape the flames. He got down inside the fuselage and saw Dick, outside the rear turret, still connected to the intercom and pointing to the door. Tommy tried to open the door but was already suffering from oxygen starvation, as well as his burns, and collapsed unconscious on the floor. The next thing he knew was someone shouting in his ear. It was Dick, who had got the door open and stirred Tommy back to consciousness. Tommy dragged himself out and fell rapidly with a badly burnt parachute. On his way down he saw another parachute, which turned out to be “Ginger” Meehan, who did not survive, then an explosion from the aircraft. Dick and his remaining crewmates went down with DV399, which crashed between the small towns of Augsdorf and Heiligenthal in Saxony Anhalt.

Tommy landed in a freshly ploughed field which broke his fall enough to keep him alive, although injured by the impact. A German soldier saved his life by stopping a group of civilians from kicking him to death. He ended up in Stalag Luft 3, although he does not make any mention of the great escape, and wrote a detailed account of the crew’s activities after the war. He said he could not understand why Dick had not followed him out of the aircraft and assumed he must have stayed on board to help the rest of the crew. Don “Tommy” Thomas died in 1993.

W. Kerr.

No link to Cowdenbeath found to date.

Robert Bird Kinnell.

Sergeant Robert Bird Kinnell, 634857, 48 Squadron Royal Air Force, Born Edinburgh, Midlothian, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 7^th January 1942 aged 20, Grave reference British plot E. 1. Sola Churchyard, Sola, Norway.

Robert Bird Kinnell was born 1921, Edinburgh, the illegitimate son of Joan Kinnell. Born in Cowdenbeath Joan moved to Edinburgh, she moved back to Cowdenbeath and married William Thomson on 2^nd November 1929, Joan was aged 28, and lived at 5 Gray Park, Cowdenbeath, William Thomson was a 32-year-old miner living at 5 Arthur Place, Cowdenbeath. Joan died 1979, Cowdenbeath, aged 78. William died 1974, Cowdenbeath, aged 79.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 9^th January 1942.

FIFE AIRMAN MISSING FOR SECOND TIME Sergeant R. Kinnell. R.A.F., has been reported missing. This information has been received his mother at 5 Gray park, Cowdenbeath. Sergeant Kinnell was a miner employed at Cowdenbeath before enlisted in the R.A.F. a year before the outbreak of war. This is the second time he has been reported missing. the first occasion some time elapsed before he was reported safe.

07 January 1942

48 Sqn Hudson V AE652 OY-

Op: Shipping Strike
Base: Wick
Time: 01:12

P/O W Anderton 68163 + (buried Sola Churchyard, Norway)
P/O D C Hunter 68178 +
Sgt R B Kinnell 634857 + (buried Sola Churchyard, Norway)
Sgt R N Whatley 751364 +

Failed to return from a mission off Bergen, Norway. Both Sgt Kinnell and P/O Anderton rest in Sola Churchyard, Norway, while P/O Hunter and Sgt Whatley are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.

Source: Coastal Command Losses by Ross McNeill.

07/01/1942 – Took off at 01.12 hours in a Hudson Mo. AE652 from RAF Wick on

a shipping strike at Bergen but failed to return to base.

The crew members were: – Pilot – Pilot Officer William Anderton (aged: 21),

buried at Sola Churchyard; Second Pilot – Pilot Officer Douglas Chisholm

Hunter (aged: 21), commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial; Wireless

Operator/Air Gunner – Sgt. Robert Bird Kinnel (aged: 20), buried at Sola

Churchyard; Sgt Reginald Norman Whatley (aged: 24) commemorated on the

Runnymede Memorial.

Sola is situated on the south-west coast, south of Stavanger and just north

of Sandnes. From Sola follow the signs to Sola Airport, then follow the

signs for Sola church.

Sola, the site of Stavanger airport, was captured by the Germans on 9 April

1940 and was raided constantly thereafter by the Commonwealth air forces,

being the nearest aerodrome in Norway to the home bases in Scotland. It was

heavily defended and many of the crews were shot down. The Commonwealth wars

graves plot is at the airfield and maintained by the Royal Norwegian Air

Force Station at Sola. It contains 45 burials, two of them unidentified,

and all but one of them airmen.

David Adamson Laing.

Sergeant David Adamson Laing, 517130, 12^th Squadron Royal Air Force, Born Lumphinnans, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 10^th January 1942 aged 28, Grave reference Grave 826. Beath Cemetery.

David Adamson Laing was born 1913 Lumphinnans, Fife, son of John Laing and Mary Paterson Adamson. Mary died 1924, Lumphinnans, aged 35. I believe John died 1924, Cowdenbeath aged 38. I believe David lived with his Uncle George Laing; George lived in Lochgelly.

Dundee Courier 15^th January 1942.

COWDENBEATH AIRMAN’S DEATH Information has been received in Cowdenbeath of the death on service of Sergt. Pilot David Laing, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, son of the late Mr and Mrs John Laing, Lochgelly. Deceased, who was 28, was for some time in Canada, and, returning to Scotland in 1934, joined the R.A.F. For several years he was in Iraq, but for the last three years had been on service in this country.

David arrived back in Liverpool on the 7^th December 1931 aged 18, the ship Antonia sailed from Montreal, Canada.

Vickers Wellington W5611 Crash

On 10th January 1942, Vickers Wellington Mark II W5611 took off bound for Wilhelmshaven, Germany. It left the airfield at RAF Binbrook, Lincolnshire but crashed soon after at 2330hrs.

Reports suggest the port engine failed and caught fire causing a rapid loss of height. The plane crashed one mile east of the village of Brumby and two injured survivors were taken to Scunthorpe Hospital.

Flight Sergeant Delaney died in the incident along with Flight Sergeant CF O’Connell from New Zealand, Sergeant DA Laing, and Flight Sergeant EA Parsons from Canada. The injured men were Pilot Officer HA Stickings and Sergeant CC McAllister.

Thomas Alfred Delaney was the only son of James Patrick Delaney and Mary Delaney of 35 Summerfield Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.

Flight Sergeant Delaney’s grave is in Section A, Square 13, Grave 3 of New Cemetery, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. He is the only member of the Royal Air Force buried in the Ballymena graveyard.

Adam Lister.

Leading Seaman Adam Lister, P/JX 258723, HMS Prince of Wales Royal Navy, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 19^th May 1943, Grave reference Block F. Grave 368. Durban (Stellawood) Cemetery, South Africa.

Adam Lister was born 1913, Cowdenbeath, son of Adam Lister and Agnes Gilbert, married 1903, Cowdenbeath. Agnes Dewar Lister nee Gilbert died 1958, Cowdenbeath, Adam Lister died 1960 in Dunfermline aged 79.

Adam Lister jnr married Freda F Ramsell in 1936, Dunfermline, they lived at 12 Gordon Street, Cowdenbeath.

Dunfermline Press.

Seaman Adam Lister, (Illegible) Street, Cowdenbeath, has died (Illegible) his ship was torpedoed (Illegible) and he was one of the (Illegible) He never fully recovered from this ordeal. He leaves a widow and three children.

Death Certificate

Adam Lister, P/JX258723, R.N. Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Kongoni, Born 29^th March 1913, Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 19^th May 1943, Cause of death Pulmonary Tuberculosis, King George V Hospital, Durban, South Africa.

On his CWGC record Adam is recorded as being with HMS Prince of Wales, on his death certificate he is with HMS Kongoni. HMS Prince of Wales was sunk on the 10^th December 1941 in the South China Sea.

Andrew Low.

Private Andrew Low, 3323287, 2^nd Battalion The Glasgow Highlanders, Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 29^th June 1944 aged 28, Grave reference V11. F. 19. St Manvieu War Cemetery, France.

Andrew Low was born 1916, Cowdenbeath, son of Andrew Low snr and Isabella Brown married 1913, Cowdenbeath. I believe Isabella died 1967, Kelty, aged 76. Andrew Low snr died 1966, Cowdenbeath, aged 74.

Andrew married Annie Kane Hainey, 1940 in Cowdenbeath, Andrew and Annie lived at 378 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath.

Dunfermline Press.

Mrs A Low 129 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, has been informed that her husband Private A Low, was killed on active service in June. Low was employed for several years on Lauchatsbeath Farm.

War Diary 2^nd Battalion (City of Glasgow Regiment) Highland Light Infantry, July 1944.

G. M. Lumsden

I cannot find any link to Cowdenbeath for a G.M. Lumsden there is a George Maxwell Lumsden but he was born in Orwell, Kinross, And resided in Lanarkshire. May find more information from Dunfermline Press archive when available.

Joseph Lyon

Lance Sergeant Joseph Lyon, B Sqn 4^th Queens Own Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps, Born Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 17^th September 1944 aged 24, Grave reference XX. D. 8. Coriano Ridge War Cemetery, Italy.

Joseph Lyon was born 22^nd March 1920 at 309 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, son of William Lyon occupation Fruit Merchant, and Janet Callander Turnbull Drummond, they were married 6^th November 1918, Edinburgh. Janet died 1951, Dunfermline aged 69, William died 1951, Cowdenbeath, aged 73.

No newspaper entry found to date.

War Diary 4^th Queens Own Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps 1^st to 17^th September 1944.

1/9, 0430 – 78 Tanks and part of A Echelon now concentrated with RHQ.
0830 – Remainder of A Echelon and B Echelon moved to CASTIGLIONE.
1400 – Remaining 10 Tanks moved to concentration area 2860.

2/9, 0800 – A and B Echelon moved to MONTECCHIO.
1000 – Recce party left for river FOGLIA.
1200- Tanks left for river FOGLIA at MONTECCHIO.
2359 – Regt not fully concentrated owing to severe road conditions.

3/9, 0500 – Regt concentration area MONTE GRIDOLFO.
1000 – Regt ordered to advance and recce crossing over river CONCA.
1200 – C Sqn found crossings at 949834 and 940826 and improved them. 1800 – C Sqn leaguer area 9380.
2300 – Regt ordered to cross river CONCA and concentrate in CORIANO.

4/9, 0130 – Tac HQ, A & B Sqns joined C Sqn and prepared to move forward to CORANIO.
0300 – Regt crossed at 940826 C Sqn leading. Progress slow due to ditches and narrow lanes.
0600 – Regt halted and concentrated.
0630 – C Sqn advanced to line 904849 – 905853 giving fire support to 1/4th Hampshires attacking CORIANO. Engaging enemy gun positions.
0830 – Heavy enemy shelling and mortaring, continuing during morning. Two ORs killed. At last light C Sqn withdrew to join A & B Sqns. 1/4th Hampshires report slight progress and many casualties due heavy enemy mortaring of ridge at 904849 – 905853.

5/9, At first light A & B Sqns established in position of observation along line 905853 – 909863.
0700 – Regt ordered to probe forward to CORIANO, find out if held by enemy and maintain contact with Canadians on the right.
0800 – Patrol contacted Canadians at 891878. Patrol contacted 2nd Armd Div on left.
0945 – Patrol entered CORIANO from East. Heavily engaged and 2 turretless Stuarts KO’d, 1 missing at 885863. Heavy shelling pinned down right forward Tps and remnants of CORIANO patrol.
1000 – Now certain CORIANO strongly held by enemy.
1200 – Enemy mortars, A/Tk guns and MGs engaged area 8787.
1800 – Heavy shelling and mortaring throughout the afternoon. At last light B Sqn withdrew through 43 GLB to leaguer area. A Sqn remained in position of observation. A & B Echelon concentrated with Tanks. Lt JNE Slee severely wounded. (Later died of wounds).

6/9, At first light A Sqn in position of observation. Engaged enemy targets it CORIANO. B Sqn ordered to recce towards CORIANO from South. Patrol sent to CASTELILEALE.
0715 – Patrol ambushed by enemy Infantry. One Tank KO’d at 885854 by Tank or SP gun.One patrol reached 932866 and withdrew under heavy MG fire.
1200 – Patrol withdrawn. 1 PoW taken, 1/67 PGR.
1300 – LO sent to contact Canadians ref attack at 1400 hours. Attack later abandoned. At last light Regt was concentrated and leaguered 909849. General intermittent enemy shelling throughout the day.

7/9, Heavy rain during the night. C Sqn in positions of observation at 897843 and 906854. Task – observing forward to CORIANO.
1800 – TRIBO reported clear of enemy by 4th Hussars patrol. At last light patrols withdrawn to RHQ leaguer 909849. Generally, only light enemy activity during the day.

8/9, At first light C Sqn advanced to positions of observation as before. Nothing to report., visibility good. At last light locations unchanged. Spasmodic shelling of area 910854 during the day – otherwise nothing to report.

9/9, At first light B Sqn established in positions of observation as yesterday.
0825 – 28 150mm shells landed. 1425 – B Sqn dismounted patrol report enemy OP in houses at 871865 and 891866. 1
630 – Enemy OPs engaged with 75mm HE and severely damaged by right forward Tp.
2000 – Regt passed to under command 2nd Armd Bde.

10/9, At first light C Sqn established in positions of observation as yesterday. Nothing to report. At last light positions unchanged.

11/9, Slight enemy air activity during the night. OPs manned as yesterday. One Jeep blown up on mine at 886864, during night 10/11th. Lt RH Brogden wounded (later died of wounds), Lt PH Woods missing believed killed (later confirmed killed). Periodic shelling of Regtl sector during the day. At last light patrol withdrawn to RHQ leaguer.

12/9, Enemy shelling of leaguer during the night. Capt A Hickson-Brown killed. One OR killed and 3 ORs wounded. OPs manned as yesterday. Periodic enemy shelling throughout the day.
1830 – CO issues verbal orders for operations on 13th September. Task – recce to river FORNACI and locate crossings.

13/9, 1100 – B Sqn advanced to PASSANO. Task – recce and close gap between 43 GLB and Canadians in CORIANO.
1330 – B Sqn contacts completed. 1445 – Tank casualties on enemy minefield. Further movement difficult. 1
600 – Dismounted patrol report enemy in SALINA GRANDE.
1735 – B Sqn patrol entered S. GRANDE. Tp Ldrs Sherman KO’d by bazooka at 20 yards range. Lt HNT Hall killed.
1815 – RHQ, A & C Sqns move forward to RASSANO. Heavy mortaring on route. Capt DW Waddingham wounded. Intention next 24 hours – Cross river FORNACI, advance onto RIPABIANCA spur and recce crossings of river MARANO.

14/9, At first light RHQ moved to 878858. B Sqn leaguer heavily shelled during the night. No casualties.
0700 – A Sqn advance to relieve B Sqn at S. GRANDE. Task – send patrol to recce crossings over river FORNACI. Enemy shelling of area 8686 continued.
1330 – A Sqn dismounted patrol found crossing at 861861. Covered by enemy MG fire and mortar fire. Presence of enemy SP guns West of FORNACI confirmed. Lt JAL Philips wounded by mortar fire.
1600 – Forward Tps engaged enemy SP at 857868. One Mark IV engaged and KO’d.
1730 – Road to FORNACI crossing cleared of mines and passable to wheels. Crossing not yet established owing to enemy opposition from mortars SP and A/Tk gun fire. Consider attempt to cross night of 14/15th not suitable.

15/9, At first light patrols in observation at 868867. Enemy patrols crossed FORNACI during the night and were engaged by 43 GLB at Pt. 128. Enemy Tank movement heard during the night area 858865.
0600 – A Sqn advanced to 865866. 1000 – Crossed FORNACI at 861861 and took up position of observation along the ridge overlooking river MARANO.
1030 – Tac HQ to 873862.
1130 – C Sqn advance to support A Sqn.
1200 – Patrol recced MARANO and reported crossing suitable for Tanks at 854868.
1520 – Regt received provisional orders to advance to CERASOLO via OSPEDALETTO.
1700 – C Sqn recced road to OSPEDALETTO and cleared mines.
1825 – Suspicious haystack engaged which subsequently exploded when hit. Infantry and gun positions also engaged.
1900 – forward Sqn support attack by 43 GL Bde. Information from Div – time not yet ripe for advance to CERASOLO.

16/9, 0900 – Regt ordered to advance to CERASOLO. Moved to river MARANO crossing at 851887. One Tank lost on mines in riverbed.
0950 – Regt ordered to remain in observation on MARANO. No movement seen in CERASOLO. Heavy enemy mortaring and shelling on MARANO crossing continued all day. At last light forward patrols withdrawn to Regtl leaguer area.

17/9, Enemy shelling throughout the morning in area 844886. Some casualties.
0900 – Patrol of the Regt established contact with 2nd Hampshires 843890.
1100 – Patrol advanced to CERASOLO.
1900 – Patrols withdrawn.

Summary: – During the month, the Regt was in continuous battle from the 3rd to the 25th, the period immediately preceding first contact on the 4th being occupied by long forced marches by day and night. The great majority of Officers and men therefore had no sleep for over 60 hours before entering the battle. Despite this and the difficulty of carrying out normal maintenance, the condition of the Tanks remained excellent and the health and moral of all ranks was maintained at a high level. The contention previously expressed that the removal of the turrets from Stuart recce Tanks was a mistaken policy was amply and sadly proved by the experience of battle. Not less than 80% of the total casualties of the Regt were sustained by personnel of these Tanks owing to heavy enemy shell and mortar fire. An example of this was given on the 5th when the Recce Tp of 12 turretless Tanks was given a special mission of recce of CORIANO, reported not to be held by the enemy. The required information was obtained but the strength of Recce Tp in personnel and Tanks was reduced by 50% during this operation through enemy artillery concentration. The tactics, formations and procedures discussed and practised during training proved sound and practical in battle and no alterations were required. Adherence to these methods enable the Regt to perform allotted tasks with the minimum of casualties. The principles of dismounted recce from both Sherman and Stuart Tanks was applied in recces of crossings and proved the utmost value in obtaining detailed information with a minimum of casualties. The organisation, armament and equipment of the Regt proved sound and practical for operations of this nature. Communications were uninterrupted and clear despite much interference from neighbouring formations. The standard of training in gunnery, W/T and driving was well maintained and excellent throughout. On 21st a special message of congratulation on the work of the Regt was received from Comdr 1st Armd Div.

D. Macdonald.

Nothing found to date.

James Macfarlane.

Sergeant James Macfarlane, 566978, 83squadron Royal Air Force, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 12^th March 1943 aged 23, Grave reference 10. C. 2. Reichswald Forrest Cemetery, Germany.

I could not find a birth certificate for James Macfarlane or his parents’ marriage, there is a Kathleen Macfarlane living at 66 King Street, and 12 George Street, Cowdenbeath.

No newspaper entries found to date.

Archive Report of operations on 12/13^th March 1943, 83 Squadron, W4928.

Operation Essen, Germany, Date 12/13^th March, Friday/Saturday, 83 Squadron, Type Lancaster1, W4928, RAF base Wyton, Cambridgeshire. Destination Essen, Germany.

Crew of W4928, Pilot; Sq/Ldr David Alston Johnstone McClure, DFC. 41596, age 22, Killed. Fl/Eng James Macfarlane 566978, age 23, Killed. Nav; Fl/Lieut, Orville Ray Waterbury, DFC, age 22, Killed. Air/Bmr; Pilot Officer Derek Graham Lovell, 50667, age 20, Killed. W/Op/Air/Gnr; Fl/Sgt Percy John Musk DFM 1254843, RAFVR, age 29, Killed. Air/Gnr Fl/Lt, Alexander Fraser Macqueen, 111483, RAFVR, age 21 Killed. Air/Gnr P/o, Llewellyn Edgar Warren, 136720, RAFVR, age 35, Killed.

Burial details, Sgt James Macfarlane, Reichswald Forrest Cemetery, Germany. Grave 10. C. 2. Son of Malcolm and Kathleen Macfarlane, of Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland.

Alexander Millar Malone.

