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Guestbook
We welcome any comments you may have regarding our Branch web site. What happened to all the old friends we served with? Did anyone know my dad/uncle/brother? This page can also be used as a means of tracing old comrades or finding out more about the lives of relatives who served with the Regiment.
Please see the Editorial Guidelines on the Home Page before submitting your entry.
Please add your comments to the guestbook
Fellow Edinburgh Branch members, our Secretary Dave Chalmers has designed a tie for the Edinburgh Branch, simple and uncomplicated, but very effective in its style.
A highly recommend buy, the picture of it, in the last Newsletter does not do it justice. I bought one for myself and another two for friends.
It is with sadness, that with all the hard work Dave has put into the organising of the Edinburgh Branch functions, that the poor response to the last one was only 5 Members. This has led to a decision by the Committee to cancel the next two functions down at the Ex Servicemen’s Club. If members are not willing to support the Branch how soon will it be before it has to close down? Response to functions has been very poor ever since there was talk of getting rid of our Regiment. I think that is when things started to go downhill. It’s up to us to make sure that the Association does not go the same way so come on guys let’s get off our butts and get the Branch back on track.
Lenny
5 May 2008
My grandfather, William Moran, served in the KOSB Regiment in World War I, where he was captured by the Germans. Following WWI, my grandfather was posted to India and was promoted up through the ranks to sergeant major.
I would very much appreciate it if anyone who might have any information on my grandfather would pass it along to me.
With many thanks, John Alden
28 April 2008
Jim McNally I read your comment on the KOSB (Edinburgh) website, I am the daughter of John Pender MM, My Dad is doing fine, you can contact him via my e-mail lindapender1@hotmail.co.uk.
24 April 2008
I would appreciate anyone who knows the whereabouts of Dominic Quinn (The Pope) or Cpl John Pender (MM).
23 April 2008
Hi i'm an ex borderer from edinburgh previously Fife. I left the army in 1989 im trying to contact old pal Eck Purdie from Armadale. We served together in Ireland, Berlin and Coaly. I'm new to this computer stuff but its great reading up on the past and present. If any one can help me find Eck so we could catch up it then that would be great. cheers Drew.
22 April 2008
Not been on the site for a while.
Just to see if anyone out there still remembers me Toddy C Company - 8 Platoon then MT Platoon.
20 April 2008
My Grandfather served with the KOSB sometime between 1914 and 1920. I have a picture postcard of him with 83 other KOSB members. The picture has the following written on it: Draft for 1/4 th K.O.S.B. Galashields Nov. 1915. My mother told me a couple of stories from when he served. 1) He guarded the bridge over The Firth of Forth from Edinburgh. 2)This is the one I remember him telling, He swan the Suez Canal in WWI. Any information anyone else has or can tell me where to find any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you
16 April 2008
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton:
SOUTHERN REPORTER 10 APRIL 2008
http://www.thesouthernreporter.co.uk/sport/Malayan-memories-for-KOSB-crackers.3963516.jp
MALAYAN MEMORIES FOR KOSB CRACKERS
By Mark Entwistle
The team, pictured left, which in 1958 won the Malayan Command Rugby Shield and were beaten finalists in the Far East Rugby Cup: Inset photographs from left – M. Smith (Wales), M. Reynolds (Glasgow) and touch judge P. Stewart (Edinburgh).
Back row standing from left – J. Crawford (Melrose), T. Henderson (St Boswells), W. Hume (Jedburgh), M. Cumming (Earlston), J. Eckford (Edinburgh), J. McFee (Edinburgh).
Front from left – A. Mulholland (Aberdeen), J. Buckham (Kelso), A. Alstead (Glasgow), R.
PAST glories and old memories will be rekindled at this weekend's 125th anniversary Melrose Sevens.
While the world-famous Greenyards ground hosts some of the rugby world's finest exponents of the seven-a-side game, another group of former players will get together to relive their days spent fighting communist guerillas in the steamy jungles of what was then Malaya, while still finding time to win glory on its rugby pitches.
In 1957, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The King's Own Scottish Borderers, lifted the Malayan Command Rugby Shield and the Far East Rugby Cup for the overall championship.
The following year, they won the shield for a second time and went on to become finalists yet again in the cup competition.
Now, the surviving members of the two squads are coming together for a unique reunion during this Melrose Sevens week.
Organiser is John Crawford, of Melrose, who was himself a young National Service private with the battalion at the time and a member of the winning rugby team in 1958.
