Brave batman not recognized - Seaforths at Cambrai

[tomdhu]

My uncle, 2nd Lt. Donald Grant gets a mention in the 51st Div. History ( by Maj, Gen F Brewsher) and in Horsfall & Cave’s book “Flesquieres” ( Page 98), however his brave batman who stayed with him right to the last and was killed alongside him, does not even get his name mentioned.

They died on 20 November 1917 in the attack on Flesquieres with the 1/6th Seaforth Highlanders, 152 Brigade, 51st (Highland) Division.

Can anyone help identify the batman’s name from the battalion records? Donald was buried in Orival Wood cemetery and I’d like to think that they were buried close by each other.

[delta]

Tom

I cannot help other than to state what a superb idea to bring this unknown man's bravery to notice

Stephen

[dycer]

Tom,

You rarely see mention of O.R.'s by name in Battalion Casualty Lists but does this assist as to why they were so brave?

First Battle of Cambrai

"For two weeks prior to the Battle of Cambrai,on 19th November 1917,the Battalion was engaged in the secret work of reconstructing the Village of Metz-en-Couture,so as to make it capable of holding the Division,to allow them to concentrate for the attack.This was successfully achieved under the very eyes of the enemy without their knowledge.The Division entered the village in anticipation of spending the usual uncomfortable night before an attack,but so delighted were they with their homes,that they expressed the wish that there might be an attack oftener."

This is from the History of the 1/8th Royal Scots(Pioneer Battalion to the 51st HD).I accept the journalistic licence but I am sure there is a grain of truth as well.

George

[eltoro1960]

Hopefully this will narrow it down, this is the 6th Seaforth OR's who died on 20/11/1917

[eltoro1960]

Of the 19 listed Edmund Clamp and J McVicar are not buried in the same place as Donald Grant so probably can be ruled out, just wondering if they buried his batman in the adjacent plot, it would have seemed fitting. I have added the CWGC details as a text file.

6th_Seaforths_Casualties_201117.txt

Thought I would amend this Donald Grant is in IC 13 - These lads are in the adjacent plots.

Name: JOHNSTON

Initials: A

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Lance Corporal

Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 25

Date of Death: 20/11/1917

Service No: 266178

Additional information: Son of James and Mary Johnston, of Coldhome, Auchindoun,

Dufftown, Bannffshire.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. C. 14.

Cemetery: ORIVAL WOOD CEMETERY, FLESQUIERES

Name: PETRIE

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Private

Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders

Unit Text: 6th Bn.

Age: 20

Date of Death: 20/11/1917

Service No: 265691

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Petrie, of 19, Kinnaird St., Dundee.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. C. 12.

Cemetery: ORIVAL WOOD CEMETERY, FLESQUIERES

[tomdhu]

Many thanks, John. It's much appreciated.

Tom