Hi all! My grandfather was a Captain in the 51st Highland Division 7th Battalion Blackwatch during WW2. He was recipient of a Military Cross which I am always very proud to say, but I am desperately trying to find names of any person who might have fought alongside him? Particularly during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. He passed away over ten years now and once these lockdowns have passed i will look through all his correspondence and letters. Is there anyone who can guide me in the right direction on how to go about finding such records? I have spoken to a few helplines but obviously confidentiality is a bit of an roadblock, as much as many of them would like to help. any help would be greatly appreciated!
PM message sent with a few pointers and although there is a wait currently apply for his service records from MoD (Glasgow). I would suspect many of those who fought in the unit are now deceased, so it could be relatives who your target. Have you considered placing an advert / notice in the Black Watch regimental journal? I expect their museum is closed currently. If the 7th Battalion was recruited from one area, a notice in a local paper might help. If the Battle of the Bulge is the focus that might help narrow down your search.
hi yes I got your message and had a read through. I contacted the Museum directly but they are closed but would be willing to help in a few months. Alas that was my worry was hoping to contact a fellow veteran but i somehow think my search could be fruitless. Nonetheless I will persevere and I am sure your tips will help. I will ask my mother if we might already have his military records to hand.
His service records are important - you say he was in 7th Battalion Blackwatch , without sounding daft do you know if he was in that Regiment all the time or was he possibly posted elsewhere for periods of time etc, his records will show you that - he may have been but with this type of question it is better to 100% certain TD
There are four threads here that mention the 7th Black Watch when you search with: "7th Battalion Black Watch" site:ww2talk.com and more using this: "7th black watch" site:ww2talk.com This short article gives an officers account, quite general, another place perhaps to check fully: Brigadier James Oliver | Account | 51st Highland Division Website and the Black Watch journal 'The Red Hackle' has a few mentions using "7th black watch" + "red hackle"
Do you want to share his name perhaps forum members can ass more to your search As stated service records Date of birth and death cert General Register Office (GRO) - Official information on births, marriages, civil partnerships and deaths Service Records Get a copy of military service records War diaries do you have them? Also the Royal British Legion has a section in the their quarterly magazine that people write in searching for long lost comrades Also as stated age and time is against you regards Clive
brilliant website! thank you for that and has a lot of similar references to what he accounted with me on a few occasions.
no problem his name was Ivor Blackburn Butcher, has few records online. Mainly the ministry of defences exert on his reason for winning the MC. I will have to try sort his defence records as well. I already have one of my relatives trying to sort his death certificate to start the process
Recommendation for Award for Butcher, Ivor Blackburn Rank: Lieutenant ... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/56/786 Description: Name Butcher, Ivor Blackburn Rank: Lieutenant Service No: 314161 Regiment: 7 Black Watch, Royal Highland Regiment Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45 Award: Military Cross Date of announcement in London Gazette: 24 January 1946 Ordering and viewing options £3.50 - sign in to get this free Download format PDF Approximate size 0.5 MB TD
Major-General Victor Marven Fortune was part of the 51st Highland Division and plays a major role in my book being the Senior officer in our local OFLAG Vb Biberach and the great escape in September 1941. Stefan.