"All those who are coming for the reunion are really looking forward to it and it should be a fantastic event," John told TheSouthern this week.
"We'll be at the sevens and then sharing a meal and plenty of memories in the evening!"
Exactly half-a-century ago in 1958 in Kuala Lumpur, when the battalion won the Malayan Command Rugby Shield for a second time, the team defeated a team representing the Third Royal Australian Regiment by 17-8.
While the Aussies had the upper hand in the three-quarters, the 'jocks' dominated the scrums, despite being the lighter pack of forwards.
The Borderers' points came from three tries – including two from a young John Crawford while playing that day at No.8 – plus a goal and a penalty, to a goal and a penalty from the Aussies.
This win in the Malaya district zone final of the Far East Land Forces competition, put the KOSB through to a semi-final in Hong Kong, against 24 Engineer Regiment, which they beat 3-0.
That victory secured the Scots – who were defending their champions title won the previous year – a place in the final in Singapore the following month, February of 1958, against the Royal Army Service Corps.
Sadly, another win was not on the cards, with two spectacular tries from Irishman Connan Carey sparking the RASC to the overall championship title and cup with a 8-5 win.
The 1st battalion had been posted to Malaya in 1955 and returned in 1958. One of its company commanders at the time was Brigadier Frank Coutts, a past internationalist himself from Melrose and also a past president of the Scottish Rugby Union.
11 April 2008
my son left school at 16 and joined the KOSB proud as punch he was being in uniform.he was gutted when they merged into 1 scots.after 2 long years of waiting he is now a lance corporal and its now our turn as parents to be so proud of him.so to all the boys out there a lot of people are still proud of you and the jobs you do,so keep your heads up you deserve a lot more recognition from the people of this country.
9 April 2008
my uncle harry hutton was in the black watch 6th battalion and was killed 14th april 1943 aged 20 he is buried at medjez-el- bab war cemetary in tunisia.his name is in the book of rememberance in edinburgh castle i would be very gratful if anyone could tell me if his home town of brechin is mentioned or if it says he was from perth.
7 April 2008
I have found a leather belt that has a brass belt buckle that says Highlanders 74. It looks like it would be military in origin. It is really old and weathered do you know if there is belt associated with your organization. Thank You
3 April 2008
I am trying to trace details of my late grandfather who served in the regiment but I do not have specfic dates. His name was Thomas Anderson from Edinburgh. On my mothers birth certicate it states he was a Private and that was in 1914. Thomas Anderson was Born in Edinburgh 1886. Many Thanks.
2 April 2008
Hello gents, does anyone remember Robbie Ross who was a Pl Sgt at SIDBOD in 1984/85?
1 April 2008
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
ADEN VETERANS ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL DINNER/DANCE
For those Borderers who served in Aden/Radfan, you may be interested in attending the Aden Veterans Association annual Dinner/Dance. This year it is being held in the Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling on Saturday 26th April 2008. There will also be a church service the following morning at the Holy Trinity Church, Stirling.
Cost of the tickets for the Dinner/Dance are £30 each and cheques should be made out to the AVA and sent to the AVA Scottish Representative, Brian Bryson at "Jeabri", 6 Bells Burn Avenue, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 7LB. Cheques should be received by Brian by 18 April in order that he can send out tickets by return post.
Anyone interested in joining the Aden Veterans Association should log on to their website at http://www.adenveterans.org.uk/ and follow the link "Join Us", or email Brian Bryson at brian.bryson@homecall.co.uk.
30 March 2008
missing seeing all you nuts that knew me. hope your all well and i,m back living in france having a great time and i still got ma camera handy ha ha ha.all the best to the dan,s. cigar purdie (davie)
27 March 2008
stan the man pte iain rhodes 1980/87:
i served in the army from 1980-87 in k o s b would like to here from anyone who served at this time served in northen ireland aswell aka stan the man hope to here from any of you guys
24 March 2008
Looking for something about my Grandfather William James Richardson Murray (James or Jim) served with the KOSB in WW1 in France, then in India, Egypt and Hong Kong. From this we assume he was 2nd Battalion. He was MID and MM and my mother (now 82) would love to see something about her father's military record as he retired from ill health after 30 years service as aprofessional soldier starting out as a Private but leaving as a Captain.
