The Black Watch

[Circam]

Can anyone help. My wifes grandfather, now long gone, told his family he served in the Black Watch during the first world war. He was born and brought up in southern england, never having been to Scotland, is it possible that as a young 18 year english boy he could have been in the B W regiment ? or is this a figment of his imagination? Apparently he specialised as a sniper.

[KirstyG]

The Black Watch was greatly expanded for the war, it is always possible he managed to join up with one of the units.

If he served in the war there would be a military service record held by the National Archives.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/?WT.ac=MHhomepage


You should maybe try posting on the Rootschat Armed Forces Board - ask the experts!
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,300.0.html


Kirsty

[Circam]

Many thanks i have posted on the military section

[sula sgeir]

Have you tried the Black Watch Museum in Perth ? They might have an archivist.

[Flakdodger]

Beware family legends!!
The same was said of a great uncle - with a photo to prove it. However upon investigation [and finding his WW1 record had survived] he turned to have served with The London Scottish. He was a Londoner and presumably was just put where he was put, like thousands of others.
Dave