99698 Desmond KIRKNESS - Royal Artillery

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Bala, May 30, 2020.

  1. Bala

    Bala Member

    DESMOND KIRKNESS was commissioned in 1939 and became Deputy Commander of Auxiliary Units in 1943 as A/Major
    Looking for a photograph and information on him.
    He was discharged in 1958 having reached the upper age limit. with the rank of Lt Colonel.

    Any help appreciated - thank you
     
  2. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

    Bala dear chap, coming at this a bit sideways but it may be worth giving his former school a go.

    Given the secrecy surrounding The Auxiliary Units for so many years the school may be unaware of their former pupil and his military history, but they may (notwithstanding any data protection issues) have a photograph. Even if he hated school he may well have visited post war whilst still in the Army. They may (hopefully) at the very least be interested in what you have already discovered about the man in relation to their OCTU. A quid-pro-quo exchange may be possible (I don't think they do tit-for-tat in those circles!)

    The school contact details are here:

    Contact Us | Westminster School

    Also, for a little light relief do watch this short film made by the school in 1960. It will likely put you off pancakes for life but for me was worth the viewing for the brief glimpse of Brian Horrocks in his Black Rod days, and I'd love to think the chap in army uniform with The Duke of Gloucester is our man but I think not. Anyway, here's the pancake murderer's link, enjoy!



    Good luck with the hunt, I'll do some book checking tomorrow and let you know if I come up with anything.

    Kind regards, always,

    Jim.
     
  3. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

    Bala, I'm hopeful that the school must have a photo of him as a member of the OCTU at the very least.

    And, dug this out of the old internet in the meantime. No pictures of course but there is a D Kirkness (Major, RA) listed.

    Kind regards, always,

    Jim.

    P.S. If you've already been down this route, apologies!
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Bala

    Bala Member

    Thank you Jim for your advice.
    Desmond Kirkness remarried in October 1943 and I hoped he got married in uniform.
    I am in touch with his son but no photograph available.
    So the search goes on.
     
    JimHerriot likes this.

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