Alright, I've been doing work on 1 HLI during their time in 53rd Division and information is rather sparse, even with the history Proud Heritage to lend a hand, and a number of personal accounts and War Diary information. One of the single biggest problems which I've encountered is: Lieutenant-Colonel Torquil MacLeod CO from 1942-44 Not being a connoisseur of Scottish history I was unaware he was a namesake of a famous historic Lord, and that the name is surprisingly common. Apparently he filmed some footage of 1 HLI In 1936 but other than that I've drawn flat out blanks. Found no memoirs, no accounts of him, no biography, not even managed to build up a more detailed version of his career due to a number of officers with that name, and its not entirely clear that he was a member of the HLI. Since I've managed to pull pictures on the majority of other Battalions and Regiments in the Division MacLeod is frustrating me somewhat and I wondered if anyone knew anything to cover this gap.
This could be your man MACLEOD, Torquil Born 19/7/03. (From T.A.) H.L.I. 2-Lt. 29/1/24 (11/2/25). Lt. 29/1/26. Capt. 31/3/36. (actg. Maj. 3/10/39 to 2/1/40) temp. Maj. 3/1/40 to 25/6/40 & 25/7/40 to 28/1141). Maj. 29/1/41. Adjt. T.A. 1/3/31 to 31/12/34. (This is taken from Army List for 1941 and only pre-war officer that match - there are several others but they belonged to different services like RA, I think quite unlikely to lead infantry battalion)
Hello, Next september it's 76 years ago, the 1st HLI liberated the Belgian town Wervik. In 1945 the CO Torquil Macleod became a honorary citizen ofWervik. This year 75 year ago. In this way Wervik would like to remember this event. Last month's I have been gathering information about LtCol Macleod. Does anyone know which medals he earned through the years. Kind regards from Flanders. Jef
Hi Jeff. Thought i'd answer this old thread and attach some information as I've been researching Colonel Torquil MaCleod. The first is his London Gazette entry for his DSO. Second is the Colonel with Princess Anne in 1949 showing his medals albeit very unclear. The last is Torquil's obituary in the Telegraph 13th August 1991 recording some f his service. These documents could be a guide as to which medals he was awarded. We also know he served in India's North West Frontier before the war so likely have the India General Service Medal 1936-1937 or 1937 to 1039. regards Gunner 49.
