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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
HI.
I AM TRYING TO FIND ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER. HE WAS IN THE 4TH KOSB THE
SCOTTISH HORSE REGIMENT AND THE ROYAL ENGINEERS. HIS NAME IS JOHN PROCTOR,
HIS LAST ADDRESS WAS 4 MANE ST LUMPHINNANS FIFE. HOPE YOU CAN HELP.
JOHN
21 May 2007
hello lads just a wee note to say anybody that remembers me tay send me a wee email cheers
20 May 2007
Ok so Iam EX BW, we are all Jocks together eh, anway is any mess/ assocation intrested in booking the former "Tartan legend" that is Ken Buchanan MBE to speak as a guest,he is a very prolific speaker, and a must to hear,
aye Jock (P.O.K)
11 May 2007
I am looking for information about my grandfather hoping your association may be able to help.
[Ed: If you supply details of your grandfather someone may be able to assist.]
4 May 2007
My Grandfathher George Thomnpson had the honour of sounding the retreat from Edinbrugh Castle on Armistice day in 1918, he joined the Kings own Scottish Borderers in 1914 as a boy soldier. Iam doing my family tree and am trying to find out any information around his time as a boy soldier and what this ment being a boy soldier. Can anyone help?
3 May 2007
I am loking for confirmation of the regiment my father was in. He said 2nd battalion Royal Scots but a list was consulted in Adelaide some time ago and he was not listed. He was in Egypt, Palestine, Gallipoli and Flanders in WW1.
Henry Patterson Russell born 23rd August 1890 in Dunbar.
[Ed: The following may be of some help:
Service records for the period up to the end of the First World War are held by Public Record Office, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU, England. www.pro.gov.uk
The P.R.O. does not have the resources to undertake searches for the general public, you will have to visit and do the research yourself with their assistance, or see their website for list of professional researchers who may undertake research for a fee. One word of caution, about 60% of First War service records were destroyed or badly burnt in air raids during World War 2, so a successful search is not guaranteed.
The service records of soldiers serving from the 1920s are still held by the Ministry of Defence and are only available to the individual concerned or their next of kin from Army Personnel Centre, Historic Disclosures, Mailpoint 400, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX, Scotland. The paper search can take several months and in most cases a search fee, currently; £25, is charged.
Good luck!]
25 April 2007
This is the first message I have left on this site. I was a member of the KOSB 52nd Lowland division from 1944 to 1946. My name is Brian Taylor and I live in Lincolnshire. I remember Private McGuffie and Colnol Batchelor and I travelled to Holland and through to Germany during my service. If anybody remembers me or those I can remember!! please do get in touch at the supplied e-mail address
21 April 2007
John C:
Glad to see that Tam Harris got a plaque from Shuggie. Thought I would mention that Tam was also sent a parcel from David Chalmers that had in it a glengarry and cap badge, white belt and brass plate, and a baseball cap with an embroidered coloured cap badge. Thanks I think to John Jarvie for providing the glengarry and Ken Turpin for the baseball cap. Well done everyone.
17 April 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
DEATH NOTIFICATION - CHARLIE WALLACE
I regret to announce the death on 9 April of (ex-WO2) Charlie Wallace as the result of a tragic accident. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 25 April at Holy Trinity Church, Sandgate Road, Folkstone at 9:45am. This will be followed by the burial at the Military Cemetery, Shorncliffe at 10:30am. Everyone is invited to attend Oddfellows (hostelry) afterwards for drinks and snack.
17 April 2007
john:
well done shuggie with tam harris plaque, he is over the moon with it, as is his wife sandy.
16 April 2007
Message for Jennifer Mills.
I live in Littlethorpe and am researching the men on the War Memorial - one of whom is your uncle. A couple of years ago I visited the Ypres Salient and paid my respects to your relative, who as Mr Chalmers states is buried, together with some of this comrades, in Wulverghem Churchyard. I have a photo of the grave, if you would like a copy.
[Ed: This relates to a previous entry from Jennifer Mills dated 27 September 2006.]
11 April 2007
I am wondering if anyone can help me please? I have the following medals awarded to a member of the KOSB: Victoria South Africa Medal, Mons Star, and teh VM and WM. There is also a medal ribbon that is orange/red in coour with five gold vertical stripes. Is anyone able to identify it for me please? Many thanks.
