Red Beret (Para ?)help

Discussion in 'WW2 Militaria' started by dundeesown, Feb 8, 2017.

  1. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    Hi
    After an experts help about a red beret,I have one but it has the KOSB badge on it , 100_3247.JPG 100_3248.JPG 100_3249.JPG 100_3252.JPG would this be right for WW2 ? I have the lads name who owned it but with a name like Smith I think I have no hope for research on it,I`ll try to post pics looking for any tips if it`s a good one or not.
    thanks for any help.
    Gary
     
  2. chrisgrove

    chrisgrove Senior Member

    7 KOSB formed part of 1 Airlanding Brigade in 1st Airborne Division from 1943 to 1945. They would have worn a red beret with the KOSB badge.
    Chris
     
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  3. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    The King's Own Scottish Borderers were one of the three Airlanding Battalions, part of 1st Airlanding Brigade, that fought at Arnhem. Like the other members of the Airborne Forces they were proud to wear the Red Beret. The excellent book "Off at Last" contains a nominal roll of members of this Battalion at 17th September and that list contains 10 people by the name of Smith. If you can post further details it may assist.
     
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  4. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    Thanks for all the help on this,the lads name was Robert Menzies Smith (or Asher) the second name is the hard bit as his step fathers name was asher but they changed their name to smith at some point but the lass I am attempting to help is not sure when they did change their name but she did say that Robert lost a leg on a land mine but she is not sure if it was an accident or in action (why are things so hard) he was from Perth but later moved to Dundee,thanks again I appreciate any help as WW11 is not my strong point I`m a WW1 devotee.
    Gary
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2017
  5. horsapassenger

    horsapassenger Senior Member

    Gary

    I'm sorry to say that I can't find a mention of Robert Menzies Smith (or Asher) in the nominal roll. I would therefore suggest applying for a copy of his Service Records as the next step. The KOSB, like most other units that fought at Arnhem, suffered severe casualties and had to absorb many replacements before their next task, going to Norway on 9th May 1945 to enforce the German surrender.
     
  6. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    Thanks for all the help horsapassenger.
    Gary
     
  7. amberdog45

    amberdog45 Senior Member

    Hi Gary, had a look at Scotland's people website. 12 births in the Perth area with first names Robert Menzies between 1900 to 1930.

    Do you know what age Robert died? Going to need his date of birth to request his record.

    Edit: Found a Robert Menzies Smith died age 90 in Dundee 2016. Is this him? If so, birth range approx 1926. Three potential births in Perth area, McLaren 1925, Robertson 1924 and surname Soutar in 1925.

    Can't see any of those surnames marrying an Asher. Any first names for the step father?
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2017
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  8. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    Hi
    I think that is the lad I`m at work but will post all the information I have when I get home.
    Thanks again Gary
     
  9. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    Hi
    This is what I got from the lass-Step father William Asher (sanitary inspector) Mother was Helen Brodie Young so his name must have been Robert Young and never asher ? I just wonder if they did marry and that's why the name change to Smith ?
    D.O.B-9th April 1926 joined age 18.
    thanks Gary
     
  10. amberdog45

    amberdog45 Senior Member

    Only one marriage entry for a Helen Brodie S. Young and that was to William in Perth 1942. Roberts birth was registered in Lochee district in Dundee under the name Young 1926. No Robert Menzies born in Perth 1926 with those first names.

    I'd be inclined to get his death details at Dundee registrar's or order the death cert direct via Scotlandspeople.

    But you have the date of birth and that's all you need to order the record. I'd explain on the form his birth surname was Young but the mother's name changed to Asher and then the name changed to Smith as some point post 1942.
     
  11. dundeesown

    dundeesown Junior Member

    A big thanks for all this help.Just got more info that Helens full name was Helen Brodie Scotland Young so that must be her.
    Gary
     

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