2lewis's Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Hello, I wonder if anyone can assist me in this. Were the 2nd Bttn Black Watch posted to Africa at any stage prior to the war? Chap I am trying to chase Sgt Jack Lees may have been there? Any assitance much appreciated Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Pre-war they were in Karachi in the Bareilly Brigade. Meerut Division. Aye Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnr.ktrha Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Hello, The 2nd battalion served in South Africa during the Boer War 1899-1902. If you write to Thomas Smyth at RHQ The Black Watch, Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth. He may be able to tell you when this chap enlisted. I've got the QSA medal roll, I'll check there to see if he is on it. I also have a copy of the Black Watch Chronicl 1913. I will check this to see if there is any mention of him. Regards, Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnr.ktrha Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Hello, There was a Pte. John Lees [No. 7686] in the 1st Battalion Black Watch, who served in South Africa during the Boer War. He was awarded the QSA with 4 Clasps [Orange Free State, Transvaal, SA'01, SA'02.] Do you think this could be your man? Regards, Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnr.ktrha Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Hello, I think this must be him again. He is named in The Great War History of the Black Watch Vol 1. The entry relates to the battle of Loos. ''Of the NCO's who led platoons as ably and fearlessly when their officers had been disabled may be mentioned.......Sergeant Lees.'' [Vol 1 Page 194] In January 1916 he is listed as being a Sergeant in No 2 Company, 6th Platoon. [Vol 1 page 205] I never found any mention of him in the 1913 Chronicle. All the best, Stewart Hello, I think this must be him again. He is named in The Great War History of the Black Watch Vol 1. The entry relates to the battle of Loos. ''Of the NCO's who led platoons as ably and fearlessly when their officers had been disabled may be mentioned.......Sergeant Lees.'' [Vol 1 Page 194] In January 1916 he is listed as being a Sergeant in No 2 Company, 6th Platoon. [Vol 1 page 205] I never found any mention of him in the 1913 Chronicle. All the best, Stewart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2lewis's Posted 23 May , 2006 Author Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Thanks to everyone. To clarify as far as I am able he was a regular who had bought himself out posibly 2 years before the war. He reinlisted on the outbreak and seems to have servered with distinction until his death. I was wondering if he served in the BW previously. That is certainly the chap at Loos, he wrote to my Great Grand Mother shortly after...a facinating letter. PM me with your email address and i will mail you the letter if you are interested Thanks to all Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom A McCluskey Posted 23 May , 2006 Share Posted 23 May , 2006 Hi all , Mark, just in case that it isn't your man; there was a Sgt Lees in the 2nd Bn. After Loos, the 2nd Bn went out to the Middle East. Here is the entry form the SNWM for Sgt John Lees of the 2nd Bn: Surname LEES Firstname John Service Number S/3342 Date Death 14/03/1917 Decoration Place of birth Barony Lanarkshire Other 2nd Bn. SNWM roll THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLANDERS) Rank Sgt Theatre of death Persian Gulf. & CWGC Name: LEES, JOHN Initials: J Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Unit Text: 2nd Bn. Date of Death: 14/03/1917 Service No: S/3342 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 25 and 63. Memorial: BASRA MEMORIAL Hope this helps Aye Tom McC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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