DMcNay Posted 14 July , 2008 Share Posted 14 July , 2008 While uploading photos to the Scottish War Graves Project for Douglas Cemetery, I came across the following grave: He is listed on the War Memorial for Douglas (which is also in the cemetery) as a Private in the Highland Light Infantry. My problem is that I can't find him on the CWGC. I've tried several variations of his name, such as Celland or Clellan. Nothing. What is odd is that he is listed on SDGW, number 305184, 8th HLI, KIA in Egypt. Born in douglas, residing in Lanark. The same information is reproduced at the Scottish National War Memorial. So...any clues as to where he might be on CWGC? Or have I found a genuine non-comm? Obviously there is a discrepancy with the dates of death, but apart from that pretty much everything else fits... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted 14 July , 2008 Share Posted 14 July , 2008 CLELAND, ALEXANDER Initials: A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Highland Light Infantry Unit Text: 8th Bn. Age: 20 Date of Death: 08/11/1917 Service No: 305184 Additional information: Son of Robert Cleland, of Curries Close, Douglas, Lanarkshire. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 44. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL Aye Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dycer Posted 14 July , 2008 Share Posted 14 July , 2008 Malcolm and all, Does anyone know the correct War History of the 8th H.LI.? If you look at the main site you will see the Battalion was disbanded in 1916 yet Pte Cleland died whilst serving with the Battalion in 1917. I know that one Company of the 8th H.L.I. was attached to the 8th Royal Scots in November 1914 and we have discussed before which Battalion Willie Angus was serving with when he was awarded the V.C.I still say the H.LI. as the 8th Royal Scots History records that he was attached to the Battalion from the H.L.I. when he was decorated Would it be fair to say that although the 8th H.L.I. did not serve as a composite Battalion members of the Battalion served throughout the War attached to other Battalions? George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted 14 July , 2008 Share Posted 14 July , 2008 I think they were with 7th Royal Scots but CWGC still has their HLI info. Aye Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMcNay Posted 15 July , 2008 Author Share Posted 15 July , 2008 Thanks for that, malcolm. I'm a little puzzled though, as that entry definitely was not there when i was searching last night... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dycer Posted 15 July , 2008 Share Posted 15 July , 2008 Malcolm, I'm pleased the CWGC retain the H.L.I. distinction. During the War the Battalion distinction was probably a pain to the Pay Sgt though George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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