Hi everyone, looking for best website to check to get details. I am trying to get details on my Fathers cousin, who was like a big brother to my Dad, who sadly died in action in the infamous "Market Garden". I have attached a picture of Archie's Gravestone in Holland. I had the honour of visiting it when I worked in Holland about 8 years ago. It was beautifully kept gardens, actually pretty emotional. I had to ask for directions from a family and they thanked me for Archie's sacrifice and said it gave them freedom, jeez I had a tear in my eye, very emotional.
Operation Market Garden ended on 25 September 1944. Archie didn’t die during that operation. SECOND LIEUTENANT, ARCHIBALD MACLEAN Service Number: 320052 Regiment & Unit/Ship: Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 7th Bn. Date of Death: Died 27 October 1944 Age: 20 years old Additional Info: Son of Archibald and Annie Maclean, of Possilpark, Glasgow. Buried or commemorated at: EINDHOVEN (WOENSEL) GENERAL CEMETERY Plot KK. Grave 183. Netherlands The 7th Bn Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, were in 154th Infantry Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division. At the date of his death, the 51st (Highland) Division were involved in Operation Pheasant, the Allies attempts to open up the Scheldt and so the port facilities at Antwerp. Given where he is buried, it is possible that he died after being evacuated to hospital. The 79th and 86th British General Hospitals were located at Eindhoven during that period and for the duration.
Hi Steve, just spoke to my Father and he corrected me. He has a book (not sure yet) and Archie is mentioned in it, describes an incident/mission and says he died later of his injuries sustained. Father is going to get the book and confirm the details, I will come back to you.
Hi Owen, wonderful, thank you Sir. Enjoyed reading that, right in the middle of it. As I say I will wait to my father gets back to me and I will give more details, thanks.
Apply for his service records here Get a copy of military service records A bit of a long wait but you will not find info about him on the internet from pay for sites regards Clive
His Commission announced in the London Gazette Page 3448 | Supplement 36621, 21 July 1944 | London Gazette | The Gazette The number 14414187 shows he enlisted in the General Service Corps as an Other Rank before becoming an Officer.
Have a look at the casualty lists on Find My Past for him. British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945 | findmypast.co.uk
Morning Clive, thanks, just opened link so will get on it today. Hi Owen, thanks for that link. I am meant to be offshore working at the moment but I think I will some more research, thanks chap.
Hi Owen, strange, I have just entered all his details and not finding anything "No results found". Entered name, service number, when, rank, regiment and nothing?
Hi 51 Highland, thanks for that. sad reading actually, poor young man. My Dad remembers it well when the family got the news, horrible time he said. Thanks again Cubby
Hi Steve, just spoke to my Father and the book he has is the "History of the ASH of 7th Battalion 1939 and 45". Archie is mentioned in the book on page 184. "The Argyles had 3 officers killed and 3 wounded. The officers were Capt Edie, Lieutenants Alsop and MacLean". My Dad asked if possible to find out what company he was in, is that possible?
Hello Craig, If the Battalion history you quote does not state his Company, your best bet would be the Battalion War Diaries. It appears that he was commissioned on the 13 May 1944 and as he died on 27 October 1944, you would only need the WDs covering that period of time. The WDs usually carry the roll or returns of officers and men, with officers mentioned by name (sometimes in Company order or annotated as such). We have a couple of Forum members who do a WD copying service at reasonable prices, for example, Andy (handle: Drew5233) or Lee (handle: PsyWar.Org). Advise you ping them a PM (namely, via your profile page, to ‘conversations’ and start a private conversation with them). It is unlikely that The National Archive at Kew is open presently, but they may already have what you need from previous covert missions in the recesses of The National Archive. Hope this helps! Best, Steve.
Hi Steve, Owen, fantastic guys thanks. I am in radio room on rig at the moment, got a bit of an emergency with a fishing boat so will get on it tomorrow, thanks chaps.