21 March 2008
I am the grandson of one of your own, John Francis Delahunt who served during the First World War. For that reason The KOSB has been close to my heart all my life. My Grandfather was very proud of his service in this regiment during the great war and told his grandchildren many a hair-raising story, particularly about the Dardenelles. He emigrated to the United States after the war with his wife when jobs were scarce at home and that is where my mother was born. I just wanted to share something from the proud Grandson of a proud soldier laddie of this proud regiment.
Thanks,
26 February 2008
Funeral Arrangements of ex Borderer Archie Bell.
This shall take place at Craigton Crematorium Berryknowes Road at 1230hrs Friday 29 Feb, and afterwords if required, for refreshments at the Tradeston ex Servicemens Club 6 Beech Avenue.
Any Borderer attending the funeral by car on the M8 from Edinburgh, come off the M8 at Junction 25, and turn on to the A739 Berryknowes Road, which is on the South side of the M8, the Crematorium is on the left.
The Tradeston ex Servicemens Club,is just off Junction 23 of the M8, on the B768 on the South side of the M8, Beech Avenue is on the the left
26 February 2008
Re Archie Bell.
Archie died Sunday 24 feb at 1.50pm
Funeral details will follow
Joe Mc Millan 24th 2008
25 February 2008
Dear Sir,
Could you please help with information in tracing my late father, Staff Sergeant Albert William Jordan's life whilst serving in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers Regiment during the approx period of 1936 to 1948.?
I was born in 1946 at the barracks at Berwick on Tweed, my father passed away in 1951 so I have very little recollection of him. I know he served time in India with the regiment, The Information that I have been told by our late mother Frances Bell Jordan was that he joined up as a boy soldier, but what year I do not know as our mother never told us exactly.
I have very few details of where he served, his final rank, or if had a distinguished service with the regiment, or if there are any photographs that may be made available to me for copy. These I would willingly pay for.
I f you could please help me with any information or where I should apply to I would be most gratefull.
I have 2 brothers, we have and 5 children between us and 4 grandchildren all alive, they are asking questions about there great Grandfather which gives them a focus as to our family history.
Many thanks in anticipation of your help with this matter.
Kindest regards.
Derek Glyn Jordan.
2, The Green,
Caston. Attleborough.
Norfolk. NR171DB.
01953 483746. TEL/FAX.
18 February 2008
I tried to register to join the ASSOCIATION but as im a novice on the pc i did not succeed can anyone help please? Thanking you in advance.
[Ed: Anyone having difficulty contacting using the "Join" link on the Home Page can send me an email using the "Contact" button at the top of the page giving the details asked for on the Home Page.]
17 February 2008
Hello any one in B/coy 1970-73
17 February 2008
Hi there, Just wondering if anyone knew my father Robert Kyle? He served around 1950's. I'm looking for any info on him. His regimental number is 23451920 c company. I know he was in Singapore and Malaysia.
10 February 2008
hi, im looking for a battalion photgraph of the regiment in catterick dressed in combat 95's before commencing on a tour of ireland. i was serving in the regiment until 2004. i purchased this photo but did not receive my copy. i was wondering how i can go about getting a copy of this photo to go along with the rest of my battalion photograph's. many thanks. contact number 07511 207940
[Ed: Suggest you phone HQ 2 Div at Craigiehall (0131 336 1761) and ask to be put through to the Welfare Officer at Dreghorn Barracks (1 SCOTS). They should be able to assist.]
22 January 2008
Greetings from Australia.
I am endeavouring to trace my ancestory on my father's side but with such a common surname, this is proving a challenge.
I understand that my grandfather, George Brown (Born 1/7/1898 at Selkerk) may have served with the Regiment during World War 1. If you are able to provide me with any information, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
21 January 2008
I am trying to find details of my father Alexander Robinson Dey. He was a Sgt in either the HLI, KOSB, or was transferred from one to other, was injured, and was awarded the MM. Can you help. Many thanks. Mary
13 January 2008
Dear Sirs,
I am confused as to why the same message I posted about my late father on the Edinburgh website Jan 2nd. 3186493 Joe Pratt is considered as SPAM by this Branch.
[Ed: Because of the "spam" filters applied through the server for the website there are occasions when people may get this message. All I can say is to keep trying and also, you should not include any links to other internet sites as this may have the same effect. You could also send me an email through the "Contact" button on the home page with details of what you tried to submit on the Guestbook. I hope this helps.]