Corporal Millar Corporal, 3191649, 6^th Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Bo’ness, West Lothian, died 22^nd November 1944, Grave reference Plot K.K. Grave 224. Eindhoven (Woensel) General Cemetery, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

Alexander Millar Malone was born 8^th June 1919, 89 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, the second of seven children born to Alexander Malone and Susan/ Susan Fitzsimmons, married 27^th November 1914, Linlithgow, West Lothian. Alexander and Susan had at least seven children, James, Alexander, Mary, Sarah, Marion, Margaret, and one other. Alexander snr died 26^th June 1957, 9 Young Terrace, Cowdenbeath, Susan or Susannah on her birth certificate, Susan on marriage, Death certificate 1972, Cowdenbeath, aged 82.

Alexander Millar Malone married Bridget Mary Pearson 1941, Bo’ness. Bridget remarried Francis McLaughlin 1947, Bo’ness and died 2015, Grangemouth.

Linlithgow Gazette 8^th December 1944.

Cpl. A. MALONE Mrs Malone, 70 North Street, Bo’ness, was last Thursday officially informed that her husband, Cpl. A. Malone, had died of wounds in Holland. A native of Cowdenbeath and a builder to trade, Alexander Malone went to Linlithgow as a young man to assist his uncle, Mr John Malone, building contractor. His marriage to Miss Betty Pearson, Bo’ness, took place 35 years ago. Soon thereafter he joined the Army. Since going overseas, at D- Day he had been in the thick of the fighting. (Wedding took place in 1941 to Bridget Pearson)

Dunfermline Press.

Mr and Mrs A Malone, 9 Terris Place, Cowdenbeath, have been informed that their son Corporal Alexander Malone, has died from wounds in a French Hospital. Malone who was a builder with his uncle at Linlithgow, was twenty five years of age and was educated at St Columbus School, Cowdenbeath, he leaves a widow.

1st KOSB embarked for France in 1939 with the BEF (3rd Infantry Division). They crossed the Belgian frontier in May 1940, from where, facing an enemy of overwhelming numerical superiority, they were at length ordered to withdraw. On the night of 31st May/1st June they were evacuated from the beaches at Dunkirk. They returned to France on D-Day, 6th June 1944, landing at ‘Queen’ Beach. They fought around Caen until the town capitulated, and then advanced north through Belgium and Holland to the Rhine and Bremen. Also present in France in 1940 were the 4th and 5th (Territorial) Battalions, with the 52nd (Lowland) Division, forming part of a second BEF. Landing at St. Malo on the 13th June, the original intention to establish a bridgehead with the French Army was frustrated by the fall of France, and on the 18th June the 2nd BEF was evacuated from Cherbourg. 4th and 5th KOSB subsequently trained as mountain troops and later as air-transportable troops. In the event, they found themselves in the Low Countries in the autumn of 1944, making assault landings on Walcheren Island, at the mouth of the River Scheldt. They fought through into Germany, taking part in the capture of Bremen.

The 6th and 7th Battalions, duplicates of the 4th and 5th, were initially both in the 15th (Scottish) Division. The 6th landed with the Division on the Normandy beaches on the 15th June 1944, and soon found themselves involved in the fierce battles around Caen and the River Odon. Fighting through France, Belgium, and Holland, and crossing the Siegfried Line, they advanced across the Rhine into Germany,

James Malone

Private James Malone, 2759045, 5^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 24^th October 1942 aged 25, Grave reference V.C.21. El Alamein War Cemetery, Egypt.

James would have received the War Medal, British Medal, Africa Star (El Alamein)

James Fitzsimmons Malone was born 14^th February 1917, 89 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, the oldest of seven children born to Alexander Malone and Susan Fitzsimmons married 27^th November 1914, Linlithgow, West Lothian. Alexander and Susan had at least seven children, Alexander, Mary, Sarah, Marion, Margaret, and one other. Alexander snr died 26^th June 1957, 9 Young Terrace, Cowdenbeath, Susan or Susannah on her birth certificate, Susan on marriage, Death certificate 1972, Cowdenbeath, aged 82.

No newspaper entry found to date.

51^st Highland Division, Battle of El Alamein.

5th Black Watch – The battalion advance reached their objectives and 1st Gordons passed through as planned. The Battalions was relieved on 2nd November. As rear battalion of the brigade they prepared to assault a position at Mirbat-Kamli but having been told the enemy had withdrawn they then came under heavy fire losing number of casualties and tanks. Over the night of 3/4th November they were moved forward to the abandoned Daba Airfield.

Thomas McBride.

Stoker 1^st Class Thomas McBride, D/KX 90273, Royal Navy HMS Gloucester, Born Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 22^nd May 1941 aged 23, Grave reference Panel 53. Column 2. Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon, England.

Thomas McBride was born 10^th January 1918, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, son of Thomas McBride and Sarah Barr, who were married 21^st March 1913, Bridgeton, Glasgow. Thomas snr died 22^nd April 1950 aged 60. Sarah died 1^st May 1956 aged 70.

Death Certificate.

Family Headstone (Beath Cemetery)

Sinking of HMS Gloucester (Taken from German plane)

Ted Mort was eighteen-years old when Gloucester went down.

‘The time came to abandon ship. Me and a boy called Donald Allen grabbed a canteen door, which was hanging off, threw it in to the sea and dived in after it. The next thing I remember was the planes machine gunning us and we both dived under water, but Allen didn’t come up again. I saw a patch of blood in the sea and knew he was gone. I was convinced that I too would be killed. The planes kept coming in at such low levels that at times you could see the pilot’s faces. I saw some bombs dropped that I think were incendiaries, which were intended to set the oil alight. I was about half a mile from Gloucester when she went down. She turned over for some time, then stood on end before she finally sank. It was a horrible feeling, watching my home going down and being alone, floating on the canteen door’.

Victor Parsons, nineteen years old at the time of the sinking, gave his account to the Imperial War Museum in a taped interview.

‘We had run out of ammunition and in the end we were firing starshells and practice projectiles, until there was nothing left. When the order came to abandon ship, I went over the side without a life jacket on. I saw the ship burning and explosions going off. I swam as far away as possible, and then Fiji came by dropping carley floats. I managed to hold on to one, a few hundred yards away from Gloucester. The ship looked as though a giant had hit her with a hatchet; the gun turrets were hanging over the side; the funnels were split, and the upper deck was smashed. I could see a big black mass of survivors near the bows of the ship and then a dive-bomber came down and dropped his bombs right in the middle of them. He did not attempt to hit the ship. When the ship finally sank the explosions from the boilers sent shock waves through the sea and I thought my lower body would fall off. Then I got onto the carley float and there were about forty men in the sea clinging to the raft, or to each other. Then we were strafed by the Luftwaffe’s machine guns.

Frank Teasdale, from Liverpool, was twenty-four and an experienced rating when Gloucester sunk; As the ship tilted over, I slid from the pompom deck, over the side and into the sea. I had my Mae West on and swam to a trough that was used by the baker for making dough and was now floating in the water. I was quickly joined by others and soon there was no room, so I swam away and reached a carley float where I held onto the rope around the side. When Gloucester went down it was a terrible feeling. The crew really loved that ship’.

Chief Petty Officer Bill Wade had served on many ships before being drafted to Gloucester and he was an experienced sailor. Constantly concerned for the welfare and safety of the young seamen under his command, those on board who knew him held him in great affection.

‘I knew we had no ammo left and I told my men to keep under cover. The first bombs to hit knocked the after director out of the ship and that is where I would normally have been. When we got into the sea we were machine-gunned, and I saw a lot of men killed. The things I saw devastated me’.

Yeoman Petty Officer Bob Wainwright, from Newcastle, had already seen plenty of action whilst serving on Gloucester’s sister ship, Liverpool where he had narrowly escaped death when she was hit by two bombs which failed to explode. Later he was drafted to HMS Kent and was on board when she was torpedoed in September 1940. Three days later he joined Gloucester.

When we ran out of ammunition, we finished up firing the 6-inch guns and starshells, it was a waste of time really. Wave after wave of Stukas were concentrating on us. By the time the order came to abandon ship we had gone another half mile from where we were first hit. I saw men in the carley floats, and men who were swimming, being machine gunned by the enemy planes. I decided it might be safer to remain on the ship for as long as possible. A bomb hit the ship aft and the aft Director Control Tower went up in the air, then toppled over the side, it also took half of the main mast away. The aerials came crashing down and I took cover. One of the aerial insulators hit the captain’s steward and it took the top of his head clean off. I went back to the bridge and assisted a Sub Lieutenant to throw the Cypher books over the side. All the time pompom shells were exploding. Fiji was off the starboard side and Captain Rowley told me to make a signal to Fiji and ask her to come alongside but before I could do so, the captain took the flags from me and sent the signal himself. The reply came back, “Sorry but I will drop carley floats”. I made my way to the forecastle, where I saw a Royal Naval Reserve Lieutenant bravely directing men into the water, between air raids. The ship was listing so much that I just walked into the sea where I joined up with signalman Len ‘Al’ Bowley. We both knew that we could suffer severe internal injuries if the boilers exploded so we decided to swim as far from the ship as possible. The ship was wallowing in the water and I could not believe she was about to sink. After Gloucester went down, we were swimming from one piece of flotsam to another. Bowley kept asking me if we were going to make it. I told him, “of course we are” but in truth I didn’t think that we had a hope in hell’.

William McInnes.

Private William McInnes, 2983222, 5^th Battalion Black Watch, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 25^th February 1945 aged 24, Grave reference 12. E. 17. Rheinberg War Cemetery, Germany. Also commemorated on the family headstone in Beath Cemetery. Cowdenbeath.

William McInnes was born 1920, in Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of William McInnes and Sarah Jane Mudie, married 1908. William died in Dunfermline 14^th March 1963 aged 80. Sarah Jane in Cowdenbeath, died 8^th January 1960 aged 74.

Dundee Courier 8^th March 1945

WROTE HOME—KILLED THAT NIGHT Pte. William M’Ginnes, 54 Barclay Street, Cowdenbeath, has been killed in Germany. His parents received a letter a few days ago, written on 25th February, stating that ho was well, but have now received notification he was killed that night. He was a plumber with Mr Falconer, Kinross, and a member Kinross Territorials (A. and S.H.), but after being evacuated from Cherbourg he was transferred to the Black Watch and took part in the D-Day invasion. (Father William McInnes lived at 54 Barclay Street, Cowdenbeath)

Dunfermline Press.

5^th Battalion Black Watch

June 1942 – 09 Apr 1943: North Africa

After the capture of the 51st Highland Division at St Valéry in June 1940 it was decided to reconstitute it in the UK around a nucleus provided by the 9th Scottish Division. Less than thirty members of the old 1st Battalion were available, but it was rebuilt and joined by the 5th and 7th Battalions which had not yet gone overseas. This newly formed division sailed for Egypt in June 1942 and arrived via the Cape of Good Hope, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal two months later, more or less simultaneously with Generals Alexander and Montgomery. The desert offensive of the previous year had failed to remove the Germans from North Africa, and now Rommel was again advancing against Egypt. At 9.40pm on 23 October the Battle of Alamein opened with a huge artillery barrage along a front of some 50 miles (80km). All three Black Watch battalions were in the van of the opening attack, advancing close behind the barrage through wire and minefields and in the face of machine gun and rifle fire. By dawn next day all their first objectives had been secured, albeit with heavy casualties. The 5th Battalion in 153 Brigade was withdrawn from the front on 3 November and was then part of the force pursuing the retreating Axis forces beyond Benghazi and Tobruk. On 15 January 1943 it was in the van of an attack on Buerat, where it suffered casualties from artillery and mines before the enemy withdrew. The next close contact came in mid-February near Medenine when the battalion was again in the van of the 51st Division. The Germans attacked on 6 March, by which time both the 1st and 7th battalions had caught up. Although the 1st Battalion was nearly overrun the enemy decided to give up and withdraw. The 5th Battalion then captured and held some high ground overlooking the next physical obstacle on the road to Mareth, Wadi Zigzaou which 50th Division was to attack. This attack failed, but the enemy later withdrew. The next physical obstacle on the route to Tunis, some 15 miles (24 km) ahead, was Wadi Akarit between the coast and Roumana Ridge. The battalion was put in to help 152 Brigade successfully take the southern end of this ridge on 6 April. Although the attack by 154 Brigade on the northern end failed to take it, again the Germans decided to withdraw. The battalion was then sent forward to harass the retreating enemy and after some skirmishing entered the town of Sfax on the morning of 9 April. This was the battalion’s last action in North Africa.

May 1943 – October 1943: Sicily

06 Jun 1944 – May 1945: D-Day and beyond

After its return to the UK in October 1943 the battalion remained there in training for the invasion of France. It landed on Juno Beach just after 8.0pm on D-Day, 6 June 1944. A couple of days later it was engaged in a short but fierce battle at the Château de Bréville during which a section was captured and shot in cold blood by the Germans. Early in July it was again in action in an unsuccessful attempt to take the village of Colombelles on the outskirts of Caen, losing an entire platoon in the attempt. Caen itself finally fell on 11 July. The battalion crossed the Seine on 31 August and expected to be part of the battle to capture Le Havre which, however, fell after very little resistance. The battalion was involved in some skirmishing to force crossings of the River Maas in Holland and had an uncomfortable time in the low-lying land between that river and the lower Rhine when the Germans opened the sluice gates higher up eventually forcing a withdrawal to higher land. It followed the 1st and 7th battalions shortly after they had led the attack into Germany itself through the Reichswald on 8 February 1945. For the next few weeks, it was in almost continuous action of one sort or another, steadily gaining ground against Germans who tended to withdraw rather than fight, but who nevertheless inflicted many casualties with their artillery. Finally, it was pulled out of the line early in March to get ready for the crossing of the Rhine, which took place a few miles downstream from Rees, at 9.0 pm on 22 March. The actual crossing met with little resistance on the ground but came under severe shelling. However, there were some bitter battles to take the small towns beyond, particularly Rees where the battalion was involved in house to house fighting. On 30 March, the Guards’ Armoured Division passed through the bridgeheads which had been secured and the battalion had some rest. It was not quite the end of fighting, for there were further scraps to come, particularly some 20 miles (32km) short of Bremen, before VE-day.

Attack on Goch 18^th February 1945, https://51hd.co.uk/accounts/john_mcgregor

Short extract,

It was then the turn of ‘C’ Company (Major Pilcher) to push through and capture the factory and one side of the street, closely followed by ‘A’ Company (Major Mathew) on the other side of the street. Most of the houses were in ruins from the heavy bombardment and many had cellars which were frequently found to be occupied by Germans. One method previously used was to open the cellar door and toss down a grenade, but that proved messy, if effective, and so a new technique had been adopted, said to be from an idea by Sergeant Maxie MM, of ‘D’ Company. Instead of a grenade a large stone was tossed down the cellar steps which invariably had the desired effect of producing a scramble of Germans anxious to surrender. Goch posed another problem; some houses had empty cellars but determined enemy were dug-in in the gardens behind the buildings.

During the initial stages of the attack there was a hold up when it was discovered that the temporary bridge over the Anti-Tank ditch could not take the Jeeps and they had to be manhandled, across on hastily improvised ramps.

At 0600 hours the CO, having established his HQ in ‘C’ Company area, pushed Patrols from ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies up to the Main Square, which was reported clear. He ordered ‘D’ Company to move through ‘C’ Company and secure the church and hospital. Whilst this move was getting organised, ‘B’ Company killed some Germans who came into their area from the Right.

It was a very dark night and, in making his way forward to catch up with his leading Platoon, Major Brodie overshot the side street and with his Company Runner, Pte McInnes MM, a tough Dundonian, found themselves approaching a group of shadowy figures. Expecting that they were some of’ C’ Company, Major Brodie called out. There was a moment of silence, then words in German and bullets flew. The Major and the Corporal did a very fast move back down the street where they found the correct turning and their lead Platoon. This Platoon had been fired upon from the church and the courtyard in front of the hospital, and had returned the fire, driving the enemy out of the church and into the hospital building. As soon as his reserve Platoon, led by Lt Ian MacDonald, arrived, he ordered them to follow him into the building to clear the ground floor.

I cannot confirm if this is Pte McInnes 2983222.

Peter McKee

Warrant Officer Peter McKee, 1057959, 614 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Force, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 20^th October 1944 aged 31, Grave reference Panel 13. Column 2. Floriana, Malta.

Peter McKee was born 30^th October 1912, Cowdenbeath, Fife, the second of seven children born to Patrick McKee occupation miner, and Catherine McHale married 1909, Cowdenbeath. Catherine died 7^th October 1971 aged 85, Dunfermline. Patrick died 21^st May 1961, Cowdenbeath, aged 75.

No Newspaper entries found to date.

Peter McKee
30 October 1912 – 20 October 1944

In 1944 614 Squadron of Mediterranean Command were based at Amendola, Foggia, Italy, dropping supplies to partisans and assisting in bombing raids.

At 18.30hrs on Friday 20 October 1944 Halifax II JP232 took off to act as a Visual Marker dropping Target Indicators (TIs) for that night’s operation. Experienced crews were used for this, and this may have been their 39th mission.

The operations record book reads in part:

“Eight aircraft were detailed to illuminate and mark aiming point for Bombing Force at Szombathely Aerodrome (Hungary) … Bombing observed around TIs with hits observed on eastern block starting fires. One Visual Marker is missing (Aircraft Halifax II JP232) … The remainder of the Squadron aircraft returned safely to base.”

In his monthly Summary of Events, Wing Commander J.S. Laird says in part, “… A congratulatory message was received from the A.O.C. [Air Officer Commanding] 205 Group in praise of the attack on Szombathely Aerodrome, unfortunately the Squadron lost a very experienced and popular crew on this attack.”
RAF Air Historical Branch say that:
“… It was later reported that this aircraft [JP232] crashed on the banks of the River Mura, at a point 1 kilometre from Letenye, Hungary, close to the Yugoslavian border …”
In their book, David Gunby and Pelham Temple say: “Crashed 1km from Letenji, and probably the ‘Liberator’ claimed by German nightfighter in this area at 2221.”
[Royal Air Force Bomber Losses in the Middle East and Mediterranean, volume 2: 1943-1945. Air-Britain, 2018]

One crew member survived, four are still unaccounted for, six are commemorated on the Malta Memorial. Peter McKee, Ian Henderson ‘Jock’ Bruce, Harold Dunn and James Earl have no known graves. Edmund Joseph Sharp was buried in Gorican Civil Cemetery in what is now Croatia. After the war he was traced by the RAF Missing Research and Enquiry Service and reburied by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Belgrade War Cemetery.
All the above are listed as dying on 20 October 1944.

John McCormack, whose date of death is given as a day later than the others, was buried in Letenye Civil Cemetery but also traced and reburied in Budapest War Cemetery.
Edward Charles ‘Ted’ Wearing was captured unhurt in southwest Hungary on 21.10.44. He was held in various prison camps including Stalag Luft III, of The Great Escape fame, until 1945. On his return to the UK, he took the trouble to travel to Cowdenbeath from his Birmingham home to tell Peter McKee’s parents not to hope for the return of their son, who was still listed as missing.

The Crew

151290 Flight Lieutenant I.H. Bruce, Captain, age 27, of Broughty Ferry
1523004 Sergeant H. Dunn, Flight Engineer, 21, Birkenhead
J87615 Pilot Officer RCAF J. Earl, Tail Gunner, 23, Vancouver, Canada
J87867 Pilot Officer RCAF J. McCormack, Bombardier, Burnaby, Canada
1057959 Warrant Officer P. McKee, Mid-Upper Gunner, 31, Cowdenbeath
1548832 Flight Sergeant E.J. Sharp, Wireless Operator, 21, Droylsden, Lancs
178339 Pilot Officer E. C. Wearing, Navigator, Birmingham

Peter McKee.