Tony Miller
10 April 2007
Mike Hamilton (Maj Retd):
Just found this at
http://news.aol.co.uk/army-size-may-increase-browne/article/20061221201409990014
Last Updated: Friday, 22 December 2006, 17:44 GMT
ARMY SIZE MAY INCREASE
Des Browne says the British Army may need to increase in size to cope with commitments. An increase in the size of the Army may be necessary to cope with Britains long-running overseas military commitments, Defence Secretary Des Browne has acknowledged.
In an interview with The Times, Mr Browne said operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were affecting the ability of the Army to maintain "core capabilities" because of a lack of time for training.
He said that he may have to review the "basic assumptions" underpinning military planning on which the Armys manpower requirements are based. "Then we will have to consider increasing the size of the Army," he said.
He expressed concern that troops were unable to train to keep up their full range of military skills because they were spending so much time on operations.
My comment: Hey - what a bright idea.
8 April 2007
I server inc.C.Coy 9plt 86-92 {BIG RAFF}
Its good to see a few blasts from the past on this sight
So the next time you look at the big blue yonder take a donder and dont forget to take your fishing rod and I might see you at the waters edge or if you remember me just drop me a wee line
{BIG RAFF}
2 April 2007
Fishwife:
Message to Major Mike Hamilton. I tried to email you a couple of times but to no avail. Just wanted to say hello and say that we have had another addition to the clan (DH and I should really invest in a telly for the bedroom!). Overseas posting is going well and the whole family is enjoying life out here. Would like to send you and Mrs Major Mike a couple of piccies of the clan. Would appreciate a reply. Many thanks Fishwife and Clan.
28 March 2007
I would like to say a big thank you to David Chalmers and to Sid Munro, for the sound work they did for me and the missus, it is true: once a borderer always a borderer, a real family feeling.
XXV
ALBA GU BRAGH
27 March 2007
this site is really good and i like it does anyone remember me i mind wee joe bear he was a wee guy wi a great smile and cracking sense of humour
i was a cpl and very proud to be a borderer does any one remember me ? also does anyone know the man who makes the plaques i have seen advertised on the website i thought it might be one of those internet scams so i have not been in touch with him yet i want to know if it is a proper article afore i make a mistake and loose my money has anyone had one? if so are they any good ?
take care borderers
Stan
see you at Minden 2007
27 March 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
ANYONE GOT A GLENGARRY?
I have been asked to put out a plea for a spare glengarry for an ex-Borderer who lives in Australia. Those who served in the 60s and 70s will remember Tam Harris ex-Charlie Company. Tam, unfortunately lost a leg and to make matters worse suffered a broken hip last year. He is looking for a glengarry complete with cap badge for ANZAK Day which he is keen to attend as a Borderer. I have a cap badge and if someone can provide me with a glengarry (address on Home Page) I will send both out to him. Let us help an old Borderer.
What is ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day - 25 April - is probably the most important national occasion in Australia . It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day.
19 March 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary (Edinburgh):
I have available a quantity of Leslie tartan trews and various other items as listed below (updated - some sizes no longer available). If any Edinburgh Branch Association member wishes to obtain any of these items they should contact me direct either using my personal email address or by telephone.
Trews:
Waist – 30 Leg – 31 Qty 13
Waist – 31 Leg – 31 Qty 11
Waist – 30 Leg – 31 Qty 13
Waist – 33 Leg – 29 Qty 1 (Gone)
Waist – 33 Leg – 33 Qty 12 (11 prs left)
Waist – 35 Leg – 29 Qty 9
Waist – 35 Leg – 33 Qty 10
Waist – 36 Leg – 31 Qty 2
Waist – 36 Leg – 33 Qty 1
Waist – 38 Leg – 31 Qty 1 (Gone)
Waist – 38 Leg – 33 Qty 2
Cap Badges: about 300
Shoulder Titles: about 800 sets
Brass Belt Buckle with badge: about 50
White belts various sizes: about 20
Collar dogs ORs: about 50 sets
Collar dogs Offrs: about 30 sets
19 March 2007
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary:
I have available a quantity of Leslie tartan trews and various other items as listed below. If any Edinburgh Branch Association member wishes to obtain any of these items they should contact me direct either using my personal email address or by telephone.
