I am trying to track down some details on the Black Watch of Canada's service in Newfoundland from June to August 1940. Here are the facts that I know followed by some questions. If anyone has the regimental history and can post pages from this period, it would be greatly appreciated. Facts - 1st Bn Black Watch (RHR) of Canada 17/6/40 - Battalion left Valcartier Camp at 1000 hours to move to Newfoundland. 22/6/40 - Battalion embarked from HMCS Ottawa in Botwood on 22 June 1940. Some members of the Black Watch proceeded to Gander. [Arrived on SS Antonia but HMCS Ottawa was destroyer that escorted Antonia] 10/8/40 - Ship anchored at Botwood, Newfoundland at 0800 hours and all troops of Queen's Own Rifles were unloaded by tender. 'A' and 'B' Companies Queen's Own Rifles along with a detachment of HQ Company remained at Botwood under Major BL Bryan. 'C' and 'D' Companies and the remainder of HQ Company under Lt Col MacKendrick proceeded by rail to Newfoundland Airport at Gander. By 1350 hours, two trains has arrived at Gander. At Gander, Lt Col Blackader, CO of the 1st Black Watch of Canada, handed over to Lt Col MacKendrick. By 1450 hours the battalion had taken over all the outposts. Black Watch left on the same train back to Botwood. 11/8/40 - Botwood Detachment Queen's Own Rifles finished unloading the Duchess of Richmond. At Gander one company Queen's Own Rifles was on outpost duty, one on airport duty and the third was the training company. There was a regular system of rotation between the companies. [Assumed Black Watch embarked based on next remark] 12/8/40 - Two lost members of the Black Watch came out of the woods unaware that their unit had left. They were later taken on strength about two to three weeks later. Questions on 1st Black Watch in Newfoundland On what date did the Black Watch embark for Newfoundland and from what port (Montreal or Halifax)? On arrival in Newfoundland, which companies remained in Botwood and what companies moved on to Gander? The battalion embarked from Newfoundland on August 11th, 1940 but when did they arrive in Halifax? From Halifax (and Newfoundland), when did the battalion arrive at Camp Aldershot, Nova Scotia? Again, if anyone has the regimental history or war diaries and can help, please help on these dates.
You might want to check out my thread that has a lot of information about the Black Watch. My father may have known yours. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/service-records/43023-looking-royal-highlanders-canada-info.html