John McKelvie.

Sergeant John McKelvie, 761198, 98 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Methil, Fife, died 17^th June 1940, Grave reference grave 65 Prefailles Communal Cemetery, Loire-Atlantique, France.

John McKelvie was born 12^th November 1912 at Bowling Street, Methil, Fife (Registration area Buckhaven) The youngest of Four children born to John McKelvie (snr) occupation Dock Labourer and Helen Agnes Brown, married 1904, Buckhaven. Helen died 1966, Worthing, West Sussex, England. John McKelvie (snr) died 1949, Bishops Stortford, England. ( Care to be taken with some of these details

AIRMAN- BANKER AND TWO BROTHERS. men, including two [ and one from Buckhaven are listed missing. The brothers are privates George and John Thomson, and the others are Leading-Aircraftman John McKelvie, Pte. John Barclay, Pte. George Burns, and George Todd. Pts. Thomson are the sons of Mr James Thomson and the late Mrs Thomson, Keir Hardie Street, Methil. Both are serving with the Royal Scots. John, who is 27 years of age. was previously employed postman in in Falkirk. while his younger brother, who is 19, worked in a’ Scottish steel foundry before joining I the Forces. L.A.C. McKelvie the third son of Mr Mrs John McKelvie, Blythe Bank. Bowling Green Street, Methil. was agent in Cowdenbeath Savings Bank, after service at Kirkcaldy, Methil, and Cowdenbeath branches. A keen amateur wireless enthusiast is wireless operator and gunner in the K.A.I. Ho took active interest Cowdenbeath V.M.C.A. and was also member the Cowdenbeath Miniature rifle Club.

RAF 98 Squadron 10-05-1940 to 30-06-1940.

For the first nine months or so of the Second World War No. 98 squadron served as a reserve squadron and during the period April/June 1940, was based in France. Its homecoming was a tragic one, for on 17th June 1940, the SS Lancastrian, which was carrying most of No. 98’s personnel, was bombed and sunk in St. Nazaire. Seventy-five airmen of the squadron were officially reported lost and fifteen others are believed to have perished (the Lancastrian’s Victim List names ninety-six No. 98 Sqdn’s members). Survivors reached England in various vessels, in some cases weeks after the disaster.

Lancastrian.

Over eighty years after the sinking of the Lancastria – Britain’s worst maritime disaster in history – why is the tragedy largely forgotten? And what do those touched by the catastrophe want now?

“The trouble with the story of the Lancastria is it doesn’t fit with the grand narrative of that period – the miraculous evacuation of Dunkirk, and the Battle of Britain,” reflects Mark Hirst.

“No amount of spin can turn the story of the Lancastria into something triumphant.”

Mark – a former broadcast journalist and co-founder of the Lancastria Association of Scotland – has studied the life of his grandfather Walter Hirst, who survived the sinking.

About 4,000 men, women and children lost their lives when the Lancastria sank 20 minutes after it was bombed by the Germans near the French port of Saint-Nazaire on 17 June 1940. Fewer than 2,500 people survived.

The Lancastria was the largest loss of life from a single engagement for British forces in World War Two and is also the largest loss of life in British maritime history – greater than the Titanic and Lusitania combined. But it is a largely forgotten chapter in British history, a fact that leaves survivors and relatives aggrieved.

It was a few weeks after the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from Dunkirk, and Walter and Charlie were still in occupied Europe with an estimated 150,000 other British servicemen.

The Lancastria was tasked to bring them home.

Mark, a filmmaker, has spent years researching the next few hours of his grandfather’s life. He believes Walter and Charlie found some life jackets on the Lancastria to use as pillows on the way home.

When Nazi planes dropped their bombs, Walter and Charlie were separated in the chaos.

Walter ended up in the water and saw a dog swimming away from the wreckage. It is thought this dog may have belonged to two refugee children, who had boarded the Lancastria after walking through Belgium and France for weeks with the animal.

Walter managed to hold on before the animal disappeared.

With the sea thick with oil, German planes strafed survivors trying to keep afloat.

Walter was attacked by a man who wanted his life jacket. In the words of Mark, his grandfather’s fight ended when the “mad man sank beneath the waves”.

“I think my grandfather was haunted by that,” added Mark. “I think that is probably the reason he never went to any of the company reunions. I think he was embarrassed. He was a very quiet man, and his recalling of the Lancastria tended to come only after a couple of pints.”

Following the sinking of the Lancastria, Prime Minister Winston Churchill imposed a media blackout. The government feared what the news would do the British nation during its darkest hour.

Eventually, newspapers in New York broke the story at the end of July – five weeks after the disaster. Even then, the British newspapers toed the patriotic line.

The late edition of The Scotsman on July 25, 1940 featured a six-paragraph story buried on the middle of page five. It highlighted claims from the New York Sun newspaper on the sinking, with 500 feared dead.

In the following day’s paper, again on page five, there was a more detailed article.

“Nearly 2,500 are known to have been saved – and more may be in enemy hands – from a total 5300 aboard the transport Lancastria, which, it was admitted in London yesterday, was sunk on June 17 by the enemy during the evacuation of the BEF from France,’ it read.

The article said the soldiers sang popular World War Two songs “Roll Out the Barrel” and “There’ll Always be an England” as the ship went down. Other soldiers, meanwhile, performed acts of bravery and helped civilians while there was “no panic”.

“The sinking of the HMT Lancastria remains the United Kingdom’s greatest maritime disaster and, although it occurred over 70 years ago, the sacrifice of many thousands of servicemen and civilians, and the endurance of those who were saved that day, must never be forgotten.

John Truran Menzies.

Chief Engineer Officer John Truran Menzies, S.S. Helmond (Leith) Merchant Navy, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 7^th October 1945 aged 28, Grave reference Panel 56. Tower Hill Memorial, London, England.

John Truran Menzies was born 28^th March 1917, youngest son of William Stuart Menzies occupation coal miner, and Annie Birrell Smith, married 1^st September 1896, Cowdenbeath. Father William died 1933, Cowdenbeath aged 54. Mother Annie died 26^th November 1947, Cowdenbeath aged 67.

John Truran Menzies married Euphemia Flockhart 1939, Edinburgh. Possible birth in Cowdenbeath, 1943, Robert Pitcairn Menzies. Euphemia died 1991, Inveresk, Midlothian, aged 73.

Merchant Navy Register of Death.

Name, John Truran Menzies, age 29, Official number 145565, Ship S.S. Helmond, Address 33 Main Street, Musselburgh, New Craighall, Midlothian. Next of Kin wife Euphemia, Rank Chief Engineer, Place of death 145 Union Street, Cowdenbeath.

Death Certificate

22^nd May 1917.

William Menzies 145 Union Street, Machine man, while following his employment in Foulford Pit, was caught by a fall from the roof on Tuesday. His fellow workmates went to his assistance, and with difficulty the stone was removed, and Menzies liberated. He was examined by Dr Young who ordered his removal to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he was found to be suffering from severe injuries to the back and legs (Dunfermline Press 26^th May 1917)

John Thomson Mercer

Corporal John Thomson Mercer, PLY/X 2054, Royal Marines HMS Charybdis, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 23^rd October 1943 aged 29, Grave reference Plot H. Row B. Grave 14. St Brieuc Western Communal Cemetery, Cotes-D’Armor, France.

John Thomson Mercer was born on the 15^{th of} August 1915, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of William Mercer and Jane Gibson Thomson married 1915, Kilmun, Argyle. Jane died 1963, Kilmun.

HMS Charybdis was a Dido-class cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was built by Cammell Laird Shipyard (Birkenhead, UK), with the keel being laid down on 9 November 1939. She was launched on 17 September 1940 and commissioned 3 December 1941. Charybdis’ service was entirely during World War II. In late 1943, the British authorities were aware of the approach of the German blockade runner, Münsterland, which was carrying an important cargo of latex and strategic metals. The Germans had a well-rehearsed procedure for escorting such vessels. The British reacted by executing Operation Tunnel, a standard operation whereby available ships would attempt to intercept.

On 21 October 1943, Charybdis and destroyers HMS Grenville, Rocket and four Hunt class destroyers (HMS Limbourne, Wensleydale, Talybont and Stevenstone) intercepted Münsterland off Ushant, Brittany. The force was attacked at night by the German 4th Torpedo Boat Flotilla (five Elbing class torpedo boats), which was escorting the blockade runner.

Charybdis was almost immediately torpedoed by the German torpedo boats T-23 under the command of Friedrich-Karl Paul and T-27. HMS Limbourne was also hit during this action and had to be sunk by HMS Rocket. The German force escaped unharmed. Charybdis sank in position 48°59’N 3°39’W? / ?48.983°N 3.65°W? / 48.983; -3.65, with the loss of 30 officers and 432 ratings just off the North Coast of Brittany. The Münsterland eventually ran aground off Cap Blanc Nez and was destroyed.

Soon after the sinking, the bodies of 21 Royal Navy and Royal Marine men were washed up on the island of Guernsey. The German occupation authorities buried them with full military honours. The funerals became an opportunity for the islanders to demonstrate their loyalty to Britain and their opposition to the Nazi occupiers, with around 5000 islanders attended the funeral, laying some 900 wreaths. Enough of an effective demonstration against the Nazi occupation for subsequent military funerals to be closed to civilians by the German occupiers. Every year a commemoration service is held, which is attended by local naval veterans, Sea Cadets and representatives of the Royal Navy.

The wrecks of Charybdis and Limbourne have recently been found. The Charybdis was located in 1993, in 83 metres of water.

James Todd Millar.

Sub Lieutenant (A) James Todd Millar, HMS Heron Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 5^th December 1945, Grave reference Bay 6. Panel 4. Lee-on-Solent Memorial, Hampshire, England.

James Todd Millar was born 1924, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of James Millar and Margaret Todd. Margaret died in 1968 in Dunfermline aged 76.

HMS Heron was a land base for the Naval Air Squadron

Dunfermline Press.

Google Books, Wings over Somerset.

Temporary Sub Lieutenant (Air) James Todd Millar, was dispatched to RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, for deck landing training. During one of these practises aircraft crashed at sea and astern of HMS Ravager. His body was not recovered and he is remembered at Bay 6 Panel 39. Lee on Solent memorial. He was the son of James and Margaret Millar off Cowdenbeath, Fife.

Alexander Millar

Lance Corporal Alexander Millar, 7877427, 4^th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps . Born Milnathorp, Orwell, Kinross, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 28^th May 1940 aged 35, Grave reference plot 2. Row A. Grave 31. De Panne Communal Cemetery, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Alexander Millar was born 16^th November 1904, Milnathorp, Orwell, Kinross, the oldest of six children born to John Millar occupation Butcher and Christina Simpson, who were married 23^rd November 1903, Edinburgh. I know Mother Christina died before 1936.

On the 26^thof September 1936 at Dicks Co-Operative Institution Tea Rooms, High Street, Cowdenbeath, Alexander Millar 32, occupation Telephone Linesman, home address 17 Fontenoy Road, Richmond, Yorkshire, married Dorothy Campbell Adamson 34, occupation Drapery Shop Assistant, home address 42 Hall Street, Cowdenbeath. Dorothy died 1983, Dunfermline aged 81.

Dunfermline Press.

Private Alexander Millar, son of Mr Millar, Butcher, Natal Place, Cowdenbeath, is reported to have died of wounds at Lapanne in France. His wife resides at Ruby Terrace, High Beveridgewell, Dunfermline. For two years Private Millar was a chauffeur to the late Dr Selkirk, Cowdenbeath, and recently he was employed on transmission work with GPO.

Full story at http://www.4and7royaltankregiment.com/1940-1941/

Apart from some cavalry reconnaissance regiments 4 RTR (Fitzmaurice) and 7 RTR (Heyland) were the only British armoured regiments available to face Germany’s ten armoured divisions with 2,574 tanks, when on 10 May 1940 they struck Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Both regiments were rushed forward to hides in the Brussels Soignes Forest, near Waterloo. 1st Army Tk Bde was ordered to re-deploy South West by train from nearby Halle and Enghien. But there were no flatbed trains available and Enghien had been badly disrupted by Stuka attack, so the Brigade was ordered to drive South West on the main road towards Tournai.

On the afternoon of 20 May 4 RTR Recce Troop, on a ridge near St Amand, made visual contact with an advancing German armoured column, probably the advance guard of 5 Pz Div. On exchanging fire the German advance guard deployed. Pausing only to send a morse contact report, 4 RTR Recce Troop withdrew in search of the Regiment. By this time, it was in leaguer on Vimy Ridge having been ordered to march and counter-march some 300 miles to the severe detriment of the crews and the vehicles.

On the afternoon of 20 May, a meeting between the BEF Generals Ironside and Pownall and the French generals Bilotte and Blanchard agreed that a coordinated counterattack should be launched the following day, 21 May. The French were to attack towards Cambrai, which had just fallen. A British force under Maj Gen Franklin was to attack Southwards around the West of Arras with the aim of disrupting the German divisions including Rommel’s 7 Pz Div. However, it was discovered late on the evening of 20 May that General Blanchard’s instruction to the French Fifth Corps required their counterattack to be launched “on or after 21 May”. After a British protest, this instruction was only amended to read “on 21 May” at 0230 that morning. Little wonder that it did not materialise, and that the British “Frank Force” counterattack would be on its own.

The scratch British “Frank Force” was ordered to attack around the West of Arras with a start time of 0500 hrs 21 May. The objective was to cut the German columns and exploit to the East. 4 RTR was to be on the left with 6 DLI; 7 RTR on the right with 8 DLI plus supporting arms. 4 RTR had thirty-five fit Mk 1 Matildas. 7 RTR had twenty-three Mk I and sixteen Mk II Matildas. The latter, heavier than the Mk 1 at 27 tons, was much better armoured and better armed, with a 2 pdr a Tk gun (no HE round had been yet developed for it) and a 7.62mm coaxial MMG. But it was slow (some 9 MPH across country) and had engine and track problems. Six Mk II Matildas, under Maj Hedderwick were lent to 4 RTR. By 0500 hrs it was clear that the Force was not ready. Some of the tanks were still arriving; the DLI having lost their transport to air attack were still marching towards Arras; some French tanks and some motorised infantry made a brief appearance but withdrew.

There were very few maps; the roads were jammed with refugees and cross-country movement was severely hampered by trenches left from the 1914-18 War. Some tanks lost direction during the approach and there were some collisions between columns. Wireless silence imposed on the Brigade made the confusion worse. Only the four Recce Tp sets were already netted. The 4 RTR Recce Officer (Lt Vaux) lost one of his four light tanks to the CO, a second to the Adjutant and the third was detached to liaison. In the event the 6th and 8th DLI arrived late and exhausted.

There was no air support. The German Fiesler Storch OP planes were flying overhead with impunity but fortunately they were unable to communicate directly by radio with their ground forces.

Maj Gen Rommel, GOC 7 Pz Div, was appalled at the poor showing of the SS. His Pz Regt and its artillery were well ahead in Wailly and were being attacked by tanks of 7 RTR Gen Rommel and his ADC, Lt Most, gripped the battery of light anti-aircraft artillery and, indicating targets personally, they and the nearby field guns brought the 7 RTR threat to a smoking halt. It had been a very close thing, and Lt Most was killed in the process. He was buried with the Seventh crews in the Wailly Cemetery.

Meanwhile the Fourth, reaching the valley below Telegraph Hill, came under sustained 105mm fire. Major Hedderwick was killed in his Matilda Mk II on the same spot where he had fought in April 1917. Lt Peter Vaux, finding that he could not raise the CO (who, it will be remembered, was in one of his Recce Tp tanks), was called down into the valley by the Adjutant. He found the CO and twenty other 4 RTR crews dead in their knocked-out tanks. His moving account of this moment in the battle is attached as Annex A to this history. Having helped the Adjutant (Capt Cracroft) to destroy some of the German A Tk guns and infantry hiding in the forward edge of the wood, they withdrew under heavy fire.

On 22 May the exhausted remnants of both regiments rested and refitted under cover of the Vimy Ridge woods overlooking Souchez. On 23 May in company with elements of the French Division Légère Mécanisée they beat off a strong column of German tanks and lorried infantry. Then under cover of darkness they withdrew to Carvin where a composite force was formed under Major George Parkes, DSO of 7 RTR, consisting of two Mk 2 Matildas, eighteen Mk 1Matildas, seven Mk 6 Light Tanks and a small LAD

The remnants of the Fourth and the Seventh less the men of the composite force, crossed the Channel on 27 May in the “Mona’s Isle”, an Isle of Man Ferry. Others crossed the channel on the King Orry, another former Isle-of-Man steam packet. Shelled from the shore and strafed by up to 6 Messerschmitt fighters, RSM Sinclair (featured in slide 8 of Chapter 2) was among the 23 killed. Most of the dead were buried near Dover.

“It may well be asked whether two battalions have ever had such a tremendous effect on history as 4 RTR and 7 RTR achieved by their action at Arras. Their effect in saving the British Army from being cut off from its escape port provides ample justification for the view that if two well equipped armoured divisions had been available the Battle of France might also have been saved.”

David Thomson Moffat.

Lance Corporal David Thomson Moffat, 1500939, 6^th Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 21^st June 1945 aged 26, grave reference 59. B. 12. Reichswald Forrest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany.

David Thomson Moffat was born 7^th July 1918, son of Robert Moffat and Sarah Elizabeth Turnbull, who were married 15^th July 1901, East Park Street, Cowdenbeath. Robert Moffat died 1941, 207 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, aged 70. Sarah died 1937, Cowdenbeath, aged 61.

On the 26^{th of} June 1942, at Parish Church, Cowdenbeath, David Thomson Moffat 23, usual address 204 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, married Roseina Cherry Ewing 21, home address 104 Broad Street, Cowdenbeath. They had one child, Roseina died 25^th January 1992, Dunfermline, aged 70.

Dunfermline Press.

Normandy

Fusilier Tom Payne, 11 Platoon, ‘B’ Company, 6th RWF, in Normandy, 12 August 1944.

53rd (Welsh) Division was not in the first wave landing on D Day; it sailed to Normandy and 158th Bde landed at La Rivière on Gold Beach on 25 June 1944 On the night of 29/30 June the division began moving into ‘Scottish Corridor’ to relieve 15 Scottish Division which had battered its way into the enemy lines during the Battle of the Odon Operation Epsom the relief was completed on 1/2 July. The division played a minor part in the next offensive phase, Operation Jupiter, guarding the western flank of the attack.

North West Europe.

XII Corps had a relatively minor role in Operation Market Garden, XXX Corps’ attempt to ‘bounce’ a succession of bridges as far as Arnhem on the Rhine. However, 53rd Division was engaged in heavy fighting to cross the Junction Canal and then clear the Wilhelmina Canal on XXX Corps’ left flank. After the failure at Arnhem, the division continued to push forwards in Operation Pheasant, capturing ‘s-Hertogenbosch on 26 October after five days of hard fighting. It was then moved south to face the ‘Venlo Pocket’ along the west bank of the River Maas When the Germans launched a major counter-offensive in the Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge) in December 1944, 53rd Division was among the formations sent by 21st Army Group to reinforce the northern flank of the ‘Bulge’. It later reclaimed much of the lost ground despite enemy counter-attacks.

The Allied offensive was renewed in February 1945. 53rd (Welsh) Division was now in XXX Corps, which was tasked with clearing the Reichswald in Operation Veritable. This saw some of the most bitter fighting of the campaign, amid mud and mines, the 53rd Division’s experience fighting through the Reichswald itself to Goch and Weeze was described by Lt-Gen Brian Horrocks, XXX Corps’ commander, as ‘one of the most unpleasant weeks of the war’. Having cleared the west bank of the Rhine, 21st Army Group stormed across the river on 23/24 March in Operation Plunder. 53rd (Welsh) Division crossed into the bridgehead on 26 March for the breakout, and then continued its advance across Germany to the River Elbe against stiff opposition.