11 January 2008
3186493 Joe Pratt, my late father was a KOSB from 1931-48,he marched in the Victory Parade. Names I recall he mentioned were Freddie Easton, Hector Mackay, Duff Hunter and Davy Ingels.Also Major Johnny Johnson. Perhaps some of your grandfathers may remember him.
2 January 2008
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
I regret to announce the death of Eddie Brown at the age of 82. Eddie served with the KOSB during the war in the 6th Battalion with 15 (Scottish) Division in Holland.
He was employed for 30 years with Warriston Crematorium tending the gardens and went on to become assistant superintendant at Warriston.
Eddie was always fit and played golf and went swimming at least 3 times a week until being told he had cancer about 2 months ago. He came from a large family (8 sons and 5 daughters). He leaves his wife Nancy after 37 years of marriage. To her and his surviving siblings we send our condolences.
The funeral is at 11am on Saturday 5 January at Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh.
2 January 2008
Cliff (Robbie) Robson ACC att 67 - 72:
Good health & happiness to all borderers for 2008.
If anyone remembers cussing me at the hotplate get in touch
28 December 2007
Trying to trace five great-uncles who were all killed in action during WW1
27 December 2007
wishing all borderers young and old the very best over the festive period
24 December 2007
I would like to wish all a very happy xmas
and a very good new year, and all the best
for the future in 2008 good luck
skip.
23 December 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Happy Christmas and Happy 2008 New Year to everyone - especially to our Borders' soldiers and those from elsewhere in Scotland and beyond - and their families - and to those who continue to serve our great Regiment at Berwick on Tweed and elsewhere. XXV. Remember that - XXV!
21 December 2007
The Ladies From Hell
Posted by Sgt Calum MacLeod 1 Scots
Along with a local singer/songwriter Terry Moore we have produced a CD to promote the Royal Regiment of Scotland and remember the former Regiments and comrades.
Proceeds from the sale of the CD will be going to Combat Stress and The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Association both very worthwhile causes.
The CD also features the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The CD will be available for general sale in January 2008 for a preview visit www.terrymooremusic.co.uk
15 December 2007
havn't been able to get on the site , keeps telling me to start again.
[Ed: You're on now!!]
1 December 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Published in The Herald 27 November:
Dear Sir,
ACTION THIS DAY
Ian Bell's perceptive essay (The Herald, November 24) lacks one vital element: a warning about lead time and lags. It takes more than a year for any significant increase in defence funding to reach front-line sailors, soldiers and airmen, and their families. The service chiefs should be asked to submit a priority development list with estimated costs and be funded immediately to get on with the most urgent repairs to their forces. They know what they need.
When Churchill's top code-breakers wrote to him, in 1941, that they were being starved of resources to do their essential work, the Prime Minister ordered: "Action this day!"
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, Dounbye House, Sweethope by Stichill, Kelso.
27 November 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
THE LATE ROBERT (RAB) LAMONT
I have had a telephone call from the Director of Whitefoord House apologising for the mistake in funeral details originally given. The funeral will be on Wednesday 28th November in the Pentland Chapel, Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh at 10:30am and NOT 1:30pm.
26 November 2007
I'm trying to trace my Great granddad's family and wondered if anyone could help?
He was
John Colquhoun Campbell
Lance Corporal
Gordon Highlanders
2nd Bn.
Age 30
Died 20.07.1916
service no 9154
Son of Hugh and Annie Campbell of Scotland
What area of Scotland and I looking for a likely area of living please?
Im clutching at straws now ....but can anyone help?
Regards
Sonja
26 November 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
THE LATE ROBERT (RAB) LAMONT
I have now had information from the Director of Whitefoord House regarding funeral details. The funeral will be on Wednesday 28th November in the Pentland Chapel, Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh at 1:30pm.
20 November 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Letter to the Editor, The Scotsman, published 20 November
NO WONDER ARMY IS STRUGGLING FOR NUMBERS
Des Browne, the combined Scottish and Defence Secretary, claims the government "strives constantly to ensure that the armed forces have the best possible package of care" (your report, 19 November). Why, then, has the head of the army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, been forced to voice his concerns regarding pay and conditions, including medical services, and the gross overstretch of UK troops?
It is no wonder that, despite an unprecedented advertising campaign for recruits, young men are not joining the army, and, more importantly, trained men are leaving in growing numbers. The armed forces at least deserve a full-time defence secretary.