Trews:
Waist – 30 Leg – 31 Qty 13
Waist – 31 Leg – 31 Qty 11
Waist – 30 Leg – 31 Qty 13
Waist – 33 Leg – 29 Qty 1
Waist – 33 Leg – 33 Qty 12
Waist – 35 Leg – 29 Qty 9
Waist – 35 Leg – 33 Qty 10
Waist – 36 Leg – 31 Qty 2
Waist – 36 Leg – 33 Qty 1
Waist – 38 Leg – 31 Qty 1
Waist – 38 Leg – 33 Qty 2
Cap Badges: about 300
Shoulder Titles: about 800 sets
Brass Belt Buckle with badge: about 50
White belts various sizes: about 20
Collar dogs ORs: about 50 sets
Collar dogs Offrs: about 30 sets
11 March 2007
john:
has anyone got a spare glengary and capbadge its for tam harris, who now lives in australia. tam lost a leg and broke his hip last year and can not work now.
any helpers out there !
its for ANZAK day
thanks john.
[Ed: I can supply a badge for Tam. Let me have his address and I can send it off. All we need now is a glengarry. If anyone has one and could send it to me (my address is on the Home Page), I can send both off together.]
11 March 2007
did anyone serve with my dad pvt john bulmer who was from sunderland. he was at ft george 1931 where i was born .then down to catterick then down to clarence bks portsmouth until the outbreak of the second world war mick bulmer
8 March 2007
looking for the 1986 edinburgh tattoo video
24 February 2007
My father served with KOSB from 1950-1952. He was in D
Company, 21 Platoon, Officer Cadet School, Eaton Hall. He
remembers a visit from Princess Elizabeth between March and
July of 1951. Has anyone got any photographs of that visit that he
may view? Please.
22 February 2007
great letter from retd. BW Major Bob Ritchie in Tuesday 20 Feb edition of Edinburgh Evening News
Tattoo chief hits bad note with veterans
I WAS incensed to read
Tattoo chiefs beat a path round the world
(Evening News, February 16).
Surely this must be the most expensive handover ever recorded. This smarts of jobs for the boys and a handover is normally done on paper and meeting eventually with the contracts.
We in the regimental associations got very angry when General Loudon got this job as the new Tattoo producer. His very recent last job as General Officer Scotland saw him force through relentlessly the demise of the Scottish regiments.
We saw him getting the Tattoo job as a thank-you for destroying the Scottish regimental system. We did not see him being able to start the job with a free holiday to visit five continents.
We said at the time when he was shredding the Scottish regiments that he would have no material for his Tattoo in the form of bands, pipes and drums etc, and eventually soldiers to do the administration. Perhaps he maybe is justified in visiting five continents to get new acts as he wont find any here.
Major Rob Ritchie, MBE, Bloom Court, Livingston, West Lothian
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/letters.cfm?id=274252007#commentForm
You can leave comments by clicking on the link above
[Ed: The above link is not hyperactive. You should highlight the link, copy, and paste into the address line, then press Enter.]
20 February 2007
Hallo,I have not contacted the Association before,but wish to now.My father served with the regiment at Arnhem and I wish to know more if possible about the action.I wish to know which unit he was with when he flew in with the Horsa gliders.He survived the campaign although captured soon after landing.My mother never heard whether he was alive or dead for about a year.Finally the Red Cross tracked him down asnd I have some of the letters he sent from the Stalag.His Army number was 14659679 and his prisoner number was 89375.I trust you may be able to help me and if I am able to help you further about another of your soldiers,please let me know.Regards.Colin Howe,son of Frederick George Howe.
17 February 2007
My dad served in KOSB in World War II. His name was James Ambrose Bradshaw, and he was wounded on the River Mars/Mers in Holland. He came from Wigan in Lancashire, but was a proud KOSB indeed! Sadly he died some years ago, but he wore his blazer and regimental badge with great pride. Does anybody remember him?
15 February 2007
My Grandfather, John William Stewart was a corporal in the KOSB in the first world war and was wounded in the right arm and taken prisoner. The German Doctors had to remove his arm and he was repatriated in 1916.
Does anyone have any information on him and how the repatriated prisoner exchange was carried out?
[Ed: John, You may wish to contact HHQ at The Barracks, Berwick upon Tweed who may be able to assist. There is a link to the KOSB Association and Museum website on the Home Page.]
5 February 2007
Hoping to get in touch with John Mcleary fae Airdrie , Im sure he left the Battalion in 1998 , havent heard from him in a good few years if anyone has any info it would be appreciated .
Thanks John
3 February 2007
The Berwick Branch Minden will take place on Saturday 28th July. This will be the first parade after the demise of our great Regiment so it is hoped that there will be an even bigger attendance than that of 155 last year.
This parade is not just for members of the Berwick Branch of the KOSB Association; it is for all Borderers, past and present, Officers and Other Ranks. So if you are still serving but are on leave or at E Post, then please make every effort to get to Berwick for the parade. If you know people who do not have Internet access then tell them about the parade.