The German surrender at Lüneburg Heath saw 6th (Caernarvonshire & Anglesey) Battalion in Hamburg. The battalion was among the British Army representatives at the Victory Parade in Paris. It was placed in suspended animation after August 1945.

Robert Watson Morton.

Lance Corporal Robert Watson Morton, 2889296, 5/7^th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 16^th July 1944 aged 26, Grave reference V1. L. 9. La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres, France.

Robert Watson Morton was born 1917, Cowdenbeath, son of Andrew Morton occupation Railway Signalman, and Mary Millar, married 1908, Monimal, Fife. Mary died 20^th August 1948 aged 62. Andrew died 1955, Dunfermline.

Dunfermline Press.

Mr and Mrs Morton, Stein Place, Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, have been informed that their son Lance Corporal Robert Morton, Gordon Highlanders, has died of wounds received on active service. Morton who was a bricklayer before the war enlisted nearly four years ago.

It was one of the pivotal campaigns in military history: an offensive which did not end the Second World War but sparked the beginning of the demise of the Nazis’ domination in Europe.

And the Gordon Highlanders were at the heart of the action when Allied troops arrived in vast numbers on French beaches during D-Day, 75 years ago.

Detailed planning for the invasion of Europe had been going on for years but finally June 1944 was chosen as the time, and Normandy the place, for Operation Overlord.

It was vital to keep the Germans guessing about where the incursion would take place.

Hitler was convinced it was going to be further east, near Calais. Many of his commanders agreed and thought that the landings in Normandy were just a diversion.

The main objective of D-Day was to land enough troops that all German counterattacks could be resisted.

Shortly after midnight on June 6, 24,000 British, American, and Canadian airborne troops parachuted in or landed by glider, tasked to secure bridges.

At daybreak, the landings on the beaches started. Over 160,000 troops landed on five beaches over a 50-mile front. At the same time, the French Resistance carried out numerous acts of sabotage against German rail, electricity, fuel, ammunition, and command systems. The landings were successful, though at great cost in men and materials.

It took the Allies 20 days to capture Cherbourg and its valuable harbour and a month to capture Caen. But, by the end of July, General Montgomery was ready to start the drive east, to Paris and on to Germany. Ruth Duncan, the curator of the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen, explained how the regiment was involved in the operation. She said: “1st and 5th/7th Gordons were part of the 51st (Highland) Division and landed on June 6. “2nd Gordons was part of the 15th (Scottish) Division, who landed on June 20.

“1st and 5th/7th Gordons landed on D-Day after the ‘western wall’ had been breached and the leading divisions had started their advance inland from the coast. “They were the first battalion of the new Highland Division to set foot in France.

Ms Duncan added: “The landing, on the western side of JUNO Breach on D-Day, was unopposed but the 5th/7th Battalion had lost its first casualty, Private John Rowe from Lisnaskea in Northern Ireland, who drowned after being swept under a neighbouring vessel.” While the fight for Caen was going on, both 1st and 5th/7th Battalions were fully occupied to the east and south-east of the city, facing tenacious German resistance for two months. Small hamlets – Touffreville, Breville, Escoville, Herouvillette, Colombelles – all had to be cleared and it was work that required patience, resilience, and courage under fire. The Gordons and their fellow units may not have gained much ground in terms of distance, but they played a vital role in tying-up – and defeating – German troops who would otherwise have been fighting in Caen or further west.

North-West Europe, 1944-45

The 51st Highland Division prepared for the D-Day invasion at Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. See Officers in Service Dress 1944. The 1st Battalion and the 5th/7th Battalion, which was commanded by Lt-Col E G Hay, landed at Courseulles on the afternoon of 6th June 1944. After two days they occupied the village of Touffreville and defended it against counterattack. On 16th June, the Germans launched a major assault which was sustained and intense. The 1st Battalion were ordered to seize the Colombelles industrial area of Caen and were pitched against heavy resistance. They had to receive assistance from the brigade.

The 2nd Battalion had been reconstituted after their capture in Singapore. They landed in France on 19th June and fought around Tourville in the attack on Caen. They suffered a ‘week of hell’ at the end of which they captured Colleville but had lost 267 killed, wounded, and missing. After a respite they were in action on the River Odon on 15th July, attacking Evrecy, in which action they destroyed several enemy tanks.

The 1st and 5th/7th were required to hold the sector near Caumont until American troops could force a break-out. The 2nd Gordons advanced to the south-east of Caumont and attacked the town with armoured support. They then proceeded south-eastwards to occupy Estry, but it was staunchly defended and they had to dig in for a few days.

The 1st and 5th/7th made progress in their advance to Lisieux and captured Grandchamp on the River Vie but it was a hard fight before finally reaching Lisieux on 22nd Aug. The next objective was the crossing of the Seine, but the advance was difficult. The 2nd was also en route for the same objective, from Falaise, and they suffered 90 casualties in their first attempted crossing. Le Havre was captured in hard battle by the 1st and 5th/7th.

The 3 battalions made a rapid advance across Belgium to Holland where the 2nd experienced severe hold-ups at the Scheldt-Maas Canal, Gheel and Best. The 3 battalions reached Tilburg on 26th Oct and helped secure a firm line on the River Maas. The 1st and 5th/7th advanced to Nijmegen to replace American troops. They continued to work with US units in the Ardennes winter fighting, getting as far as the Ourthe Valley south of Liege, then returned to Holland.

David Walker Muir

Flying Officer David Walker Muir, 162811, 166 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, born 1915, Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 13^th July 1944, aged 29, Grave reference Coll. Grave. Prez-Sur-Marne Churchyard, Haute-Marne, France.

David Walker Muir was born 1915, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Robert Muir and Henrietta Alexander Spiers, married 1908, Cowdenbeath.

David married Mary Harley Blair in 1940, Dunfermline.

On the Cemetery in Prez-sur-Marne, are seven Commonwealth war graves from World War II. These are the graves of F/S D.J. Davey, Sgt J.B. Lawrie, F/O D.W. Muir, Sgt A. Relton, F/O E.J. Welshman, Sgt M.G. Wood and Sgt L.J. Worrall. On July 12, 1944 at 2103 departs from airbase Kirmington, the Lancaster PD202 with the mission to bomb the railways in Revigny, France to avoid the supply of German war materials to Normandy. After D-Day these types of operations were performed to support the advancing Allies. Presumably, the plane is accidentally shot by another Lancaster before it crashed in Prez-sur-Marne. All crew members were killed in the crash, they are all buried in this cemetery.

Lancaster PD202 took off from RAF Kirmington at 2103 hours on the night of 12 July 1944, detailed to bomb railway facilities at Revigny, France. Nothing was heard from the aircraft after take-off and it failed to return to base. It was believed that the aircraft was shot down in an engagement with No. 103 Squadron Lancaster ND993. PD202 crashed at Prez-Sur-Marne, (Haute-Marne), about 11kms south east of St Dizier and all the crew members were killed. ND993 crashed circa 0210 hours at Montierssur-Saulx (Heuse), 30 kms south east of Bar-le-Duc and all the crew members were killed.

James David Muir

Flight Sergeant James David Muir, 1344013, 162 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, born Kelty, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 18^th May 1943 aged 26, Grave reference Panel 7. Column 2. Malta Memorial, Malta.

James David Muir was born 1916, Kelty, Fife, son of David Muir and Mary Jane Stevenson, married 1916, Kelty.

Aberdeen Press and Journal 20^th February 1943.

Fife Pilot’s Cool Courage Sgt. James David Muir, Cowdenbeath. Fife was in December 1942, the pilot of a Wellington during an exercise in which photo flash about to be released exploded in the flare chute, killing the wireless operator. The aircraft became uncontrollable and a fire started. Muir ordered the remaining crew to escape parachute. He knew that a crash was inevitable, but, realising that the bomber was near two villages, he stayed in the aircraft and landed the bomber in field at great peril his own life. Muir has received the Air Force Medal.

Dundee Courier 20^th February 1943.

FIFE AIRMAN GAINS A.F.M. The Air Force Medal has been awarded to Sergt. James David Muir, Cowdenbeath. In December last was piloting a Wellington bomber during exercise in which a photo flash about to be released exploded 111 the flare chute, killing the wireless operator. The aircraft became uncontrollable and a fire started. Muir ordered the remaining crew to escape by parachute. He knew that a crash was inevitable, but, realising that the bomber was near two villages, he stayed the aircraft and landed the bomber in a field.

The Scotsman 20^th February 1943.

Sergt. James David Muir, Cowdenbeath, Fife, who receives the Air Force Medal, was in December 1942 the pilot of a Wellington during an exercise in which a photo flash about to be released exploded in the flare chute killing the wireless operator. The aircraft became uncontrollable, and a fire started. Muir ordered the remaining crew to escape by parachute. He knew that a crash was inevitable but realising that the bomber was near two villages he stayed in the aircraft and landed the bomber in a field.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 20^th February 1943.

A.F.M. For Cowdenbeath Sergeant Sgt. James David Muir, the first Cowdenbeath man to get the A.F.M. resides at 214 Foul ford Road, Cowdenbeath He is a son of Mrs Muir, and the late Mr David Muir, for many years a buyer with the rife “Sgt °Muir attended Beath Secondary School and later was employed as a draughtsman with the Fife Coal Co. then attended the Heriot Watt College, Edinburgh, and the Technical College of Glasgow. Eighteen months ago, he enlisted in the R.A.F.

No. 162 Squadron (Wellington)

A small detachment was located at Lua, arriving there on 9th May 1943, and consisting of three Wellingtons IC – DV647, DV931 and DV972. The Squadron’s task included radar calibration, locating, and identifying enemy radar stations and jamming enemy tank radios. On 18th May Wellington DV931 was lost, from Malta, on a reconnaissance mission.

Robert Thomson O’Dea.

Aircraftsman 1^st Class Robert Thomson O’Dea, 1022375, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Lochore, Fife, Residence Kirkcaldy, died 20^th September 1943 aged 24. Grave reference 12. A. 15. Ambon War Cemetery, Ambon Island, Indonesia.

Robert Thomson O’Dea was born 22^nd June 1919 at 5 Waverley Street, Lochore, son of John O’Dea occupation Coal Miner, and Robina Thomson, they were married 28^th January, Lochore. Robina died 1965, Burntisland, Fife, aged 73. John O’Dea died 1956, Cupar, Fife, aged 63.

On the 21^st December 1940, at Miners Welfare Institute, Kirkcaldy, Robert Thomson O’Dea 21, occupation Coal Miner, (Flight Rigger Royal Air Force) home address 52 Keir Street, Cowdenbeath, married Violet Melville Greig 24, occupation Housekeeper, usual address 11 Maria Street, Kirkcaldy. They had one child together Violet Wright Greig O’Dea born in 1942. After Robert Thomson O’Dea died in 1943 Violet married James McFeat Speed in 1985.

Captured on the 8 March 1942 March according to contemporary documents], when the Japanese invaded the islands after Singapore surrendered. He was imprisoned at Ambon and POW’s here, like their counterparts, in Burma were used as slave labour helping to construct airfields and other defences for the Japanese. As in Burma they were subject to appalling cruelty and privation and many suffered from diseases such as dysentery, beriberi and malaria.

WW2 People’s War (Person in story Eric Stanley Johnston)

The situation on Java in the last part of February and the first week of March is unclear in terms of individual movements, but it seems that 211 gathered at a tobacco plantation in Poerwokerto. Some were lucky enough to board the very last boats going out of Tjilatjap, such as the Tung Song. Eric’s name cannot have been on the list and at Tasikmalaya in Central Java, along with thousands of others, he began 3½ years of cruel captivity at the hands of the invading Japanese on 8th March 1942 . However, his notes show that he was ‘re-captured’ on 24th March 1942, so I can only assume that in the spirit of the RAF and 211, he and some others ‘melted away’ from the groups at Tasikmalaya to try to make it down to Tjilatjap, but as we now know, the final boat that was ever going to make it had already sailed.

The first camp at Semarang in northern Java, where there were 200 RAF men must, in retrospect, have seemed like a veritable picnic to what was to come later. There were 200 men sent to build an airstrip — 100 in each of two huts. This draft is described in the books “My Life with the Samurai” by Tony Cowling, “Prisoner Doctor” by Dr. R. Philps and “The Emperor’s Guest” by Don Peacock.

Later, in April 1943, large numbers of men were marshalled at Jaarmarkt Camp in Sourabaya, Java. Eric was one of 2,070 sent on a draft to the Moluccan or ‘Spice’ Island of Haruku. Docking at Ambon in early May 1943, just before his 23rd birthday, they arrived on the muddy shores in the monsoon season to find that they were to build their huts from bamboo and set up what meagre facilities they could. A full account of this and the other Moluccan drafts is given in accurate and stark detail in the excellent book, “Spice Island Slaves” by Prof. Leslie Audus, but I will continue with the bare details here. The British commanding officer requested permission from the Japanese to build a latrine over the sea to avoid the spread of disease. The refusal of this request meant that the overflowing latrines and the generally cramped and foul conditions of the makeshift camp led to a general outbreak of dysentery, which along with the other diseases from which the men were suffering — malaria, beri beri and diphtheria to name a few — along with the general state of malnutrition, saw to it that of the 2,070 men who arrived on this draft, around one fifth died within the first few months. Moreover, we have yet to mention their reason for being there. They were forced by the Japanese to hack an airstrip out of the coral of the island to build an airstrip (allegedly within range of Australia). The weakened state of the men meant that, six months into the draft, there were only around 300 to 400 anywhere near “fit” enough to go on the working parties to the airstrip.

When they were eventually allowed to build the sea latrine some months later, the dysentery epidemic was brought under greater control and the death rate slowed down. The Japanese sergeant responsible for this atrocity, Gunso Mori, was later held accountable for this and other war crimes at the post-war Far East War Crimes Tribunal and was hanged in Singapore in 1946, along with the camp commander, Lt. Col. Anami. It has been estimated by Prof. Audus that sadly only 40% of those sent to toil as slaves on Haruku would have returned to the shores of England in 1945, and Eric was fortunate enough to be one of them.

James Oliver.

Trooper James Oliver, 408101, 13^th/18^th Royal Hussars Royal Armoured Corps, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 25^th May 1940 aged 24, Grave reference Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France.

James Oliver was born 1915, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Francis (Frank) Oliver and Jane Orr, married 1903, Kilmarnock. Frank died 1964, Cowdenbeath, aged 89, Jane (Jeannie) died 1970, Cowdenbeath aged 89.

Dundee Courier 18^th June 1940.

Dundee Courier 17^th June 1940

COWDENBEATH MAN KILLED A Cowdenbeath man, James Oliver, has been killed in action in France. Oliver, son Mr and Mrs Oliver, Broad Street, was 25 and unmarried. Six years ago, enlisted in the Royal Hussars and recently was transferred to the Tank Regiment. was a baker’s vanman with Mr Donaldson. Cowdenbeath, before he joined the army.

The Battle of Arras – 21 May 1940

Contrary to popular perception, the Germans didn’t have it all their own way during the Battle of France in 1940. On many occasions, the dogged determination of British and French troops would stop the Germans in their tracks and give them cause for panic; one such event was the Battle of Arras.

The 13^th/18^th Hussars

The French city of Arras sits on the edge of the Flanders Plain in countryside ideal for the deployment of large bodies of tanks. By the 21 May 1940, the lead German armoured forces, supported by infantry and dense formations of ground attack and bomber aircraft was approaching the City. The City’s defence was in the hands of Major General Harold Franklyn with the British 5th and 50th Infantry Divisions and 74 tanks of the 1st Army Tank Brigade supported by a few French tanks.

Maj Gen Franklyn launched an attack by 40 tanks into the advancing German forces, the British Matilda tanks were superbly well armoured, and the German forces had no answer to them, in desperation they even used high velocity anti-aircraft artillery to try to hold up the British advance. By dusk on the 21st May 1940, the British had advanced 10 miles into the enemy’s lines, captured 400 troops, and destroyed many German tanks and vehicles.

The determined attack at Arras proved that when prepared and well-led the British were the equals of their opponents, but the next day, once again surrounded, the victors of Arras were forced to join the retreat to the coast, overwhelmed by German numbers. Never again, though, would the Germans underestimate the tenacity of the professional British Army in defence. It is often said that German caution after Arras, together with dogged French resistance in Lille, permitted time for the evacuation at Dunkirk.

The general situation continued to deteriorate. On the 2 1st of May the British Expeditionary Force communications across the SOMME had been severed and BOULOGNE invested. By the evening of the 22nd enemy armoured forces were approaching CALAIS, and, on the 23rd, the enemy had established bridgeheads across the canal at AIRE and ST. OMER. There was now no doubt that the position of the British Army was very serious. That night, the Regiment – less ‘B’ Squadron- moved to CASSEL where it arrived at S a.m. There it found a deserted city. The population had departed almost to a man, having suffered severe bomb attacks. The Regiment was immediately disposed to repel any enemy advance from the south-west. Patrols were sent forward to the FORET DE CLAIRMARAIS, where the enemy had formed a ‘Later Lieutenant-General Sir Oliver Leese, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. 2A Force formed under command of Major-General (later Lieutenant General Sir Mason) MacFarlane, K.C.B., D.S.O M.C. FIGHTING IN BELGIUM AND FRANCE, MAY 1940 bridgehead over the canal. Very heavy bombing and shelling of the roads near the village of CLAIRMARAIS occurred during the afternoon, when an Indian mule transport convoy and many civilians suffered heavy casualties. It was a pathetic sight to see the Indian drivers bewildered and unable to hit back. Whilst in this area a R. A.O.C. vehicle park was found at LE NIEPPE. A party consisting of Majors Sword, Welstead and Russell, some drivers, and an escort, were sent off to collect enough vehicles to remount the Regiment. The escort picketed the area, whilst the cars and lorries were started up and driven off. This event took place within 2,000 yards of the enemy armour on the edge of the FORET DE CLAIRMARAIS, and along a road which had been patrolled by German armoured cars half an hour previously. About 5 p.m. Lieutenant Furness spotted a concentration of enemy to the south of the forest, and opened fire with all his weapons at 800 yards range. The enemy replied and one tank was hit, but there were no casualties. Patrolling continued during the morning of the 25th, but that evening the Regiment was ordered by G.H.Q. to return to FLEURBAIX and come into reserve. Here ‘B’ Squadron rejoined having been in action the previous day, south of the FORET DE NIEPPE, under command of the 4th /7 th Dragoon Guards, where contact had been made with the Germans. Two tanks were hit by the enemy, and Troop – Serjeant – Major Denness, Serjeant Hubbard, Troopers Lofrey and Oliver were killed. Lieutenant Akers Douglas examined Serjeant Hubbard’s tank after it had been set on fire by an anti-tank gun. All the crew were killed instantaneously, and, as it was impossible to recover the bodies, a cross was placed on the tank, and they were left. On the 25th the situation in the north and on the left flank had got so bad that it was decided to withdraw the British Expeditionary Force to the YPRES – COMINES WITH THE B.E.F. IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR, 1939-1940 CANAL. By the 26th the British, French and Belgians were

Alexander Duncan Paton

Guardsman Alexander Duncan Paton, 2696547, 2^nd Battalion Scots Guards, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, killed in action 10^th December 1941 aged 23, grave reference 11. C. 4. Knightsbridge War Cemetery, Acroma, Libya.

Alexander Paton was born 1918, Cowdenbeath son of Peter Paton and Isabella Wilson married 1915 Cowdenbeath. Peter died 1962, Cowdenbeath, aged 70. Isabella died 1962, Dunfermline, aged 66.

Dundee Evening Telegraph 8tth January 1942.

