S/Sgt Laidlaw is not listed in the CWGC register; I've checked through Geoff's SE, too. He is on the Army Roll of Honour 1939-1945. Unfortunately, the record does not include final resting place or memorial. Any help appreciated. Steve W.
Hi Steve, He is listed in Army Overseas Deaths 3059966 S/SGT Thomas G LAIDLAW A.A.C 1943 Vol 16 Page 63 Mark
Steve S/Sgt Thomas Laidlaw was the 1st Pilot of Waco Glider Chalk 66. His Second Pilot was Sgt Simons and they were carrying a detachment of 181 Airlanding Field Ambulance attached to 1 Border. Their glider was cast off by its tug aircraft at 2230 hrs, at 1100 ft, approximately 3 ½ miles off shore. it made a forced landing in the sea approx 2 - 2½ miles from the shore. Laidlaw and HD Sanders from RAMC were the only casualties. I attach a page from the Casualty enquiry report. PM me if you want any further information. John
Owen I agree - there can be no doubt as to his death - I attach a further page from the Casualty enquiry file. Like Sanders he should be commemorated on the Casino memorial John
So if he's not commemorated anywhere is this one for IFTC ? Time to give Chrisharley a shout ? Owen I've dropped him a line - hope he can get this rectified John
Steve S/Sgt Thomas Laidlaw was the 1st Pilot of Waco Glider Chalk 66. His Second Pilot was Sgt Simons and they were carrying a detachment of 181 Airlanding Field Ambulance attached to 1 Border. Their glider was cast off by its tug aircraft at 2230 hrs, at 1100 ft, approximately 3 ½ miles off shore. it made a forced landing in the sea approx 2 - 2½ miles from the shore. Laidlaw and HD Sanders from RAMC were the only casualties. I attach a page from the Casualty enquiry report. PM me if you want any further information. John Owen I've dropped him a line - hope he can get this rectified John Cheers, John, on both counts. To all Posters - As far as I am aware, Thomas Laidlaw is the only GPR casualty without grave or commemoration. It will be superb if we can get this rectified. Steve W.
John I'm assuming that the Casualty Report is from the batch released a couple of years back. Have you copies of the NW Europe files, too? Steve W.
Morning All First of all I will check with the boss to see if he has been picked by our check of GRO Overseas If we have he will have already been submitted to CWGC; if not the casualty file should swing this one. I will keep you all up to date with this Cheers Chris
John I'm assuming that the Casualty Report is from the batch released a couple of years back. Have you copies of the NW Europe files, too? Steve W. Steve Yes. The Sicily files were released on 18th October 2008 at the same time as the NW Europe ones. I have copies of all those relating to Sicily and Arnhem. I still need to complete the other GPR and AAC files for NW Europe. In April this year a further batch of files were released which include some relating to the Air Despatch Regiment losses at Arnhem. These are by Aircraft number. Included amongst them is a file which relates to Glider 952 piloted by S/Sgt Raymond White who was KIA. I have copied these John
Morning All First of all I will check with the boss to see if he has been picked by our check of GRO Overseas If we have he will have already been submitted to CWGC; if not the casualty file should swing this one. I will keep you all up to date with this Cheers Chris Appreciate your time on this, Chris. Steve W.
I have a quick word with Terry Denham about this chap & he has confirmed that his name has bee submitted to CWGC Cheers Chris
I have a quick word with Terry Denham about this chap & he has confirmed that his name has bee submitted to CWGC Cheers Chris That's great - let's hope there's positive news, soon. Steve W.
Name:LAIDLAW, THOMAS GRAY Initials:T GNationality:United KingdomRank:Staff SergeantRegiment/Service:Army Air CorpsUnit Text:1st. Bn. Glider Pilot Regiment.Age:23Date of Death:10/07/1943Service No:3059966N.B.:This casualty has recently been accepted for commemoration by the Commission. However, it will not be possible to add his name to this Memorial immediately. Please contact the Commission before planning a visit, for more information.Casualty Type:Commonwealth War DeadGrave/Memorial Reference:Addenda PanelMemorial:CASSINO MEMORIAL He is In From The Cold
That is brilliant news! Thanks so much, Chris! Unfortunately, it's too late for the next issue of our Journal, but I'll get it in for the April issue. Steve W.