There will be the usual Friday night gathering (on the 27th July) in the Kings Head in Church Street. The Inter Scaldis Pipe Band will be there, your mates will be there so YOU need to be there. HHQ has booked the Kings Arms Hotel in Hide Hill for afternoon refreshments after the parade on Saturday. That is right next to where the parade halts! We need to make this parade the best yet and we can only do that if you get all your mates to be there with you
27 January 2007
Could someone please advise how I could get a copy of The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, shown on BBC ONE, Saturday 27 August
23 January 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
The Whitehall Mole? me!
20 January 2007
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Improved conditions? I remember in the 60s while serving at Edinburgh Castle and living in a married quarter in Redford learning that £10 million had been allocated for the installation of central heating in Army quarters. A year later I asked when we would get central heating up here only to be told that the money had run out when the programme had reached the Midlands. Apparently unaware of temperature differences between the north of Scotland and the south of England, the MoD had decided to spent the money south - north. Has anything changed?
18 January 2007
T HP:
Anyone know how to get a hold of the "whitehall mole". Need some asistance with some burrowing ....ta !!! :0)
18 January 2007
has anybody out there got 2 large brass KOSB Blazer Buttons SPARE??? if so could you get in touch as i am looking for only 2 i will pay for them please if you can help let me know either by email or phone 07976006442
Regards Shuggie
XXV
Plaques are still on sale if anyone is interested drop me an email and i will send you some samples to view
9 January 2007
AT LAST
How encouraging to see the new regime at the MOD actually honouring their primary responsibility of caring for the soldiers under their command and actively doing something about the conditions under which soldiers must fight and live.
Commendable too they do it whilst still in their active posts where their opinions and comments actually carry weight primarily because they ARE serving and care sufficiently for the men under their command to put their own material future at risk on their behalf.
What a difference to all their apologist predecessors who cowered in their sinecures carrying out their political masters bidding often adding to the burdens of the soldiers under their command by their acquiescence rather than actively speaking out in an attempt to lessen them as was their duty.
Not content with that, in many instances post retiring and secure in pension [or next promoted post] they try by various means to convince us that they had no alternative whilst in post but to do as they did whilst not really agreeing with the destruction their Government masters were engaged in etc Blah de Blah de Blah.!
Yet in a few short weeks their successors by actively [and “publicly”] criticising the conditions of service of the soldiers in their charge are currently holding this lame duck government to account and already appear to be starting to revolutionise the disgraceful conditions under which today’s soldiers are required to fight and they and their families to live. It is to be hoped that they will be rewarded for their courage and that service conditions will improve quickly enough to stem the inevitable tide of departures from the service such long term neglect and betrayal will have engendered.
What a great pity these current Generals of conscience and duty were not in post during our fight to save Scotland’s Regiments and Military Heritage as the outcome might well have been reversed – I always felt the scarcest commodity in the fight were a few strategic “Generals / Regimental Colonels’ Resignations” in protest at the rape of Scotland’s Infantry.
J McDonald Capt [Retd]
Late of the finest Infantry Regt in the British Army.
4 January 2007
I served with the KOSB from 1942 to 1947 and was in the 1st Batt landing on Sword Beach on D Day. Many fond memories of old comrades. Would like to hear from anyone who served at the same time to swap stories!
Sgt Dixon B Company 14002979
26 December 2006
Hi, im trying to find out any information on a William Cromie. M.M, survivor of the Gallapoli? but killed in France about 1917 or 1918. If anyone has any information could they send me a email please.
xxmortyxx@hotmail.com
24 December 2006
Wullie & Joan McLure Please Phone i lost your number 01463 225 833
Chick & Pammy Storrie
Merry Xmas & Happy New Year
ps To all Borederers Best Wishes for New Year
Wullie Blake LKA Carntyne Glasgow
Tam Rees LKA Springburn Glasgow
Phone me ASAP 01463 225 833
21 December 2006
john:
i have just taken delivery of my new plaque from shuggie hoskins, and it is brilliant.
large and colourfull and very well layed out,well worth the wait well done shuggie.
to all kosb put your order in now its worth every penny
20 December 2006
DEATH NOTIFICATION
WE TAM WELSH WHO SERVED MALAYA,ADEN ,BORNEO.