Fife Man Killed in Middle East The death in action the Middle East of Private Alexander Pa ton (23), Scots Guards, son of Mr and Mrs Peter Paton, 117 Blarney Crescent, Cowdenbeath, is reported. Paton was at one time employed in the linen factory at Dunfermline of Messrs Erskine Beveridge. Before lie he was employed in the Lime Works near Burntisland.

War Diary 2^nd Battalion Scots Guards December 1941.

1 December 1941

Orders received to push Right Flank and F Company with Observation Post parties and Carriers to Point 172 (455405) and 183 (461404) respectively.
These orders were countermanded just after the Companies had started.
Observation Post parties with Carriers remained but the Companies were pushed back behind the Guns which were in action, about half-a-mile SOUTH of Point 192.
During the rest of the day various targets of MET were engaged by the guns.
1030 Hours At 1030 hours Right Flank were ordered WEST with Observation Post parties to a position from which BIR SCIASCUF (449403) could be kept under observation and engaged by the guns.
A concentration of enemy MET with a few tanks had been reported in this area.
The Column withdrew four miles SOUTH at last light to leaguer.

2 December
The Column broke leaguer early in the dark.
Orders had been received the previous evening to push forward again to the Point 192 area to engage any enemy which could be found in the valley NORTH of Point 192 and NORTH of that again in the direction of GAMBUT.
Observation Post parties with Carriers were sent forward and arrived at Point 192 in time to see a large enemy Column of transport moving EAST in the valley.
This excellent target was quickly engaged with good effect.
During the remainder of the day, various groups of enemy transport were engaged NORTH of Point 192.
1600 Hours At 1600 hours, Brigadier CAMPBELL, Commanding 7 Sp. Group visited Column H.Q. and orders were received for the Column to move to the East.
It appeared that 21 German Armoured Division had been located in the area MENASTIR (5039) – BARDIA (5139).
The orders for the Column were to locate the tail and Southern Flank of the enemy Division, thought to be in the approximate area ABAIR EL MAGAIER (481389).
Having located it, the Column was to keep contact and harass it to the maximum extent, wherever it went.
1630 Hours The Column moved off at 1630 hours.
After moving about 6 miles ESE, a large concentration of enemy MET with some tanks was sighted NORTH in the area GASR EL ARID (468399).
A recce party under Captain MacRAE had also located this concentration and reported that it appeared to be going into leaguer.
A patrol of 11 H. was met shortly after this with the news that another enemy Column of MET and tanks was approaching from the EAST.
The Column accordingly altered course to the SOUTH and went into leaguer in THE AREA 473392.

3 December
Area 473392
An early start was made from leaguer.
The enemy Column was located in the area GASR EL AHID and engaged by the guns.
0930 Hours Their fire was answered by enemy 75’s and the Column disengaged the enemy at 0930 hours.
Area Bir Beuid, 462398 The Column then moved WEST to the area 463397 and continued to engage the enemy in the GASR EL ARID area.
A few enemy tanks were reported and they together with enemy guns replied to our fire.
There were no casualties.
During the day the same enemy concentrations were continually engaged.
The shooting was good and much damage was done.
At least one direct hit on an enemy tank was … [text obscured] … two more were disabled
A quantity of enemy lorries were damaged.
The Column withdrew three miles SOUTH at last light to leaguer.

4 December
Area 463393
MAYFIELD Column was in reserve during the day in area 463393.
The enemy Columns of the day before had withdrawn to the WEST and were being engaged by the other Columns of 7 Sp. Group.
Orders were received in the evening to move the following day to the area Point 192 (456401).

5 December
Point 192 (456401)
Leaguer broke normal time and the Column arrived at Point 192 at first light.
Observation Post parties had been sent forward, but found no sign of the enemy.
WILSON Column, during the morning relieved a NEW ZEALAND hospital, which had been in enemy hands in the Wadi at 444403.
This hospital had been captured by the enemy after his attack on the NEW ZEALANDERS.
Lance-Sergeant McCONNELL, who had a leg run over by a tank at HAREIFET EN NBEIDAT, was rescued and evacuated through the Battalion R.A.P.
G Company also rescued a party of about 400 NEW ZEALANDERS who were being marched WESTWARDS by an Italian escort.
1500 Hours F Company was ordered at 1500 hours to assist WILSON Column and eventually take over in the ‘HOSPITAL’ Wadi at 444403.
Just before last light the Column was ordered to move to the area Point 175 (438404).
Their Column league red, F Company rejoining after dark.

6 December
Point 175, 438404
Leaguer broke normal time and the Column moved about a mile SOUTH of Point 175, so as to avoid showing itself on the crest.
A mining party had been sent out during the night 5/6 December to block the TRIGH CAPUZZO.
These mines were ordered to be lifted during the morning and this was accordingly done.
1200 Hours At 1200 hours the Column was ordered to move forward to the area 435404 on the ridge overlooking the valley between SIDI REZEGH and BELHAMED.
F Company was sent on with the Observation Post parties and Carriers to the Aerodrome at SIDI REZEGH.
Right Flank with one Battery 60 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY was sent to area 425404.
The guns engaged enemy infantry and guns who were holding the ridge from Point 177 (413405) to SIDI MEIMUN (420404).
At last light the Column concentrated and moved three miles SOUTH to leaguer.
Orders were received that on 7 December the Column was to move WEST with half of it to the NORTH and half to the SOUTH of the Escarpment held by the enemy, with the object of dislodging them from it.

7 December
Area 425400
Right Flank and one Battery moved NORTH of the SIDI MEIMUN escarpment and were soon in action against an enemy Battery, firing from area 425405.
This Battery was successfully silenced.
Right Flank Carriers, under Command Captain MACRAE, were ordered in to mop up enemy infantry.
As they were closing with the enemy, four enemy Anti-Tank guns opened up on the remainder carried on, silenced the Anti-Tank guns and captured 41 Italians.
F Company also with one Battery were SOUTH of the same ridge and were also engaged with the enemy infantry and guns.
The Column moved three miles SOUTH EAST to leaguer at last light.

8 December
Leaguer broke normal time and Column moved forward to same area as on 7 December.
The enemy had, however, withdrawn from the ridge which was being engaged on that day.
1500 Hours At 1500 hours orders were received that the Column was to be relieved by the 1 SOUTH AFRICAN DIVISION and South African advance parties arrived shortly afterwards.
Point 181, 431378 On completion of the relief, the Column concentrated and moved to Point 181 (431378) were it league red for the night.

9 December
7 Sp. Group had, the previous evening, concentrated SW of BUR GUBI (4137).
Orders were now received to move on WEST and NW with the object of harassing the enemy and cutting his line of withdrawal in the GAZALA area.
Bir Beuid, 399383 1330 Hours MAYFIELD Column was in reserve and was ordered to move to the area BIR BEUID (399383) which was reached at 1330 hours.
Here the Column remained for the rest of the day in reserve, league ring one mile NW.

10 December
During the morning the Column remained in the same area.
The 4 INDIAN DIVISION to the NE was dive-bombed several times, but the Column was not visited.
1230 Hours At 1230 Hours orders were received for the Column to move to Point 166 (376414) and thence to ELUET EL TAMAR to harass enemy on the road TOBRUK – GAZALA.
On the day up to Point 166 the head of the Column was dive-bombed and the following casualties were sustained by F Company:-
KILLED
Guardsman PATON
Guardsman PEACOCK
WOUNDED
Lance-Sergeant LIPTROT
Guardsman DAVIES
Guardsman McCONNELL

1500 Hours At 1500 hours the Column arrived at Point 191 (375425) only to find the area very congested.
WILSON Column was already in action and the 4 IND. DIVISION was pushing on our right.
Bir El Rigel Accordingly MAYFIELD Column was ordered back to BIR RIGEL (377419) where leaguer was formed at last light.

Andrew Penman

Lance Corporal Andrew Penman, 2754766, 5^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 13^th August 1944 aged 26, grave reference 111. A. 12. Banneville-Le-Campagne War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

Andrew Morgan Penman was born 1919, Cowdenbeath, son of Robert Reid Penman and Sophia Ramsay Philip, married 1918, Dunfermline, married 1918, Dunfermline. Sophia died 1962, Dunfermline aged 66. Robert died in 1976, Dunfermline aged 69.

On the 26^th January 1944, at the Manse in Cowdenbeath, Andrew Morgan Penman married Mary Cunningham Redpath, 1944, Cowdenbeath, there is a birth in 1945, Cowdenbeath for a George Redpath Penman.

Fife Free Press 2^nd September 1944

Killed in Action. — Lance-Corporal Andrew Penman, Black Watch, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Penman, Lochgelly Road, Cowdenbeath, is officially reported killed action in Western Europe. He was 25 years of age and had been in the Army for eight years. He visited his home while on leave it- January of this year, the first time he had been home for nearly seven years. He fought throughout the African campaigns and was twice wounded. He is survived by his widow, who also resides in Lochgelly.

North West Europe. The 1st, 5th, and 7th Battalions, still in the 51st Highland Division, were all landed in Normandy on or shortly after D Day, 6 June 1944. They were heavily involved in the actions leading to the breakout from Caen and the Falaise Gap, the 5th Battalion in particular experiencing severe fighting at Breville and Colombelles. There was then little action for the Regiment except for the capture of Le Havre until the autumn and winter fighting in the low-lying country astride the River Maas in Holland.

William Dunsmore Penman

Private William Dunsmore Penman, 2764632, 5^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Aberdeen, died 25^th July 1943 aged 22, Grave details 1. G. 49. Catania War Cemetery, Sicily, Italy.

William Dunsmore Penman jnr, was born 1921, Cowdenbeath, son of William Dunsmore Penman snr occupation dockyard worker, and Mary Miller. William Penman snr died 1941, Cowdenbeath, aged 66. Mary died 1983, Lochgelly, aged 87.

On the 22^ndMay 1942, at Lumphinnans church, Cowdenbeath, William Dunsmore Penman 21, occupation coal miner (Private Black Watch) home address 38 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath (Now engaged in war) married Christina Benzie 20 occupation Hotel Waitress (Private Auxiliary Territorial Force) home address Slackend, Buckie, (now engaged in war)

Aberdeen Press and Journal 24^th August 1943.

PENMAN-—Died wound# received in Sicily, July. 1943, Pte. William Penman. Welch. 22, dearly beloved husband of Christina Benzie, Stack bead. Knale. Buckie. Deeply Regretted.

5^th Battalion Black Watch

May 1943 – October 1943: Sicily

James Philip

Captain James Philip, 263216, Royal Army Medical Corps, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, accidently killed 13^th August 1944 aged 24, Grave reference V1. F. 3. Salerno, Italy.

James Philip was born 23^rd May 1920, Sweethome Cottages, Woodend, Cardenden, Fife, the oldest of 2 children born to William Bell Philip occupation colliery fireman, and Catherine (Kate) Meiklejohn. William died 17^th November 1944, Sweethome Cottages, Woodend, Cardenden, Fife.aged 57. Catherine died 3^rd July 1970, 118 Meldrum Road, Kirkcaldy, aged 79.

Captain James Philip would have been awarded the War Medal 1939-1945 and the 1939-1945 Star.

Telegram.

Letter.

Death Certificate.

David Philp

Sergeant David Philp, 1112245, 353 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 3^rd January 1943 aged 21, Grave reference 1. C. 20. Maynamati War Cemetery, Bangladesh.

David Philp born 1921, Cowdenbeath, son of Andrew and Jane Philp.

Death Certificate.

All the accident report states is that 2 aircraft were involved.

Ongoing research when possible.

William/ Ernest ? Richardson.

Private William Ernest Liddell Richardson, 92635, B Squadron 1^st Special Air Service Regiment A.A.C. Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 7^th July 1944 aged 26, Grave reference Mil. Plot. Row 1. Grave 1-26. Rom Communal Cemetery, Deux-Sevres, France.

William Ernest Liddell Richardson was born 1919, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of William Ernest Black Richardson occupation Dentist, and Annie Neil Liddell, who were married 15^th April 1914, Glasgow, Lanarkshire. There was five children Sheila born 1917, Moira 1919, Norman 1920, Harry born 1924, all born Cowdenbeath. William Richardson snr died 1960 in Cowdenbeath, aged 72. Annie died 1968, Aberdour, Fife.

Operation Bulbasket

Operation Bulbasket was an ill-fated operation by ‘B’ Squadron, 1st Special Air Service (SAS), behind the German lines in German occupied France, between June and August 1944. The operation was located to the east of Poitiers in the Vienne department of south west France; its objective was to block the Paris to Bordeaux railway line near Poitiers and to hamper German reinforcements heading towards the Normandy beachheads especially the 2nd SS Panzer Division – Das Reich.

During the operation amongst other things, the SAS men discovered the whereabouts of a petrol supply train, which was destined for the 2nd SS Panzer Division. The supply train was destroyed by Royal Air Force bombers the same night.

The Special Air Service team had made their base near Verrieres, the location of which was betrayed to the Germans. In the follow-up attack on their camp, 33 men from the Special Air Service were captured and later murdered together with one American Air Force pilot who had fallen in with them, after bailing out of his P-51 Mustang. Seven captured Maquisards were also executed in the woods after the attack. Three other SAS men, who had been wounded in the fight and taken to hospital, were murdered by lethal injections while in their hospital beds.

Background.

The men involved in Operation Bulbasket were part of the Special Air Service Brigade. It was a unit of the British Army, formed in July 1941 by David Stirling and originally called ‘L’ Detachment, Special Air Service Brigade; ‘L’ being an attempt at deception, implying the existence of numerous such units. It was conceived as a commando type force intending to operate behind enemy lines in the North African Campaign. In 1944 the Special Air Service Brigade was formed and consisted of the British 1st and 2nd Special Air Service, the French 3rd and 4th SAS and the Belgian 5th SAS. They were to undertake parachute operations behind the German lines in France and then carry out operations supporting the Allied advance through Belgium, the Netherlands and eventually into Germany.

In May 1944, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) had issued an order for the Special Air Service Brigade to carry out two operations in France, Hounsworth in Dijon for ‘A’ Squadron and Bulbasket, near Poitiers, which was given to ‘B’ Squadron.

The focus of both operations would be the disruption of German reinforcements from the south of France to the Normandy beachheads. To carry out the operation the men were to destroy supply dumps, block the Paris to Bordeaux railway line near Poitiers and attack railway sidings and fuel trains. One formation they especially wanted to delay was the 2nd SS Panzer Division – Das Reich which was based in the area around Toulouse in the south of France. The intelligence experts at SHAEF responsible for planning the Normandy landings, had estimated it would take three days for the panzer division to reach Normandy.

The officer in command of ‘B’ Squadron was Captain John Tonkin of the Royal Marines with Second Lieutenant Richard Crisp as his second in command; both men were briefed on the operation by SHAEF in London 1 June 1944. Over the next two days they spent time at the headquarters of the Special Operations Executive who had agents of ‘F’ section operating in the area under the command of Captain Maingard, alias ‘Samuel’. He also had links with the two main French Resistance groups in the area the Francs tireurs et Partisans and the Armée Secrète. Tonkin was also given a list of rail targets by Headquarters Special Air Service.

Mission

The advance party for Operation Bulbasket, including Tonkin, were flown to France by a Handley Page Halifax belonging to ‘B’ Flight, No. 161 Squadron RAF, the special duties squadron. Their drop zone was an area of the Brenne marsh 19 miles (31 km) south west of Châteauroux, which they reached at 01:37 hours on 6 June 1944. On the ground to meet them was their SOE contact, Captain Maingard. Two further groups from ‘B’ Squadron were parachuted in, one on 7 June and the second on 11 June. Also dropped at the same time were Vickers K machine gun armed Jeeps.

Once on the ground, the SAS Squadron set about preventing German reinforcements reaching Normandy. They attacked the rail network, laid mines, conducted vehicle patrols in their Jeeps and trained members of the French Resistance. On 10 June, a French railwayman informed Tonkin that a train composed of at least eleven petrol tankers was parked at the rail sidings at Châtellerault. These were the fuel reserves for the advancing 2nd SS Panzer Division. To confirm their location, Tonkin sent Lieutenant Tomos Stephens on a reconnaissance of the area. Travelling alone by bicycle, Stephens made the 74 miles (119 km) round trip – returning on 11 June. He confirmed the location of the petrol train. He also reported that it was too heavily guarded for the SAS squadron to deal with. Tonkin contacted England and requested an air attack on the train. That night a force of 12 Royal Air Force de Havilland Mosquito bombers, six each from No. 138 Wing RAF, based at RAF Lasham and 140 Wing, based at Gravesend in Kent, attacked the train in its sidings. The mission was a success.

To prevent their camp being located or compromised by German radio direction finding equipment or informers, Tonkin regularly moved its location. The location of new camps had to be close to water and a drop zone for parachute supply. The camp located near to Verrières was near to their drop zone at La Font d’Usson and had an adequate water supply. The SAS Squadron had been at Verrières between 25 June and 1 July. The local population had also become aware of the camp and Tonkin was warned by Maingard that if the locals knew, informers would soon tell the Germans. Tonkin ordered the squadron to move to a new camp just south in the Bois des Cartes. This new camp was also close to their drop zone at La Font d’Usson where they were expecting a supply drop over the night of 3/4 July. On their arrival at the new camp at Bois des Cartes, the water supply from a well failed and Tonkin decided to return to Verrières until a more suitable camp site could be found.

German Attack

The German SS Security Police had been informed that the SAS camp was located in a forest near Verrières. On 1 July they had sent agents into the forest to attempt to locate the camp and assembled an attacking force based on the reserve battalion of the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division Götz von Berlichingen which was based at Bonneuil-Matours. With the arrival of the SAS Squadron back at their old base camp, Tonkin set out on 2 July to try and locate a new camp. He returned in the early hours of 3 July just before the Germans attacked, who had managed to surround the camp during the night. The force in the forest camp consisted of 40 SAS men, a United States Army Air Forces North American P-51 Mustang pilot, Second Lieutenant Lincoln Bundy, who had been shot down 10 June 1944 and had fallen in with the SAS, and nine men from the French Resistance.

The Germans attacked at dawn and it was all over by 14:00. As the Germans searched the forest the SAS men tried to break out. A party of 34 were moving down a forest track when they were ambushed and captured. The leader of the party, Lieutenant Tomos Stephens, was beaten to death by a German officer using a rifle butt; seven captured Maquisards were executed in the woods. The SAS men and the American pilot should have been treated as prisoners of war. However, their fate was determined by the issue of the Commando Order by Adolf Hitler which called for the immediate execution of commandos or parachutists, no matter if they had been captured in proper uniform. The decision of who was going to execute them was the cause of an argument between the German Army and the SS. It was decided that the army would carry out the execution. On 7 July, the surviving prisoners of war, 30 SAS men and Second Lieutenant Bundy, were taken into the woods near to St Sauvant, forced to dig their own graves then executed by a German firing squad at dawn under the command of SS Major Josef Kieffer. Their bodies were then buried in a mass grave. Three Special Air Service men who had been wounded and hospitalized were killed by the administration of lethal injections. The 34 men executed in the woods were re-interred in the village cemetery of Rom, Deux-Sèvres. The bodies of the three men executed in the hospital have never been found, but they are commemorated by a plaque among their comrades’ headstones in Rom.

Reprisal Attack by RAF.