Only last week, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, who commanded the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan, resigned from the army in protest at the "shoddy" treatment of injured troops. He also criticised levels of pay, lack of equipment, poor food and appalling housing. The chief of the general staff's briefing team report (2007) is a damning document that the services ignore at their peril.
DONALD FAIRGRIEVE, St Boswells, Roxburghshire
20 November 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Letters to the Editor, The Herald: published 20 November.
DISREGARD FOR WELFARE OF FORCES IS EXPOSED
The total disregard for and neglect of the armed forces by this government, exposed by General Sir Richard Dannatt (pictured), should make the Prime Minister and General Sir Mike Jackson utterly ashamed. Here at long last we have a Chief of the General Staff who is prepared to demand a fair deal for those under him. If General Jackson cared as much for the army as he claims, then he should have been shouting about the deep injustices of pay, living conditions, equipment and crazy overstretch years ago - and out in the public domain.
Together, Gordon Brown and General Jackson have ruined the once proud British infantry by reducing battalion numbers to such levels that, with the impossible operational demands placed on them by the government of fighting two wars simultaneously, the overstretch means servicemen and women are being warned of their next posting while they are still completing a current operational tour; the effect on morale is unimaginable.
Why is Mr Brown responsible? He is the man who, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, refused to increase spending on defence although there was a rock-solid case; he also refused to give sufficient money to the services for reasonable wages to be paid to those who are daily endangering their lives in battle on the direction of this government. As Chancellor, he is the man who failed to fund the four infantry battalions that have now been cut so hugely, so increasing pressure on all the rest.
It is simply no excuse to say that the army could not recruit; you must first address the underlying problems of pay and conditions if such a dangerous, but supremely honourable, calling is to have the remotest chance of recruiting - and then retaining - soldiers in their employment. General Dannatt deserves the greatest praise for listing the long catalogue of appalling failings by this government to support the armed forces of which it is asking so much. Let us hope General Dannatt's report will finally make the government realise it has a major crisis on its hands and must take immediate action this day to rectify the situation.
Brigadier (Retd) Allan Alstead, 49 Moray Place, Edinburgh.
In the light of growing reports of the resource crisis overtaking our armed forces, the government must pump significant extra money and manpower into the armed forces immediately as the lead time between extra funding being allocated and making any difference at sea, on land and in the air is very long.
There is not a minute to waste. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer must act to try to prevent the complete collapse of our defence forces. The removal of the present Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne, who publicly contradicts his experienced senior defence advisers, would be welcome in barracks, married quarters and front-line positions and would make a cost-effective and inexpensive start to improving morale.
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, Dounbye House, Sweethope by Stichill, Kelso
20 November 2007
Bad news Ron MacNeil, wee Tam Welsh died on the 10th December 2006.
19 November 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
British Legion Campaign. "HONOUR THE COVENANT". Please click on
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/index.cfm?asset_id=516704 to join.
18 November 2007
I am looking for TAM WELSH who was in The K.O.S.B. in 1958 and was in Berlin and Aden. I dont know when he was demobbed. I left in 1964 and was 24 years old and Tam would be about the same at that time. I'm now in Canada and would like any news. Thanks
17 November 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
I regret to announce the sudden death of Robert (Rab) Lamont of Whitefoord House on 13 November 2007. Cause of death was a heart attack whilst in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for an operation. I am waiting on information from the Director of Whitefoord House. Details of the funeral will be given out once known.
15 November 2007
I am tryng to find any information I can on a great uncle of mine. His name was William Dennis Lindsay,b.10/01/1895 Leith.
1st Bn.,KOSB 6409.
k.i.a.13/08/17 Ypres?.
His name is remembered on the Menin Gate, panel 22.
Any information or guidance to help me find out mor about him would be greatly appreciated.
Brain Milligan
15 November 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
I regret to announce the sudden death of Robert Cant on 9 November 2007. A funeral service will take place at 1315 hours on Friday 16th November at Dunfermline Crematorium.
12 November 2007
Dear all
I am raising money for COMBAT STRESS and would really welcome your support.
Please take a moment to visit my online fundraising page and make a donation. It's really easy - you can donate by credit or debit card at the following address:
http://www.justgiving.com/johnhandling
All donations are secure and sent electronically to COMBAT STRESS. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving will automatically reclaim 28% Gift Aid on your behalf, so your donation is worth even more. Please join me in supporting COMBAT STRESS and a fabulous cause.
Thanks and best wishes
John
John Handling Dundee 01382 489997
12 November 2007
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