W Napier 14 HLI casualty 27/3/1943

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

 

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 am lost in here now

Is that any reference to a section of this forum? Or something outside?

E

 

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

 

Old thread, I know, (2011) but as far as I can see on this forum, not resolved.

Private WILLIAM NAPIER
Service Number: 2889126
Regiment & Unit/Ship
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)

14th Bn.
Date of Death
Died 27 March 1943
Age 22 years old

Buried or commemorated at
BROOKWOOD 1939-1945 MEMORIAL

Panel 14. Column 2.

William Napier - missing presumed killed


I can confirm that Pte William Napier of the HLI was lost at sea in the sinking of the ss CITY OF GUILDFORD - 27.3.1943. His younger brother Charles died in a farmyard accident 18 July 1941.

Regards
Hugh

 

City of Guildford (British Steam merchant) - Ships hit by German U-boats during WWII - uboat.net