One of the UK Special Forces’ Jedburgh teams (codenamed Hugh) operating in the area, reported back to Special Forces HQ, requesting a reprisal attack on the headquarters of the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division in Bonneuil-Matours. On receipt of this request, Special Forces HQ passed it on to SAS Brigade HQ, who contacted No. 2 Group RAF, part of the RAF’s Second Tactical Air Force. 2 Group’s Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice-Marshall Basil Embry assigned the reprisal attack operation to No. 140 Wing RAF, which had already responded to Bulbasket’s request for the attack on the supply trains in Châtellerault in the previous month. By this time, No. 140 Wing was operating out of RAF Thorney Island, where, on 14 July 1944, Embry personally briefed the 14 crews selected for this operation. The plan of attack called for four phases: Four Mosquitos would drop high explosive bombs; following them, six aircraft would drop American M76 incendiary bombs; the remaining aircraft would then drop more HE bombs and finally the aircraft would return to strafe the target before returning to base.

The Mosquitos left RAF Thorney Island at about 21:00 hours, met up with an escort of 12 Mustang Mk. IIIs for the daylight crossing, at low level, of enemy-held territory in Northern France and reached the target at approximately 21:00 local time, when the German troops were eating their evening meal. The attack went as planned and all seven barrack blocks were destroyed; local estimates of the number of German troops killed varied from 80 to about 200. All aircraft safely returned to Thorney Island in the early hours of 15 July.

Withdrawal.

Tonkin and the remainder of the SAS Squadron (altogether eight survivors of the attack and three others, who had been away on a smaller operation at the time) escaped, regrouped and carried on with the mission until the order to cease operations was received on 24 July 1944 During the period between 10 June and 23 July, the SAS Squadron had attacked railway targets 15 times, the main roads Route nationale 10 south of Vivonne and the Route nationale N147 between Angers– Poitiers–Limoges were mined. They also had some success attacking targets of opportunity. Over the night of 12/13 June 1944 Lieutenant Crisp, one of those later executed, was in command of a patrol that laid mines on the N147 in the Forêt de Défant, just before the 2nd SS Panzer Division arrived in the area.

The 2nd SS Panzer Division, during their advance to Normandy, was responsible for the Tulle murders on 9 June 1944 and the massacre at the village of Oradour-sur-Glane on 10 June. The operations by the Bulbasket team, amongst others, delayed the arrival of the division in Normandy until the end of June. The 2nd SS Panzer Division was responsible for the capture of the Special Operations Executive agent Violette Szabo on 10 June 1944. They handed her over to the Sicherheitsdienst security police in Limoges.

Aftermath.

In December 1944, after the German Army had been driven from the area, men working in the forest near St Sauvant discovered an area of broken branches and disturbed earth. They started to examine the site and discovered what remained of a number of bodies. The local police force was informed and on 18 December started excavating the grave. A number of corpses were still wearing Allied uniform; most of their identity tags had been removed but two remained which identified them as members of Operation Bulbasket, while another was identified by his name inside the battle dress tunic. A further body in civilian clothing was identified as that of Second Lieutenant Bundy.

The 31 bodies were taken to Rom and reburied with full military honours in the village cemetery. The body of Lieutenant Stephens, who had been beaten to death, is in the village cemetery in Verrières. ] The bodies of the three men murdered in hospital, despite not being found, were commemorated with a memorial plaque which was erected beside the Special Air Service graves in Rom cemetery.

Alexander Burt Savage.

Lance Corporal Alexander Burt Savage, 2759815, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, accidently killed 8^th July 1941, Grave reference Grave 36. Beath Old Cemetery, Cowdenbeath, Fife.

Alexander Burt Savage was born 1919, Cowdenbeath, son of Patrick Savage occupation miner, and Maggie Penman Burt, married 1906 Cowdenbeath. Margaret Penman Savage died 1948, Cowdenbeath, aged 65. Patrick died 1969, Cowdenbeath, aged 86.

Dundee Courier 9^th July 1941.

SOLDIERS DIE IN LORRY CRASH FIFE MAN A VICTIM Three soldiers received fatal injuries yesterday in a Perthshire road accident. They were L.-Cpl. Savage, Pte. Younger, and Pte. Center. Five soldiers were travelling in lorry which overturned on the Perth-Glasgow road near Auchterarder. Savage, seated beside the driver, was killed almost instantly. Younger and Center died during the evening. The other two men were injured, but not. seriously. L.-Cpl. Savage is the only son of Mr Patrick Savage, Moss-side, Cowdenbeath, who received a. telegram telling him of the fatality. L.-Cpl. Savage was 19 and was a painter with a Cowdenbeath firm before joining up.’ His father, a noted footballer, was at one time goalkeeper with Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, and King’s Park.

Fife Free Press12th July 1941.

SOLDIERS DIE IN LORRY CRASH Fife Victim Three soldiers received fatal injuries on Tuesday in a Perthshire road accident. They were L.-Cpl. Savage, Pte. Younger, and Pte. Center. Five soldiers were travelling in a lorry which overturned the Perth-Glasgow road near Auchterarder. Savage, seated beside the driver, was killed almost instantly. Younger and Center died during the evening. The other two men were injured, but not seriously. L.-Cpl Savage is the only son of Mr Patrick Savage, Moss-side. Cowdenbeath, who received a telegram telling him of the fatality. L.-Cpl. Savage was 19. and was a painter with a Cowdenbeath firm before joining up. His father, a noted footballer, was at one time goalkeeper with Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, and Kings Park.

Dundee Courier 8^th July 1944.

SAVAGE. —Sacred to the memory of our beloved only son. Cpl. B. Savage, BW. accidentally killed at Auchterarder 1941, aged 21. Daily, hourly miss Sadly do feel our loss; Dreary is our home without him. Help us, Lord, bear our cross- —inserted by his father and mother and Dan, 52 Chapel St., Cowdenbeath.

Dundee Courier 9^th July 1945.

SAVAGE. —In ever loving remembrance V only son, L.-Cpl. A. B. Savage, Black who was accidentally killed at Auchterarder July 8, 1941, aged 21. We shall know his voice in that heavenly thro” His steps in the courts of gold. We shall see his smile it used be Just as in the days of old. —Inserted by his father and mother, sisters ‘ and Liz, 52 Chapel St., Cowdenbeath.

George Gardiner Scott.

Sergeant Observer George Gardiner Scott, 1117206, Royal Airforce Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Resides Aberdeen, died 26^th July 1942, Grave reference Panel 93. Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England.

George Gardiner Scott was born 1915, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Alexander Scott occupation coal miner, and Jessie Gardiner. On the fourth of February 1942, Aberdeen, George Gardiner Scott, 26, occupation Professional Footballer, Aberdeen (Sergeant Observer Royal Air Force) home address 260 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath (Now engaged in war service) married Jessie Sim 19, occupation Clerkess, home address Urquhart Street, Aberdeen

Fife Free Press 8^th August 1942.

Former East Fife Player Dead. —lt was with profound sorrow that local football fan learned of the announcement that Sergeant-Observer George Scott, former East Fife player, had met his death service. Scott, who belonged to Cowdenbeath, was the son Of Mr and Scott Perth Road. He was schoolboy international football player. was signed for East Fife before he was transferred to Aberdeen F.C. Twenty-seven years of age, he was married last February.

Dundee Courier 4^th August 1942.

Aberdeen Weekly Journal 13^th August 1942.

George Scott, the Aberdeen F.C. player, a sergeant-observer in the R.A.F. has been reported missing believed killed. Sgt. Scott volunteered for the R.A.F. over a year ago and spent part of his training period overseas. He was married in February this year. His wife resides at 7 Urqunart Street, Aberdeen. His parents reside at 260 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, where he was born. Scott was a schoolboy international inside right, playing against England Ireland, and Wales in one season. He was signed by East Fife, and several seasons ago was transferred to Aberdeen. Quiet and unassuming, Scott was a firm favourite with the crowds at Pittodrie. He gave consistently good service both as a forward and a half-back.

Leven Mail 5^th August 1942.

East Fife supporters will be sorry to hear that George Scott has been reported to have met his death on service. Scott ranks amongst one of the East Fife “captures.” Some place him as one of the finest inside -rights East Fife has had. He is a Cowdenbeath lad. He was spotted by East Fife as a schoolboy Internationalist. and after coming to the fore with the Bayview Club was transferred to Aberdeen. se… He was *serving with the R.A.F. as a SergeantObserver.

Daily Record 3^rd August 1942.

Played for East Fife. George Scott. Sergeant Observer in the R.A.F., is reported killed. A native of Cowdenbeath, Sergt. Scott was an internationalist in school football and played for East Fife before he was transferred to Aberdeen.

Scott attended Lumphinnans Primary School. In 1941, during the Second World War, he enlisted in the RAF and during a period training in Canada, met and married his wife Jessie. Scott returned to Scotland in 1942 and was posted to No. 19 Operational Training Unit at RAF Kinloss. On 26 July 1942, Sergeant Scott, serving as an air gunner on board an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, took off from RAF Kinloss to conduct a cross-country training exercise. The aircraft suffered engine failure in mid-air, caught fire, and crashed into the Dornoch Firth off Tain, killing all 5 on board, including Scott. The Whitley was attempting to get to RAF Tain when it crashed. His body was not recovered, and he is commemorated on the Air Forces Memorial.

Training in Canada.

George Gardiner Scott (Aberdeen FC)

Cowdenbeath Remembers.

George Gardiner Scott who was born in Park Avenue, in 1915. He attended Lumphinnans Primary School and was chosen to represent Cowdenbeath and District Schools. George was impressive enough to be selected to represent Scotland in the school’s internationals v Wales at Swansea, versus England at Ibrox, and then to captain the Scotland team when they travelled to Belfast to take on Ireland. After this he joined Cowdenbeath juvenile club Parkview Rangers. He then was signed provisionally by Scott Duncan for Cowdenbeath and farmed out to St Andrew’s United in the juniors. Duncan’s waygoing and subsequent boardroom changes though meant George was never called up by Cowden. He therefore played junior for St Andrew’s United before moving to Lochgelly Albert in 1933. He went senior with East Fife and then joined Aberdeen in 1937. He played at Aberdeen until War broke out. George joined the RAF as a volunteer in 1941 and went to Canada for training. His family lived then at 260 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath. He was subsequently based at RAF Kinloss with 19 Operational Training Unit. On 26th July 1942, Sgt Observer George Scott was part of the crew of the bomber Whitley BD349 which took off on a training mission. The aircraft suffered engine failure and crashed near Tain bursting into flames. George was reported missing initially, but his body was never found. 1117206 Sergeant Observer George Scott is commemorated on panel 93 of the Runnymede Memorial (the RAF memorial to aircrew with no known grave) and on the Cowdenbeath WWII War Memorial at the front of Cowdenbeath Town House. George Scott’s name was also added to the Aberdeen FC War Memorial at Pittodrie in November 2010.

W. Simpson.

No details found to date.

Henry Sinclair.

Trooper Henry Sinclair, 7890313, 2^nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry, Royal Armoured Corps, formerly Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, Born Lochgelly? residence Cowdenbeath, died 30^th June 1944, Grave reference 1V. F. 5. Calvados, France.

Henry Sinclair was born 1921/1922 Lochgelly or Dunfermline, Fife, son of John and Jessie Sinclair (Marriage not found, need more information to be more accurate)

Operation Epsom 25-30 June 1944.

Preparations for Epsom were upset by a great storm that lashed Normandy during 19–22 June, but VIII Corps’ assembly was just completed on time. On 25 June, elements from XXX Corps tried to deny the Germans the high ground of the Rauray spur on VIII Corps’ right flank. Sadly, this preparatory attack failed. Bad weather also undermined the power of Epsom, for, although the RAF flew 525 sorties to prevent Luftwaffe operations over the battlefield, they were unable to provide O’Connor with a planned preliminary aerial bombing raid on the German positions or with close air support. Consequently, in spite of massive artillery support, when the 15th (Scottish) Division and the armour of the 31st Tank Brigade advanced at 0730 hours on 26 June, enemy fire poured into them from three sides. The Germans – the SS troops especially – fought with determination, particularly in the village of Cheux, and the British quickly fell behind schedule. Nevertheless, the tanks of the 11th Armoured Division were unleashed early that afternoon in an attempt to push down to the River Odon.

During the night 26–27 June, the 43rd (Wessex) Division began to relieve the 15th (Scottish) Division. Then, at dawn, the 227th Brigade and the 29th Armoured Brigade attacked. Although the attack on Grainville stalled, the 2nd Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (2 ASH), supported by the tanks of the 23rd Hussars, moved forward swiftly to seize Colleville. Meanwhile, the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment captured Mouen. The Allies continued to make slow progress; this being aided by the capture of Rauray that afternoon. Finally, the 2 ASH seized the Tourmauville bridge over the Odon and established a bridgehead south of the river. The battalion was later joined in this bridgehead by the 23rd Hussars, the 8th Battalion, the Rifle Brigade (8 RB), and the entire 159th Infantry Brigade. These ground operations were supported by some 349 air sorties, which struck gun and mortar positions, tanks and motor vehicles, and bridges over the River Orne.

On 28 June, the newly arrived II-SS Armoured Corps received orders to attack the British on the Odon the following day. Meanwhile, the German Battle Groups Weidinger and Frey (parts of the 2nd and 1st SS Armoured Divisions respectively) assembled around Noyers and Verson ready to strike at the exposed British flanks. As the Germans prepared their countermoves, Grainville and Le Valtru fell into British hands while the 2 ASH seized the bridges at Gavrus. Simultaneously, the 23rd Hussars and the 8 RB took the important high ground of Hill 112 immediately south of the Odon. Improved weather allowed the RAF to fly more than 650 sorties over the battle area, and additional support was provided by the US 9th Air Force. The 29th Armoured Brigade, however, was pushed back onto the river’s northern slopes again that evening. Meanwhile, the counterattacks mounted by Weidinger and Frey failed in their attempt to meet up at Colleville. Nevertheless, these counterstrike’s did narrow the British-controlled corridor slightly and disrupted British plans to continue the offensive.

On the morning of 29 June, the 43rd (Wessex) Division advanced to take over the defence on the east side of the corridor, leaving the 15th (Scottish) Division to deal with the west side. The armour then endeavoured to enlarge the Odon bridgehead by taking Hill 113 and retaking Hill 112. Initially, these forces successfully advanced towards Hill 113, but then they ran straight into units of II-SS Armoured Corps preparing for their counterattack in the opposite direction. The SS forces soon forced the British back into their bridgehead. One British armoured regiment did manage to retake the crest of Hill 112 that morning. However, with intelligence reaching Dempsey and O’Connor that suggested that the II-SS Armoured Corps counterattack was imminent, the commanders withdrew the 29th and 4th Armoured Brigades back across the Odon and into defensive positions. Meanwhile, the II-SS Armoured Corps, with its 400 tanks and armoured vehicles, was having an awful time at the hands of Allied aircraft as it assembled around Noyers for its push against VIII Corps. More than 1250 aircraft, operating from bases in Normandy and Britain, destroyed numerous motor vehicles and tanks, as well as attacking railway traffic bringing German reinforcements into the area and preventing the Luftwaffe from intervening in the ground battle. That afternoon, the 9th SS Armoured Division attacked north of the river valley with Battle Group Weidinger on its left. In parallel, the 10th SS Armoured Division attacked to the south of the river with Frey advancing from the east. Their aim was to cut the corridor and destroy the British forces deployed south of Cheux. The 9th SS Armoured Division’s main effort, an infantry attack along the Noyers–Cheux road supported by a company of Panther tanks, was stopped by dug-in British infantry with antitank weapons, plus supporting artillery. This thrust succeeded only in creating a small German salient between Rauray and Grainville. Meanwhile, the 10th SS Armoured Division attacked from Bougy against Gavrus and Tourmauville, but tenacious British defence and accurate artillery fire fragmented the attacks. Eventually, these German attacks, along with that mounted by Frey in the east, were all beaten off. That night it did not seem possible to O’Connor that he had just witnessed the main II-SS Armoured Corps counterattack. Prompted by renewed (but ultimately unsuccessful) SS attacks, he remained cautious and held his forces on the defensive. Epsom was brought to a premature end on 30 June, while a force of some 232 heavy bombers from Bomber Command attacked II-SS Armoured Corps as it tried to assemble around Villers-Bocage, causing considerable damage. The next day, while the Germans reorganised their forces, VIII Corps tidied up the corridor. During 1–2 July, the II-SS Armoured Corps continued to probe and bombard the Odon Valley and the British tried to improve their own positions, but neither side launched major attacks. Indeed, such lower intensity fighting continued for the next nine days. Montgomery stated that Epsom had fulfilled his intention of drawing the German armour away from the Americans and had thwarted the II-SS Armoured Corps counterattack against Bayeux. Nevertheless, Epsom did not make Caen an untenable position for the Germans and many more lives were to be lost before it, and Hill 112, were safely in Allied hands. Operation Epsom had cost VIII Corps some 4020 casualties, with 15th (Scottish) Division suffering 2331 (58 per cent) of these losses.

J. Sneddon.

There were two J. Sneddon’s who fought in WW2 and were in the Navy, John Sneddon, and Joseph Sneddon (His parents lived in Kelty) There is a Joseph Sneddon who is commemorated on the Kelty War Memorial, so I will leave him till later in the year when I research the WW2 part of the Kelty War Memorial (WW1 completed and on web site)

On search for a death between 1939-1945 showing in Marine Returns, only one for a John Sneddon 22, whose parents lived in Alloa.

I will return to this record when I have researched newspaper archive at Carnegie Library, Dunfermline.

Stephen Sneddon / Snaddon.

S. Sneddon on the Memorial.

There is no S. Sneddon on the Scottish National War Memorial or the CWGC or Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There is one for Stephen Snaddon.

There are no birth entries for a S. Sneddon between 1900 and 1926 in Fife. There is one for Stephan Snaddon 1919, Cowdenbeath.

There are no deaths in the Army for a S. Sneddon, between 1939-1945, there is one for Stephen Snaddon. 1941.

Karen Bird niece of Stephen Snaddon agrees there is an error on the Cowdenbeath WW2 War Memorial.

Private Stephen Snaddon, 2932859, 2^nd Battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 5^th February 1941 aged 21, Grave reference Panel 2. Khartoum Memorial, Sudan.

Stephen Snaddon born 1919, Cowdenbeath, Fife, son of Stephen Snaddon, occupation miner and Catherine Hunter Cook. Married 1907, Clackmannan, they had at least 3 children Janet, Stephen, James. Catherine died 1964 aged 78, Cowdenbeath, Stephen snr died 1950, Cupar, aged 71.

Birth certificate of Stephen Snaddon

Dundee Evening Telegraph 21^st February 1941.

COWDENBEATH SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION Mr and Mrs Stephen Sneddon of Glenburn Place, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, have received intimation from the War Office that their son, Stephen Sneddon, (21) was killed action on’ February 5. Sneddon was a miner employed at No. 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath, and enlisted in November 1939.

Dundee Courier 22^nd February 1941.

FIFE SOLDIER KILLED ON ACTIVE SERVICE Mr and Mrs Stephen Sneddon, of Glenburn Place, Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, have received intimation from the War Office that their son, Pte. Stephen Sneddon, Cameron Highlanders, has been killed on active service. Sneddon, who was 21. enlisted in Nov. 1939. Prior to enlistment he was employed in the development section of No. 7 Pit, Cowdenbeath.

Photo kindly donated by Karen Bird, niece of Stephen Snaddon.

Death Certificate of Stephen Snaddon

Stephen Snaddon died at the Battle of Keren 5^th February 1941.

The Battle of Keren (or Cheren) was fought as part of the East African Campaign during the Second World War. The battle was fought from 5 February to 1 April 1941 between a mixed Italian army of regular and colonial troops and the attacking British, Commonwealth, and Free French forces. The town of Keren, located in the Italian colony of Eritrea, was of strategic importance to both the Italian and the British-led forces in 1941. The road and railway routes through Keren were the key to access the city of Asmara (colonial capital of Eritrea) and the Red Sea port of Massawa, both of which surrendered to Allied forces in the aftermath of the battle.

