Researching DEMS, Black Watch and 107 Sqd RAF

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by Chris Anderson, Jan 11, 2015.

  1. I've made a couple of posts already but have now noticed the User Introductions section. I'm researching my father's war service as a DEMS gunner and have made a lot of progress already. I've filled in the introductions questionnaire as suggested at the top of User Introductions but for some reason the "Paste from Word" button doesn't seem to work for me. I'll add it as an attachment.

    I'm also interested in 107 Sqdn RAF. My uncle was an Observer on Blenheim bombers and was KIA in April 1940 over Norway. Also trying to find out which battalion of the Black Watch another uncle was in. He was a Territorial before the war and was commissioned in 1940. He was invalided out in 1942 before he saw any action. I'll fill in forms for them in due course.

    Looking forward to using WW2talk and I'd be happy to help anyone else if I can.

    Chris
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    What's the Black Watch officers name?
     
  3. Hi Drew and thanks for your reply.

    He was William Durie. - DoB 19 April 1909. Sometimes also used a middle name Crawford although it's not on his birth certificate. Born and lived in Cupar, Fife.

    Regards

    Chris
     
  4. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Hi Chris - I just checked the Black Watch and the King's Enemies by Ferguson and he's not mentioned. Sounds like your best bet would be to apply for a copy of his service records. These will list the battalions he was in.

    Cheers
    Andy
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I can tell you he wasn't with the 1st, 4th or 6th Battalions in France during 1940
     
  6. Hi Andy,

    Thanks. All I know is he was at Officer Training in June 1940 and was invalided out by the end of 1942. His wife died several years ago. They had no children so as one of his three nephews I should be able to get his Service Record. Do you know if MOD will ask me to get the permission of his other two nephews ?

    Cheers

    Chris
     
  7. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    I know this is an introduction, and this would be better served on it's own thread about the Black Watch officer but I thought I would see what I could find anyway.

    I'm guessing this is him:

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/34928/supplement/5145 (middle, LH column) - 1940

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35211/supplement/3903 (bottom RH corner) - "From Black Watch" 14 January 1941 W.C. DURIE 143596

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35445/supplement/604 (middle, RH column) - February 1942 - now in the Reconnaissance Corps

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35642/supplement/3236 (middle, RH column) - July 1942 - relinquishes his commission on account of ill-health from the Reconnaissance Corps


    Or do you already know this from your comment "at Officer Training in June 1940 and was invalided out by the end of 1942"? What paperwork / info do you already have concerning him??
     
  8. Thanks DaveB, this is definitely him.

    This is excellent stuff ! I didn't appreciate how much was in the London Gazette. What is the LG entry for 14 Jan 1941 for ? Is that his transfer to Reconnaissance Corps ? If so, what does entry for Feb 1942 signify ?

    All I have is family lore that he was in the Black Watch and that he was invalided out in 1942 - correct, as you have proved. I have photo of him as a TA Sergeant in the Black Watch dated 1939/40, A letter from him to my mother (his sister) in June 1940 saying he could not come to her wedding, a telegram postmarked Marlborough, Lincs, dated 15June 1940 and another photo in BW officers uniform. I had no idea he had been in the Reconnaissance Corps. He died in late 1950s before I was old enough to ask him about the war.

    Thanks again for your help. My next task is to get his Service Record.

    Chris
     
  9. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Hi Chris

    Sign away - You'll be fine to apply for them.

    Cheers
    Andy
     

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