7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders

[brianjohn]

I am trying to find in what action Pte Kenneth Henry Wilson of the 7th Bn Grodon Highlanders was killed on 29 July 1918.

As far as I can find out the 7th Bn was part of the 153 Brigade, 51st Highland Division.

According to "The Long Long Trail" the division were "resting" near Arras until 11 July 1918. Then they were sent to support the French in the Battle of Tardenois (part of the battle of the Marne). Unfortunately no dates are given for this period. Can anyone help with identifying what was happening on the 29 July when Kenneth Wilson was killed.

Also I am intrigued why Kenneth Wilson volunteered for the Gordon Highlandsrs - he was born in Ilford 1899 and lived with his parents in Grove Park, Lewisham SE London.

Regards

Brian

[Patrick Watt]

Hi there

The Divisional History by Major F W Bewsher has the 7th Gordons facing La Garenne Bois (a forest) about 1000 yards south east of Chambrecy on 29 July. It was a relatively uneventful day apart from a number of gas shells which fell. However, Soldiers Died in the Great War has his date of death as 30 July 1918 as opposed to the CWGC which states 29 July so realistically it could be either.

The battalion war diary will tell you more of what they got up to but probably wont mention him by name. Certainly the 7th Gordons and the rest of the Highland Division were in a couple of large battles in late July on the Marne, taking around 4000 casualties.

Motivation to join a particular regiment is very hard to find out. Being born in 1899 I imagine he was called up for service - perhaps an expert on regimental numbering could tell you more on date of enlistment from his service number? It seems an odd one for a Territorial Force battalion of the Gordons....

All the best

Patrick

[dycer]

He could have died on the 29th or earlier as the Divisional Pioneer Battalion War Diary records.

30th July 1918-"B" Coy. out salving Machine guns and "C" assists with burials.Quiet day.Allies still making good progress.

George

[brianjohn]

Thank you everyone for information

regards

Brian

[WDPyke]

Brian

He originally joined the 14th London, known as the London Scottish. from his medal card it looks as if he joined quite late on - perhaps 1916 or even 1917.

By that stage, once they had trained a man, they sent him wherever there was a need: I don't think it was much of a question of a man volunteering for a particular regiment by that stage of the war. the Gordon Highlanders needed men to fill the gaps, and it looks like Henry was sent in for that purpose. His London Scottish connection might have given the hint to send him there perhaps. The number is indeed very high for a territorial - again probably because he was sent to fill up the ranks I think.

Will

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

Sorry to hijack a thread (I know !!)

But

Dycer, would it be possible to post the War Diary for the 21 March 1918 please, I have 2 KiA's I am researching from this date

many thanks,

Graeme