At 08:00 on 1 February 1941, Gazelle Force was held up in crossing the River Baraka some 40 miles (64 km) from Keren where the Ponte Mussolini had been blown and the approaches to the river heavily mined. By noon on 2 February, however, they were across the river and winding up the Ascidera Valley until brought to a halt at the Dongolaas Gorge, some 4 mi (6.4 km) from Keren, where the road had been blocked by the retreating Italians who had blown the overhanging crags to fill the gorge with boulders and rocks.

4th Indian Division’s 11th Indian Infantry Brigade arrived on 3 February, and having made reconnaissance the next day, launched their offensive to the left of the gorge on 5 February. The 2nd Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders fought their way to the top of the ridge, feature 1616, in front of Sanchil and the next night, 6 February, the 3/14th Punjab Regiment passed through them and advanced onto Brig’s Peak but were counterattacked by elements of the 65 Infantry Division “Savoia Grenadiers” (Granatieri di Savoia) who forced them from their newly taken positions back toward Cameron Ridge which was being reinforced by 1 (Wellesley’s)/6th Rajputana Rifles.

The ridge became a focus of fighting for the next ten days. The ridge was overlooked in front by Sanchil, to the left by Mount Sammana and even from behind by other mountains along the Ascidera Valley. The Cameron Highlanders and Rajputana Rifles narrowly hung on to their positions despite being under near constant attack and having to carry all food, water, and ammunition up 1,500 ft (460 m) across the exposed terrain.

Conclusion.

Keren was as hard a soldiers’ battle as was ever fought, and let it be said that nowhere in the war did the Germans fight more stubbornly than those [Italian] Savoia battalions, Alpini, Bersaglieri and Grenadiers. In the first five days’ fight the Italians suffered nearly 5,000 casualties – 1,135 of them killed. Lorenzini, the gallant young Italian general, had his head blown off by one of the British guns. He had been a great leader of Eritrean troops.

The unfortunate license of wartime propaganda allowed the British Press to represent the Italians almost as comic warriors; but except for the German parachute division in Italy and the Japanese in Burma no enemy with whom the British and Indian troops were matched put up a finer fight than those Savoia battalions at Keren. Moreover, the Colonial troops, until they cracked at the very end, fought with valour and resolution, and their staunchness was a testimony to the excellence of the Italian administration and military training in Eritrea.

Scroll from Burgh of Cowdenbeath. (Kindly donated by Karen Bird niece of Stephen Snaddon)

David Spowart.

Sergeant (Air Gunner) David Spowart, 1567679, 576 Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 23^rd September 1944 aged 21, Grave reference 30. F. 15-16. Reichswald Forrest War Cemetery, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

David Spowart was born 1923 in Cowdenbeath, Fife the second of at least four children born to David Spowart and Mary Peat. Mary, I believe remarried a Neil Ritchie 1986 in Kennoway, Fife, she died 2002 in Cowdenbeath, aged 98. I think David Spowart died 1956, Cowdenbeath, aged 76.?

Lothar Jarsch, German nightfighter pilot claimed the kill of NN711 on 23^rd September 1944, it was also claimed to have been downed by Flak.

Details from report, took off 1851 23 Sept 1944 from Elsham Wolds Crashed 2020 1 km SE of Kapellen on the southern outskirts of Moers. All are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

576 Squadron of 1 Group Bomber Command was formed at Elsham Wolds in Lincolnshire on the 25th of November 1943.

The Squadron commenced operations on the night of the 2/3rd December 1943 with a raid on Berlin. This was at the height of the Battle of Berlin. 7 Lancasters and crews were detailed for this attack and 1 failed to return. In its first month of operations the Squadron lost 7 Lancasters and crews that failed to return.

The Squadron continued that winter taking part in many long and hard raids until the Battle of Berlin concluded at the end of March 1944. One of note was the raid to the distant target of Friedrichshafen at the end of April 44.

In April 1944, the Squadron’s efforts were concentrated in bombing railway communications and military installations in preparation for the D Day landings on the 6th of June 1944. Throughout the summer of 1944 most of its operations were in direct support of the land forces in the field and against German V weapon facilities and oil and fuel production and storage facilities. Many of these operations were carried out in daylight.

In October 1944 576 Squadron moved to a new base at Fiskerton, also in Lincolnshire. During the winter of 1944/45 and participated in a series of heavy attacks against targets all over Germany and again many of these were in direct support of the land forces and against industrial targets and synthetic oil and fuel manufacturing centres.

The last bombing operation in which 576 Squadron took part was the attack on Hitler’s mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden in which 25 Lancasters and crews from the Squadron took part. Towards the end of the war the Squadron became involved in the dropping of food supplies to the people of Holland and flying back liberated prisoners of war to Britain.

576 Squadron was disbanded at Fiskerton on the 13th of September 1945.

During its brief existence 576 Squadron operated only 1 type of aircraft, the Avro Lancaster. The Squadron had flown on numerous difficult operations with great success but had sustained heavy losses in aircraft and aircrew. 576 Squadron had participated in 189 bombing operations and 2 mine laying operations.

576 Squadron. – Bomber Command 1 Group.

December 1943 to VE Day.

Sorties detailed – 2971 (Including Manna). 45 Early returns. 16 Did Not Take Off.

Aircraft lost. 61 Failed to return. 3 Crashed on or just after take-off. 3 Abandoned on return. 2 Crashed just after take-off. 3 Abandoned on return. 2 Crashed on return. 1 aircraft lost on non-operational flight.

Aircrew casualties. Killed 290 (including 1 died of wounds). Missing 68. Died in captivity 2. POW 64. Evaders 16. Escapers 0. captivity 2. POW 64. Evaders 16. Escapers 0.

Crew of Lancaster B1 NN711.

Flight Sergeant (Air Bomber) Charles John Brady 25. Flying Officer (Pilot) Stanley Fredrick Durrant 21. Flying Office (Navigator) James Johnstone 22. Sergeant (Air Gunner) James Gordon Mackey 27. Flight Sergeant James Robert McIntyre 21. Sergeant (Flight Engineer) Ronald Ernest Pearce 33. Sergeant (Air Gunner) David Spowart 21.

F. (Frank) Stewart.

Although I cannot find a link with F. Stewart to Cowdenbeath, I do believe Frank Stewart, born Dundee, residence Perth. Is the correct person.

There was a Francis Stewart born 1918, Cowdenbeath, be he died the year after.

Private Frank Stewart, 2754111, 5^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Born Dundee, Residence Perth, died 18^th March 1943 aged 32, Grave reference V1. C. 36. Sfax War Cemetery, Tunisia.

Frank Black Stewart was born 1910, St Clement, Dundee, Angus, so of James Stewart occupation miner and Isabella Black. On the fourth September 1939 at Guildhall Street, Dunfermline Frank Stewart 28, occupation Private Black Watch, usual address 9 Aberdour Street, Rosyth, Fife, married Elizabeth Ann Longmuir 30, occupation Domestic Servant, usual address Canmore Street, Dunfermline.

Fife Free Press 24^th April 1943.

Private Frank Stewart. Black Watch, of 40 Findlay Street, Rosyth, is reported killed.

5^th Battalion Black Watch.

June 1942 – December 1942: North Africa

At 9.40pm on 23 October the Battle of Alamein opened with a huge artillery barrage along a front of some 50 miles (80km). All three Black Watch battalions were in the van of the opening attack (7th Battalion in 154 Brigade with the 1st Battalion), advancing close behind the barrage through wire and minefields and in the face of machine gun and rifle fire. By dawn next day all their first objectives had been secured, albeit with heavy casualties. The brigade was withdrawn from the front on 3 November and for the next five weeks was part of the force pursuing the retreating Germans beyond Benghazi and Tobruk but not in direct contact with them until 8 December at the village of Mersa Brega on the coastal road. The 1st and 7th Battalions were put in to try to circle round this village and cut the road beyond. They succeeded, only to find that the enemy had already left; but they suffered many more casualties from mines which the Germans had laid to cover their retreat.

January 1943 – April 1943: North Africa

Tripoli was successfully occupied two days later. The Germans had now withdrawn to a strong defensive position centred on Mareth, just inside Tunisia, where the Matmata Hills left only a narrow passage, blocked by the Wadi Zigzaou, between them and the sea through which to advance north towards Tunis. Contact was made with the enemy in mid-February near Medenine, On 6 March the Germans attacked without success and then withdrew. The next contact was at Wadi Zigzaou on 23 March, but before the battalion had to mount an attack across this the enemy again withdrew. The next obstacle 15 miles (24km) ahead on the advance towards Tunis was Wadi Akarit between the coast and Roumana Ridge. On 6 April 152 Brigade was allotted the task of attacking the southern end of this ridge, while the 7th Battalion followed the successful crossing of the wadi by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to attack the northern end of Roumana Ridge. It suffered considerable casualties before it could reach the base of the ridge still in possession of the Germans. In the afternoon it came under heavy attack from enemy tanks and the 1st Battalion was ordered up to help it. During the night both battalions were pulled back about a mile, but next morning it was found that once again the Germans had slipped away north. By this time, however, the battalion had captured a large amount of weaponry and taken a thousand prisoners, and it was not further engaged with the enemy.

George Swan.

Stoker 1^st Class, George Swan P/KX 129527, HMS Kelantan, Royal Navy, born East Wemyss, Fife,

Warwickshire Evening Dispatch 13^th March 1944.

Killed by flash-back Stoker George Swan, aged 32, of Royal Navy, whose home was at Cowdenbeath, Fifeshire, was lighting boiler his ship on Thursday when there was flash-back. He was severely burned and died from shock. When solicitor representing the Admiralty stated at the Deptford inquest to-day that there would naval inquiry, the coroner said he would not pursue the inquiry further. recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Death Certificate.

HMS Kelantan.

H.M.S. “Kelantan” which was to be my home for the next two years and 2 months, was originally a Cargo Vessel of 9000 tons and hired as a Patrol Vessel in 1941 and became a Minesweeper Depot Ship in 1944. She was fitted with one 4.5 H A Gun on foredeck, also two Orlekan A/A Guns, Midships and two light Machine Guns on Bridge. She had two cargo/maintenance holds with a crane to be used for lifting /offloading paravanes for use on Minesweepers.

She was stationed at Portsmouth/and Spithead, for easy turnaround of minesweepers as a store ship for M/S Ferrying Sweeping Gear to the beachhead at Normandy. Kelantan was taken as a part of the British Pacific Fleet (B.P.F.) train and sailed out to the Pacific to continue her duties for Minesweeping supply ships in a new area of conflict. She was a comfortable, but quite old ship, and has Mess decks for Crew, and Cabins for Officers.

Thomas Martin Templeman.

Private Martin Templeman, B/36739, Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, R.C.I.C., Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Hastings (St Leonards) East Sussex, Died 19 August 1942 aged 29, Grave reference V1. AB. 3. Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

Thomas Martin Templeman was born 17^th December 1912 Cowdenbeath, the second of four children born to Arthur Templeman, and

Tommy was born as Tommy Martin Templeman but liked to be known as martin he was born on the 19/12/1912 in Cowdenbeath Scotland, home address 37 Rosehill Crescent, Cowdenbeath. He left when he was 16 to go to Montreal Quebec (Departure date 31^st May 1929) and he worked as a farmer then he enlisted in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry R.C.I.C he met and married Elsie Mae Burgess in 1942 when he was 29, he was only married 6 weeks when he was killed in combat in France 1942 WW11 he is buried in Belgium cemetery grave 302 Adegem Canadian war cemetery grave ref v1.abs Elsie came from Hastings

Hastings and St Leonard’s Observer 1^st August 1942.

Mr. M. T. Templeman and Miss Elsie Burgess The wedding took place at St, Matthew’s Church, St. Leonards, on Sunday, of Miss Elsie May Burgess, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Burgess, of 27, Newgate-road, St. Leonards, and Mr. Martin Thomas Templeman. R.H.L.I. eldest son of Mrs Templeman, 16. King-street, Cowdenbeath, Fife. Scotland, and the late Mr. Templeman. After the ceremony, a reception was held St. Paul’s Church Hall. Leaving for the honeymoon In Scotland, the bride wore grey and blue-tailored suit with black accessories. For the duration of the war the future home will be 27. Newgate-road, Hastings.

Dieppe Raid Regiment.

Motto: Semper Paratus (Always Ready) Headquarters Location:

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

The regiment mobilized ‘The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, CASF’ for active service on 1 September 1939, and it was redesignated the ‘1st Battalion, The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, CASF’ on 7 November 1940. It embarked for Britain on 22 July 1940. The battalion took part in the raid on Dieppe on 19 August 1942. It landed again in France on 5 July 1944, as part of the 4th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Canadian Infantry Division, and it continued to fight in North-West Europe until the end of the war. The overseas battalion was disbanded on 31 December 1945.

The Dieppe Raid 19^th August 1942. (Thomas Martin Templeman died on the Dieppe Raid)

The main attack was made across the pebble beach in front of Dieppe. It was timed to take place a half-hour later than the assault on its flanks. The German troops, concealed in clifftop positions and in buildings overlooking the promenade, were well prepared for the Canadians. As the men of the Essex Scottish Regiment assaulted the open eastern section, the enemy swept the beach with machine-gun fire. All attempts to breach the seawall were beaten back with terrible casualties. When one small platoon managed to infiltrate the town, a message was sent back to Headquarters offshore which misleadingly led General Roberts to believe that the Essex Scottish had established themselves in the town. To support them, the reserve battalion Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal was sent in. Like their comrades who had landed earlier, they found themselves pinned down on the beach and exposed to intense enemy fire.

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry landed at the west end of the promenade opposite a large, isolated casino. They were able to clear this strongly held building and the nearby pillboxes and enter the town. Some men of the battalion crossed the bullet-swept boulevard and moved into the town, where they engaged in vicious street fighting.

The Calgary Regiment also encountered unexpected obstacles. Although they were supposed to land immediately after an intense air and naval bombardment, they were put ashore ten to fifteen minutes late. This left the infantry without support during the first critical minutes of the attack. Then, as the tanks came ashore, they met an inferno of fire and were brought to a halt. They were stopped not just by enemy guns, but also by the pebble beach and a seawall. The tanks which managed to overcome the seawall found their way blocked by concrete obstacles that sealed off the narrow streets. Still, the immobilized tanks continued to fight, supporting the infantry and contributing greatly to the withdrawal of many of the soldiers. The tank crews themselves became prisoners of war (POWs) or died in battle.

The last troops to land were part of the Royal Marine “A” Commando, which shared the terrible fate of the Canadians. They suffered heavy losses without being able to accomplish their mission.

The raid also produced a tremendous air battle. While the Allied air forces were able to provide protection for the ships off Dieppe from the Luftwaffe (the German air force), the cost was high. The Royal Air Force lost 106 aircraft, the highest single-day total of the war. The Royal Canadian Air Force lost 13 aircraft.

Regimental memorials erected by the survivors and their comrades stand today at all the landing places. On the beaches of Dieppe, Puys and Pourville, memorials pay tribute to members of the Essex Scottish Regiment, the Royal Regiment of Canada, the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal, the Calgary Regiment, the South Saskatchewan Regiment, and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, who gave their lives in the raid.

The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry lost 197 killed.

Charles Thomson.

Leading Canteen Assistant Charles Thomson, C/NX 921, HMS Eland, Royal Naval Canteen Service, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 25^th January 1944, Grave reference 5. D. 3. Freetown (King Tom) Cemetery, Sierra Leone.

During the Second World War the four territories in West Africa – including Sierra Leone – became bases for recruiting and training men for the armed forces and their ports and harbours were of great value to convoys bound for the Middle East, India, South Africa, and South America. By the end of 1942, coastal defence artillery had been installed and manned in all the principal West African ports. Freetown became a naval base. FREETOWN (KING TOM) CEMETERY contains 248 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, two of which are unidentified.

Charles Thomson was born 1924, Cowdenbeath, son of Charles Thomson snr occupation miner, and Margaret W.W. Sneddon, married 1924, Cowdenbeath. Margaret remarried a James McLean 1945, Lochgelly, and died 1948, aged 46, Cupar, Fife, Charles Thomson died 1927, at 59 Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, aged 27. Cause of death Pulmonary Tuberculosis 6 years.

Words Jack Foster on Naval service in South Africa for BBC.

On completion, I was allocated to the naval depot at Chatham where I was then trained as a cook. Here I stayed in huge, long, blacked-out barrack buildings where we all slept in hammocks slung across the room. It was a smelly & generally unpleasant experience, and I was relieved in April 1944 to be posted overseas to HMS Eland, the naval base in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
West Africa was known as ‘the white man’s grave’ for good reason — it was terribly humid. Malaria, dysentery, tropical ulcers, and prickly heat were endemic. We used to joke that it was ‘the last place that God made after Gateshead’. I can remember feeling that I was a very ‘young’ and small 18-year-old having to settle disputes between the different West African tribesmen under my command, who all seemed much older and towered over me in size. I was also struck by the poverty of the local people, which came as a great surprise to me after all the flag waving about the ‘great’ British Empire that I’d been exposed to as a child.

Charles Thomson died from disease 25^th January 1944.

George Traill.

Private George Trail, 2979849, 2^nd Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, Born Aberdour, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 23^rd June 1942 aged 26, Grave reference Grave 824. Kuala Lumpur (Cheras Road) Civil Cemetery, Malaysia.

George Traill was born the 24^{th of} November 1915, birth down as (Illegitimate) son of Winifred Anderson Traill (Farm servant, daughter, home address Cullaloe Cottages by Aberdour. (Birth certificate said there is a clerical omission in remarks column)

Winifred Anderson Traill married John Morgan 1931, Cowdenbeath. Winifred died 11^th June 1973 aged 73, Lochgelly. John Morgan died 2^nd February 1983 aged 81, Dunfermline.

2nd Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders

The 2nd Battalion arrived in Singapore in August 1939. After two years intensive training, its first contact with the Japanese occurred on the 15th of December 1941, at Baling, a week after the Japanese landed at Kota Bahru in north east Malaya.

It was then in almost continuous action as it retired through north and central Malaya, until the fall of Singapore in February 1942.

The most important engagement in the British withdrawal down the Malay Peninsula was the defence of the causeway over the River Perak which temporarily halted the Japanese advance.

In January 1942, the final action took place at the River Slim where the Argylls were overwhelmed by superior numbers of the enemy. The Battalion was tasked with defending the Singapore causeway which was the only crossing between Singapore Island and the mainland.

Almost 30,000 British and Allied troops crossed the causeway before it was prepared for demolition. The Argylls then withdrew and marched out with the pipes playing.

The Battalion was eventually ordered to surrender on the 15th of February 1942, however some managed to escape. In all 60 Officers and 880 Other Ranks served with the 2nd Battalion in Malaya and Singapore, of whom 17 Officers and 227 Other Ranks were killed in action.

The remainder became prisoners of the Japanese and 5 Officers and 182 Other Ranks died in captivity whilst working on the infamous Burma Railway.

Family Headstone.

Robert Turnbull.

Sergeant Robert Turnbull, 2755454, 7^th Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) born Liberton, Midlothian, Residence Cowdenbeath, Fife, died between 23rd/24^th October 1942, Grave reference Plot,1X. Row A. Grave 15. El Alamein Cemetery, Egypt.

Sgt Robert Turnbull would have received the War Medal, the Defence Medal, and the Africa Star.

Robert Scott Turnbull was born 1^st August 1907, Liberton, Edinburgh, Midlothian, son of Samuel Horace Turnbull born Prestwich, Near Manchester, Lancashire, occupation coal miner and Jessie Robertson, they were married 15^th March 1907, 69 Jewel Cottages, Newcraighall, Edinburgh. They had at least three children Robert being the oldest, Elizabeth 1909, George Nisbet Turnbull 1910.

