Hello everyone, I'm Al, a recent convert to WW1 history. My Great Grandfather was in 1/8 Royal Scots, discharged with trench foot, 1916. His brother, also 1/8 Royal Scots was KIA infront of High Wood. I have visited the ANZAC area of Gallipoli and done 2 Beer and Battlefield trips to Belgium.
Hi Al, Welcome to the forum. Please have a look around and join in the chat. I would be interested to hear about your visits to the battlefields. I gather that you have done all the research you can do on your Gt Grandfather and his brother. Have you checked the rest of your family lines to see if you have any other ancestors that may have fought in the Great War? Again welcome Sniper
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flintwich/ Above is the link to my photos of Beer and Battlefield trips. In December 1996, whilst with the RAF in Turkey, I had an all too brief visit to Canakkale and managed to do a 1 day trip to the ANZAC sites courtesy of ANZAC House. My interest in WW1 had not started then so it was really just an "I've been there" tick in the book. I visited my Gt Uncles grave in Flatiron Copse in 2003, I believe, the first member of the family to do so. In 2010 and 2011, I was on Beer and Battlefield trips. The organiser does 5 or 6 long weekends to Belgium each year, mainly only beer trips but incorporated the battlefield side last year. Link to website and of Sunday Telegraph article below. www.podgebeer.co.uk www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/artsandculture/7885503/Beer-and-battlefields-in-Belgium.html I have recently found out that one of my Gt Uncles other brothers enlisted shortly after he was KIA, research is ongoing. AL
Hi Al, I think i may have to do one of these tours, its been something i have been wanting to do for ages. I have been interested in WW1 for years though i have never travelled to any of the countries where there was any action. I would certainly like to take a trip to Galipoli at some stage. Have you got the war diaries for the 1/8 Scots for the period you are researching? Trench Maps can be very interesting as well. Through using these i have managed to tack down to within 100 yards of where a relative was killed. Sniper
I have the regimental history that was printed by the Haddington courier and a trench map image of the front if High wood.
If you can get the war diary for the dates leading up to all the incidents you will find a lot more details of your ancestors. I'll see if i can track down the codes that you will need to get them from Kew. Are you anywhere near London? If you are its worth going there and getting them yourself or you will end up paying for a researcher to get them for you. Not sure of the cost as i have never used one from there. However if your willing to wait a while i can see if i can get you a copy next time i go there. The other option of course is to check the Royal Scots museum at Edinburgh Castle and see if they have a copy already translated. Sometimes the regimental museum's will translate them to cd rom and sell them. I am hoping to get a copy of my Great Grandfathers regimental war diary from Lancaster which is on cd. The Regimental Museum has a website where you will be able to contact them and see what is available. http://www.theroyalscots.co.uk/page/museum/ Hope this helps Sniper