DIED IN EDINBURGH HOSPITAL ON 10TH DECEMBER 06
FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT SEAFIELD CREMATORIUM
MONDAY 18TH DECEMBER AT 12 NOON
14 December 2006
Dear Sir,
Members of the Regiment are welcome at the Scots Guards Association Club,
2 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh. The Club is open from noon till 11 pm.
Yours sincerely
George Robinsonn
Committee member
13 December 2006
hi there,i was wondering if anyone would have info on4/5thbtn kosb round about the end of 19449 to 1945 i am looking for info on a thomas watson from newcastle served with the 4/5 was killed crossing the rhine.
7 December 2006
Eddie Baird.
Pipes and Drums Ballykinler/Malaya 1953/6
Eddie Baird died on Thursday, 30th November 2006 at his home in Chester le Street, Co Durham. Funeral arrangements not yet known.
[Ed: Donald has given details of the funeral arrangements. See the entry on the Noticeboard - 2 Dec 06]
1 December 2006
john:
Ref, mayor hamilton letter.
when has the brittish army ever had what it needs,be it men or equipment.the labour mps are there for a high salary not to give a dam about us,they proved that when they put there deaf ears on. now the kosb are no more and never will be thanks to those in power,who know every thing about pen pushing, but nothing of your trade and never will.let them do the fighting and we\\\\\\\"ll see how many more conflics they are ingaged in.i hope these so called mps wake up shortly and smell the bacon before more lives are lost.well done sir and keep on fighting one day they might just listen to someone who knows abit more about warfare than they do
john ex kosb
27 November 2006
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Published on the Daily Mail website 24 November 2006:
For two years, many former service personnel have been warning the government against cutting infantry strengths by 10% and abolishing the famous Scottish Regiments; against paying front line soldiers less than police, firemen and even bus drivers; and against breaching the overstretch guidelines by undertaking new military commitments without inadequate human and material resources. We predicted a collapse in recruiting and in public confidence. A retired Army Brigadier and I had the privilege of a meeting with a member of the Cabinet, his courteous and thoughtful response and his assurance that our briefing paper on the subject would be read personally by former defence minister, Geoff Hoon. Our advice to the government was not only ignored but also ridiculed. They cannot claim that they were not warned by many of us with experience of warfare in mountain, desert and urban areas in Muslim countries. Our forces are being damaged more by politicians than by guerillas and terrorists.
Maj (Retd) Michael Hamilton, Edinburgh, Scotland
24 November 2006
Major (Retd) Michael Hamilton, KOSB:
Could all the entries on this, our KOSB Association Edinburgh Branch Website, be made available on CD perhaps through RHQ while it still exists? Many entries are copies of letters to newspapers fighting for the survival of the Regiment. In a modern format, it is important regimental history. Copies of such a CD could be sold - and if money must be found to enable CDs to be sold at a price that members can afford, we could fund-raise here. Thanks. JMH XXV.
[Ed: Worth thinking about, although whether or not HHQ KOSB would get involved is another matter. I have had experience of producing DVDs for Association members (the slideshow for the Borneo Reunion Dinner) and I am still waiting on payment from 9 Association members. The DVDs were sent to them after the Dinner held on 29 April 2006. I suggest that if HHQ were to become involved that they ask for payment up front before sending out the CD. They should also be aware that ownership of anything published on our site belongs to the Edinburgh Branch and permission must be given before they enter into such a venture. Perhaps agreed "Royalties" be given by HHQ to boost the funds of the Edinburgh Branch!]
23 November 2006
A revalation to see that there is still heart in (ONCE A BORDERER ALWAYS A BORDERER )been out of touch with the Regiment for a good many years this due to me living in South Africa.Had i known about the 40 year Reunion i would certainly been there. But to all who were there i wish you well and hope it brought back some good memories as well as some of the not so good . And to any of you Borderers that can remember this Borderer. Drop me a few lines. 23472710 White John 56to59 S/Plt Did a good stint with C-Coy 9Plt at Yong Peng Good auld C/S 43. Had a good mate whom we served together from Depot to Demob Frank Moran from Edinburgh,would like to contact if still around or if any family. Would appreciate any info on how to trace. JW..
17 November 2006
Dave Chalmers, Branch Secretary:
FUNERAL OF THE LATE GEORGE (WINGNUT) STEWART
Confirmation has been received for the funeral of the late George (Wingnut) Stewart. It is to be held at West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk IP28 6RR on Wednesday 15 November at 10.30am.
13 November 2006
Sir
Iwould like to try and trace any old comrades that i served with in Korea 1950/52 S coy
12 November 2006
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