Samuel Horace Turnbull died 19^th July 1918 near the village of Meteren, France. Jessie Turnbull nee Robertson died 1970, Auchtermuchty, Fife, aged 84.

In the 1911 census the family were living at 25 Kirkford Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife.

Robert Scott Turnbull 25 occupation miner, married Elizabeth Gallacher 1932, In Cowdenbeath, Fife, they had at least two children named Martha Thomson Turnbull,1933, Samuel Turnbull 1936.

Soldiers Will.

In the event of my death, I leave all my property and effects to my wife Elizabeth Turnbull 23 Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath,

7^th Battalion Black Watch 23^rd/24^th October 1942.

Dermid M.O. Walker.

Sergeant Dermid Walker, 641481, 158 Squadron Royal Air Force, Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 1942 Upper Poppleton (Near Scagglethorpe Moor) North Yorkshire aged 22, Grave reference 2129. Beath Cemetery, Fife.

Dermid McDermid Orrock Walker was born 1920 Cowdenbeath, son of John Walker occupation Tailor and Sarah Orrock married 1910 Newcastle, Northumberland. John died 25^th December 1951, Kirkcaldy, Fife. Sarah died 25^th December 1940, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Headstone in Beath Cemetery.

Cause of death.

Halifax W7784, near Poppleton.

On 20th December 1942, this 158 Squadron aircraft took off from Rufforth airfield at 17.50hrs to undertake an operational flight to bomb Duisburg, as the aircraft left the ground the bomb doors were accidentally opened on take-off, as the aircraft climbed away it was put into a banked turn. With the bomb doors open it side-slipped into ground near Upper Poppleton, on Scagglethorpe Moor at 18.02hrs and broke up.

The aircraft was fully loaded with high explosive bombs, incendiary bombs, and flares. A number of local people heard the aircraft crash and made their way to the crash scene where a fire had taken hold. A local farmer and Senior ARP Warden, Mr Albert Victor Armstrong, was in his home at Pear Tree Farm, Hessay when he heard the aircraft crash nearby and was one of the first there. By the time he arrived the aircraft was already on fire but was in several pieces and the badly injured pilot was attempting to rescue members of his crew despite serious injuries to himself.

A few the airmen had been thrown clear of the burning wreckage, one was found in a ditch with a broken leg, another initially appeared less seriously injured but was in fact badly burned. Members of the crew were heard to be trapped in the burning wreckage and the pilot and Mr Armstrong, assisted by Mr Mervyn Gaines, First Aider Arthur Richard Hayes, and Special Constable Sgt Somerville (or Somerset) attempted to gain access to the burning fuselage and succeeded in making a hole in the fuselage but by were sadly unsuccessful in their attempt. The pilot eventually passed out due to his injuries and Mr Arthur Armstrong took a leading role in the rescue attempt and was burned himself. Sadly, no other members of the crew were able to be freed and sadly three airmen died because of the incident. For their actions, the pilot and Mr Armstrong were commended for their actions and the citations for their awards given below add more details of their bravery. Special Constable Somerset, Mervyn Gaines and Arthur Hayes also received recommendations for awards.

The survivors were initially taken to Fulford Military Hospital, York but some were then moved to Rauceby when they were stabilised. Their long-term fates are listed below. The rescue was well covered in the national newspapers on 8th / 9th May 1943 with both lead rescuers being awarded the British Empire Medal for their actions on this night.

Flight Engineer – Sgt Dermid McDermid Orrock Walker RAF (641481), aged 22, of Cowdenbeath. Buried Beath Cemetery, Fifeshire, Scotland.

Navigator / Bomb Aimer – Sgt James Buckland RAFVR (1233255), aged 32, of Talybont. Buried Talybont Chapelyard, Caernarvonshire, Wales.

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner – Sgt Bernard Jack Woodley RAFVR (1375573), aged 28, of Tooting, Surrey. Buried Streatham Cemetery, Wandsworth, London.

Pilot – Sgt Joseph Herbert Patrick O’Neill RAFVR (1312312). Seriously injured.

Navigator / Bomb Aimer – Sgt Anthony Peter Ward RAFVR (1165268). Injured.

Air Gunner – Sgt Eric Stanton Lightley RAF (545420). Injured.

Air Gunner – Sgt Alexander Scott RAFVR (1599133). Injured.

Albert Armstrong’s British Empire Medal notification much sooner than Sgt O’Neill’s, it was printed in the London Gazette on 7th May 1943, the citation reads. “An aircraft crashed and caught fire and members of the crew were kapped. Armstrong ran to the burning plane, stakes were procured, and efforts made to break open the burning fuselage. Being unsuccessful, a long piece of iron was used to attempt to turn the plane over. Whilst other helpers held the fuselage up with the piece of iron, Armstrong got underneath and tried to reach the occupants. After he had pulled out a parachute, flames and loose ammunition came through the hole, and made further attempts at rescue from this point impossible. Armstrong then made a hole in the side of the machine but by this time the top of the wreckage was in flames and the attempt had to be abandoned. During the whole time the rescue work was being carried out Verey lights and machine-gun bullets were exploding, and it was known that bombs might also explode. Armstrong showed courage and determination without regard for his own safety. Albert Armstrong almost certainly died in the Knaresborough area in 1961.

Sgt O’Neill was awarded the BEM for his efforts in trying to rescue members of his crew from the burning aircraft. Notification was printed in the London Gazette of 10th August 1943 and the citation reads. “Sergeant O’Neill was captain and pilot of a Halifax aircraft carrying high explosive bombs and incendiaries which crashed and burst into flames shortly after taking off for an operational mission. Some members of the crew were trapped in the blazing wreckage and although Sergeant O’Neill was himself severely injured and burned and in a fainting condition through loss of blood, he resolutely refused to leave the scene of the accident. Disregarding his own injuries, he worked unsparingly, directing and helping civilians in an attempt to save others in the wreckage. Without thought for himself, his efforts ceased only when he became unconscious. His coolness and great strength of will earned the unbounded admiration of all concerned.”

Halifax W7784 was built to contract B.73328/40 by Handley Page Ltd. at Radlett. On 4th August 1942 it was taken on charge as new by 78 Squadron at Middleton St. George who later moved to Linton on Ouse on 16th September 1942. On 3rd October 1942, the aircraft received a Cat.Ac/FB damage assessment, the squadron records do not list any damage to any aircraft that may relate to this aircraft so what happened is not yet known. It was repaired on site and returned to 78 Squadron on 19th October 1942. It was next used operationally by 78 Squadron on 9th November 1942. The aircraft was transferred to 158 Squadron at Rufforth on 10th December 1942. As a result of the crash at Upper Poppleton on 20th December 1942 Cat.E2/FB Burnt damage was the damage assessment. It was struck off charge on 1st January 1943.

Family Headstone.

W. C. Watson.

Nothing found to date.

Robert Watson

Sergeant (Pilot) Robert Watson, 1561631, 77^th Squadron Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Born Auchterderran, Fife, residence Lochore, Fife, died 21^st April 1943, aged 21, grave reference A. 11. 23. Esbjerg (Fovrfelt) Cemetery, Denmark.

Robert Watson was born 1922 Auchterderran, Fife, son of James Young Watson occupation coal miner, and Elizabeth Murtagh, married 4^th April 1921, Edinburgh. James died 1945 Lochore aged 50. Elizabeth died 1980, East Neuk, Fife, aged 84.

No newspaper articles found to date.

Halifax DT736 damaged by flak, returned to Elvington airfield.

On the night of 28th / 29th March 1943 the crew of this 77 Squadron aircraft took off from Elvington to undertake an operational flight to bomb the docks at St. Nazaire, France. This aircraft was damaged by flak, but the crew were able to land safely at Elvington at 02.01hrs.

Pilot – Sgt Robert Watson RAFVR (1561631).

Flight Engineer – Sgt Robert Cooper Mills Douglas RAF (611793).

Navigator – Sgt Andrew Peter Deighton RAFVR (1383346)

Bomb Aimer – Sgt John Burt Watt RAFVR (1349949).

Wireless Operator / Air Gunner – Sgt Thomas Pearson RAFVR (1123153).

Air Gunner – Sgt Anthony Luke RAFVR (1339381).

Air Gunner – Sgt Raymond Graham Hume RCAF (R/116029).

On 20th / 21st April 1943 all the above were flying an operational flight together in Halifax HR714 (the same aircraft as slightly damaged a few days earlier) on Ops to Stettin when the aircraft crashed in Denmark with the loss of all on board. All are buried in Esbjerg (Fourfelt) Cemetery, Denmark.

Halifax DT736 was built to contract B.982938/39 by English Electric Co.Ltd. at Samlesbury. On 13th January 1943 it was taken on charge by 77 Squadron at Elvington. It sustained flak damage on 4th February 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage), 18th February 1943 (Cat.Ac/FB damage), 29th March 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage) and 29th June 1943 (Cat.A/FB damage) with repairs on site carried out each time at Elvington for minor damage. It was also very slightly damaged on 21st March 1943 while on a low level training flight after striking a tree between Croft and Topcliffe that saw a Cat.A/FA damage assessment and a repair on site was also made. The aircraft was transferred to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit at Marston Moor on 4th August 1943. On 29th March 1944 it broke up in the air over Ayrshire while being flown on a training flight, sadly all on board were killed. Cat.E2/FA damage was recorded on the paperwork and the aircraft was written off. The aircraft was struck off charge on 15th April 1944.

Halifax II HR714 crashed in the tidal area off the island of Mandø 21/4 1943.

The aircraft belonged to RAF 77 Sqn. Bomber Command and was coded KN-K.
T/o 21:21 Elvington. Op: Stettin.

Homeward bound the Halifax was attacked by a German night fighter piloted by Hauptmann Baer of
4. / NJG 3, with the crew of Feldwebel Lingen and Oberfeldwebel Heise, and crashed at 03:21 hours on the southwest corner of Koresand southwest of Mandø island. This is a tidal area and for years the wreckage could be seen at 55.13.2N 08.28.3E at low tide. It has now disappeared in the sand and cannot be seen anymore.
The crew of seven perished and were laid to rest in Fovrfelt cemetery in Esbjerg on 30/4-1943.

Navigator Sgt. Andrew P. Deighton, Pilot Sgt. Robert Watson, Air Gnr. Sgt. Anthony Luke and W.Op. / Air Gnr. Sgt. Thomas Pearson were all brought to Esbjerg from the island of Mandø while Flt. Engr. Sgt. Robert C. Douglas and Air Gnr. Flt.Sgt. Raymond G. Hume were brought to Esbjerg from Ribe.
It is not known where Air Bomber Sgt. John B. Watt was found.

Shot down by night fighter pilot Hauptmann Hans Baer of the 4./NJG 3, flying Do 217 N-1 D5+KM from Westerland airfield, Germany.

On 21 April 1943 at 03.21 hours HAL HR714 crashed into the tidal area of Mandø about here . (Source: Mandø air crashes ) It was on the return flight from Stettin here . All on board perished” At least 17 planes crashed in Danish territory during a great overflight of Denmark on the night before 21 April 1943 targeting Stettin and Rostock. From 8 of these planes 40 perished airmen
were buried in Esbjerg. 37 of them were buried before noon on 30 April 1943 at the greatest
interment of allied airmen during the occupation. A German army chaplain took part in the ceremony, and wreaths were laid from the German Wehrmacht and the Town Council of Esbjerg. ” (FAF)
Sergeant (Pilot) Robert Watson , 21, was the son of James Young Watson and Elizabeth Watson, of Lochore, Fife, United Kingdom. Beloved son of Elizabeth and the late James Watson. “Till the shadows pass”

David Webster.

Driver David Webster, 1876900, Royal Engineers, Born Dunfermline, Fife, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 9^th June 1941, aged 21, grave reference 11. J. 5. Berlin (1939-1945) War Cemetery, Germany.

David Webster was born 1920 in Dunfermline, Fife, son of David Webster snr and Janet Erskine, married 1913 in Dunfermline. Janet died 1952 in Cowdenbeath aged 63.

Edinburgh Evening News 17^th February 1942.

Mr and Mrs David Webster. Arthur Street. Cowdenbeath, have received official intimation that their son. Driver David Webster 121), of the Royal Engineers, has died in a prison camp in Germany.

Death Certificate.

David was with the 51^st Highland Division in June 1941, the division surrendered on the 11^th June 1941 so David must have been captured well before then as he was in Germany when he died of TB.

Archibald Whyte.

Trooper Archibald Whyte, 7886311, 101^st Battalion Royal Tank Regiment R.A.C., Born 1914 Cowdenbeath, Residence Cowdenbeath, died 29^th October 1943 aged 29, Grave reference B.D.12. Khayat Beach War Cemetery, Haifa, Israel (Including Gaza)

Archibald Cowan Whyte was born 20^th October 1914, at 115 Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Father Peter Whyte occupation coal miner, Mother Mary Cowan, married 30^th March 1899. Peter and Mary had at least 12 children with one dying in infancy, Children, William b 1899, Isabella b 1900, James 1902, Maggie b 1904, Peter 1905, Thomas b 1907, George b 1910, Arthur b 1911, John b 1912, Archibald 1914, Andrew b 1917, Mary 1919. Father Peter died 3^rd June 1948 aged 73, Cowdenbeath. Mother Mary died 29^th August 1957, Cowdenbeath, aged 77.

People’s Journal 29^th June 1940.

Cowdenbeath Family’s Great Record.

Six Brothers in Army, Six sons in the army and two others about to be called up – that will surely take some whacking.

The parents of this khaki family are Mr and Mrs Peter Whyte 10 Moss-side road, Cowdenbeath, who at the weekend had a visit from the oldest and youngest of them.

To the parents the withdrawal of the Expeditionary force from Dunkirk was a most anxious period, for three of the family were over in France.

“The most comforting news I’ve received since they joined up, however said Mrs Whyte” was conveyed in postcards from all three telling me they were safe. They got away from the dreadful Dunkirk beaches.

I consider myself very fortunate who has had three lads escape from the dangerous withdrawal. From what my oldest son has told me it has been a nerve-racking experience for everyone. I sympathise with those with those that did not have my good fortune.

The trio who thus escaped were – William (40) Kings Own Royal Rifles, Archibald (25) Royal Tank Corps and Andrew (23) Royal Army Service Corps. The three others in uniform all of whom are in the Royal Engineers, are Thomas, Arthur, and John, whose ages are 32, 29, and 27, respectively.

The Whyte family are well known in Cowdenbeath. William the oldest was a labourer when he joined up at the outbreak of war. At first in the Royal Engineers, he thought he ought to be in France. After volunteering for overseas he was transferred to the K.O.R.R. The youngest of the Whyte family Andrew, who was formerly a motor driver with Beath Garage, Cowdenbeath, went into uniform before he was called up.

Some four years ago the territorials appealed to Archibald, who is a painter. He was in some of the hardest fighting around Dunkirk before he got across the channel. The trio who are in the Royal Engineers are miners. Tom and John having been in No 7 pit, Cowdenbeath, and Arthur in the Aitken Colliery Kelty.

The remaining two sons George and Peter, who will be called up soon, are also miner. Those eight sons of Mr and Mrs Whyte do not however represent the entire family. A nineth son is in Australia, while there is two daughters.

Brothers.

MUM.

Sunday Post 13^th July 1941.

COWDENBEATH’S PATRIOTIC FAMILY The family of and Mr 9 Peter White, Lochside Road, Cowdenbeath, have set an example in patriotism Mr and Mrs White have a family of nine sons, all of whom are associated with the army, while their two daughters each married a serving soldier. During the evacuation of Dunkirk three of the sons had thrilling experiences in getting home to Britain.

Death Certificate.

The 101^st Battalion Royal Tank Regiment.

The regiment was part of the Non-Divisional Formations attached to 24th Armoured Brigade 194.

H.Q. British Troops in Egypt (BTE) was a long-standing formation, as the United Kingdom had a mandate over the otherwise independent country of Egypt. The main reason for the British presence in Egypt was to protect the Suez Canal, which was vital to the British strategic interests in the Far East.

The 24th Armoured Brigade was formed in the United Kingdom in November 1940 by the redesignation of the 24th Army Tank Brigade, a pre-war Territorial Army formation. The brigade arrived in Egypt in July 1942 as part of the 8th Armoured Division. On 11 October 1942, it transferred to the command of the 10th Armoured Division and participated in the second battle of El Alamein. After that, the brigade was run down and was eventually disbanded on 1 March 1943.

This formation was a dummy tank or deception formation. It was raised in the Middle East on 6 July 1942 by the redesignation of the ‘A’ Force Depot. The 101st Royal Tank Regiment was also a dummy tank unit. The brigade was redesignated as the 24th Armoured Brigade (Dummy Tanks) on 23 August 1943 and continued as such for the rest of the war.

Dummy tanks, mounted on trucks, going to the forward areas in the Western Desert,

Cross.

R. Young.

R. Young is a bit of a mystery, was it Robert Young or William Young. There was only a William Young who was killed at that time in the Dunkirk area with the 1^st Battalion Black Watch, the 10^th Battalion Black Watch were not in France at that time. In the CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission) the William Young has the rank of Private. I will put the Details for Private William Young.

Any help to clarify this mystery would be appreciated.

Private William Young, 2756084, 1^st Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) born Cowdenbeath, Fife, died 12^th June 1940, Grave reference Column 66. Dunkirk Memorial, France,

Wedding.

Dundee Courier 24^th July 1940.

Two Months Ago, L.-Cpl. William Young, Black Watch. 101 High Street, Cowdenbeath, and son of Mr and Mrs Young. Mosside Road, Cowdenbeath, is reported missing. A miner before enlisting prior to the war, he was granted leave in May this year when was married, his bride being Miss Jenny Livingstone, daughter of Mrs Livingstone, 111 High Street, Cowdenbeath.

Dundee Courier 20^th November 1940.

Death Certificate.

There was no death certificate for a Robert Young in 1940 from Service Returns (death on war service) There was one for Private William Young.

On the outbreak of World War Two in September 1939 the 1st battalion was stationed in Dover. It went early to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), spending two months near Lens in Flanders close to the frontier with neutral Belgium, then a spell in part of the Maginot Line in the Saar, then back to Lens. Meanwhile the 51st Highland Division was being formed, composed entirely of territorial battalions including the 4th and 6th Black Watch. Under the command of General Victor Fortune, who had made a name for himself in the Black Watch on the Western Front in the First War, it arrived in France in January 1940 and took up positions on the Maginot line. Churchill thought it needed ‘strengthening’ with some regular units, so the 1st Battalion took the place of the 6th, which went to the 4th Division. Serious military action only began on 13 May 1940 after the Germans opened their full-scale attack both on the Maginot Line and through Belgium. The 1st Battalion managed to hold its position and even take some prisoners. The Germans then concentrated their efforts further west, and 51st Division was switched to the area between the mouth of the river Somme and Dieppe. On 28 May the 1st Battalion was involved in an attempt to reduce the bridgehead the Germans had secured over the river at Abbeville. It was alongside the French armoured division commanded by General de Gaulle, who later said that the comradeship then forged between his division and the 51st ‘played its part in the decision which I took to continue fighting on the side of the Allies’. However, the French division was then transferred to another sector, leaving the 51st with only the light armour of the Lothian and Border Horse Reconnaissance Regiment. The next German assault on 5 June forced the division to begin a withdrawal. The 1st Battalion had a difficult time withdrawing from its position near Abbeville, with orders and counter orders following each other in quick succession, no proper maps, and under frequent German attack. Finally, on 11 June it reached the outskirts of St Valéry and prepared to defend it while evacuation was arranged. Many losses were suffered that night as the fog closed in and made it impossible for the navy to send in ships to take off the troops. Next morning General Fortune, realising that further fighting would serve no useful purpose, surrendered his division to the opposing General Rommel, and the 1st Battalion went into captivity.

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