A soldier from the Royal Highlanders

[Guest Yodaatk]

Hello everyone,

Many thanks in advance if anyone can help me with this.

For a friend, I am researching a Pvt from the Royal Highlanders who served in the Great War, and I have his discharge papers .

What I know -

Name - Alexander Freel

Service Number - S/4870

Enlisted on - 5 Sep 14

Place enlisted - Glasgow

Born - 4 Jun 1892

Medals and Awards

Victory Medal Roll - G/102B6 Page 316

British Medal Roll - G/102B6 Page 316

15 Star Medal Roll - G/3/B3 Page 187

SWB List G/A/145

The campaign part on his particulars of service (PoS) state France 14 Jun 1915 to 24 Sep 15.

It also states on his Conduct Reference that he was a POW for two years.

The description on his PoS states GSW Face and Scar Left hand side Neck and Face.

I also know he was discharged on 11 Apr 1918 in Perth as he was no longer fit for War Service under Para 392 (XVI) KR

I presuming that he was injured in the Battle of Loos (Fits the dates) captured and repatriated back to the UK. ( Am I right to think this?)

What I am trying to find out is what unit in the Royal Highlanders did he serve with? Is there anyway I can find out? I could possibly then find out which particular action at the Battle of Loos he was injured in?

Any information on this man or his unit would be greatly received, even if you could point me in the right direction.

Once again many thanks in advance.

Yoda

[James]

Given the information provided it looks as if he joined the 9th Service bn which was a part of the 15th Div.

This is not conclusive but my best guess.

Unlikly to have been TF as he would have been renumbered at some stage so rule out 4,5,6,7 Bns

the 8th Service bn went to France in March 15

the 10th went to France sept 15

Hence my choice of the 9th being the closest arrival date in France.

Further details at the LLT here: http://www.1914-1918.net/blackwatch.htm

There is a high probability that the S prefix was for a service bn but again this is not certain (It was supposed to have happened this way)

The numbers issued to Service Bns were a continuation of the series issued to the 1st and 2nd bns.

It is entirely concevable that he served in another Bn so the only certain way of finding which Bn he served with id to look up the medal rolls at Kew (or find a kind sole to do it on your behalf)

James

[rolt968]

I bow to anyone with better sources, but both Wauchope and James say 8 Black Watch arrived in France on or around 10 May 1915 and 9 Black Watch on or about 8 July 1915.

Roger.

[Malcolm]

In may help you to know that S/4871 Private Timothy Barron was kia with 9th Battalion Black Watch at Loos on 25th September 1915 as did S/4877 Private O'Connor and S/4861 Private Guthrie.

Aye

Malcolm

[James]

I bow to anyone with better sources, but both Wauchope and James say 8 Black Watch arrived in France on or around 10 May 1915 and 9 Black Watch on or about 8 July 1915.

Roger.

I too bow to those with better knowlage all the time. You are right:

The dates I quoted are lifted directly from the LLT at the link provided. Obvoiusly a typo as 9th div crossed over in MAY not March as per your sources. Apologies for confusion caused.

The man's MIC has an entry date of 14/7/15 (1) France. The 9th has the closest entry date to France. Discrepency in arival date could be down to baggage/rear party etc.

As has been pointed out elsewhere Medal rolls will only give the unit he first served overseas with not the unit he joined. but given the date of join and the type of number service with the 9th is my best guestimate.

James

[James]

In may help you to know that S/4871 Private Timothy Barron was kia with 9th Battalion Black Watch at Loos on 25th September 1915 as did S/4877 Private O'Connor and S/4861 Private Guthrie.

Aye

Malcolm

Timothy Barron, O'Connor and Guthrie all have MIC entry dates of the 14/7/15 as well - all pointing towards the 9th then.

[dundeesown]

Silver War Badge Records has his discharge unit as the 9th-Enlistment 05/09/1914 discharge 11/04/1918.

Gary.

[Guest Yodaatk]

Gentlemen,

I am overwhelmed at kindness and your quick responses, thank you so much. I shall make a donation to this site later tonight. Thank you very much