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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: virgo_lass on Tuesday 27 January 15 03:30 GMT (UK)

Title: Identify Regiment
Post by: virgo_lass on Tuesday 27 January 15 03:30 GMT (UK)

Hi, I recently received a photo of my grandmother's brother, Michael Campbell, who was killed in WW1 and am trying to identify his regiment from the jacket he is wearing. I am told that Michael was killed at Passendale and that the family received his medals and that his wallet was returned to the family. Not sure what happened to the medals and wallet but am told the wallet was damaged by the bullet that resulted in his being killed in action.
My research so far has located a Private Michael Campbell who was with the 8th Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) buried at Zonnebeke, West Flanders, Belgium in 1917. There is a Michael Campbell listed on the Memorial Wall at Tyne Cot. Date of Death 12 October 1917. His army number record S/20115.
I would be most grateful for any information on him. His mother was Jane McWilliams and father John Campbell. I know that his mother came to Glasgow, Scotland, from Ireland but unsure if the couple married prior to moving to Glasgow or married in Ireland. My grandmother was born in Glasgow in 1901 but not sure if Michael was born in Glasgow.

Title: Re: Identify Regiment
Post by: ShaunJ on Tuesday 27 January 15 06:33 GMT (UK)

I don't think there's much to tell from the jacket.

The army register of soldiers effects has two entries for S/20115 Michael Campbell recording the remittance of money (war gratuity, pay etc) to his mother Jane in 1919 and 1920. No address given. They also record that he was listed "missing presumed dead" since 12 October 1917.

"Soldiers Died in the Great War" records his birthplace as Glasgow, enlistment at Hamilton

Title: Re: Identify Regiment
Post by: km1971 on Tuesday 27 January 15 09:12 GMT (UK)

The answer will lie near his home - either in the local newspaper recording him missing - so starting with the one missing from October 1917 - or on a local memorial. Although some memorials only list names, and not regiments.

Ken

Title: Re: Identify Regiment
Post by: virgo_lass on Tuesday 27 January 15 10:21 GMT (UK)

Thank you ShaunJ for looking that information up for me. Looks like it is the right Michael Campbell as his mother was Jane and they came from Glasgow. Appreciate the information you posted.

Thanks km1971 also for your advice to look at the newspaper clippings after October 1917 as I did have a look but only up to October 1917. I agree that it would make sense to check information after that date.

Thanks again ;-) 

Title: Re: Identify Regiment
Post by: BW252 on Tuesday 27 January 15 13:53 GMT (UK)

If he was in the Black Watch you could try "The Black Watch Forums" which is online.    They are VERY helpful and a mine of information