Hello all, I just found this thread looking for information on the 14th HLI during the Second World War. The reason may seem a bit strange, but I hope I can get some help and directions. A couple of weeks ago I was on a small trip checking some Pictish Stones when I found a small grave in Eassie, Angus. The grave was of two brothers, Charles and William Napier. What struck me was that William had been written without the surname, and that he had been killed in action in March 27th, 1943. I decided that it was a bit of a strange thing and decided to check some information about what he was doing and where when he got killed and started to do a small research. I found out that he was in the 14th HLI at the time, and probably anywhere close to the Mareth deffensive line on the Tunisian border with Lybia. I tried to find information about the Highland Light Infantry but all I found was related to the Great War, except this: The 14th HLI existed in North Africa for a short period but was never in action. Again, another strange happening. Tho not exceptional, I would imagine to be unusual to be a casualty in a unit that did not see action during the war. And here I arrived, with some questions and no answers at all. If any one could share some light on what was the task of 14th HLI or where were they based it would be great. Thanks for reading, E
Welcome to the forum. I see from the CWGC that he has no known grave & is listed on the Brookwood Memorial. Makes me think he may have been lost at sea. CWGC :: Casualty Details The BROOKWOOD MEMORIAL commemorates nearly 3,500 men and women of the land forces of the Commonwealth who died during the Second World War and have no known grave, the circumstances of their death being such that they could not appropriately be commemorated on any of the campaign memorials in the various theatres of war. Maybe best to check the war diary of 14 HLI for that day.
Thanks Owen, I checked (wiki) the ships sunk that day and I thought I had hit luck when I found about the Dasher, but she being a carrier would not explain why an infantryman would be on board. However, I will check for other incidents relating ships or transport planes as well as the war diary, if I can find any references to 14th HLI. Thanks again! E
I'm sure the answer will be in the war diary at TNA Kew. WO 169/10231 14 Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment) Covering dates1943 Jan.- May Just wondering if a soldier died on a troopship, would he be buried at sea?
The National Archives at Kew in London. Some nice member(s) on here maybe visiting & could look it up.
I hope they do, because is going to be a loong time until I get down there with free time... Thanks again... Time to browse the site E
If it helps someone queried this on another forum;- The Scottish War Graves Project :: View topic - Eassie (old ) churchyard Eassie near Glamis angus Best Wishes Jim