Thanks for your reply and for that very informative page. I've noticed further back in this thread the movements of 299th battery. The movents from 1.6.40 Somme area to 6.6.40 Bresle area look like the critical time. I have left a private message for Drew5233 so maybe he could throw some more light on it. If its appropriate - I'd like to post a couple of pictures.
Ref further info there's only the diary really. That goes up to the 30th June 1940 when the unit was back in the UK. It's unlikely the diary will mention your chap by name anywhere than the list already posted.
Thanks for the reply Drew5233. From the info available, I think I've learned as much as I am going to learn. The important thing is keeping his memory alive.
There is quite a decent amount written in the official history and other commercially written narratives regarding the efforts of the 51st Highland Division during that period. The Battery itself will not pick up many name drops, and the family member you are researching is unlikely to feature at all. Nevertheless, unlike many other areas, this particular spot is well documented and readble. If he went missing on the 5th in or near Quesnoy, it was at the very beginning of the German push south from the Somme.
Thanks MarkN - that sounds like something I would like to read. If you have any links or book suggestions I would be grateful. I have attached (hopefully!) the newspaper story that mentions Quesnoy. It was published some months after he went missing.
Is that a 51 Div History or a 75th Field Regiment history? If the later do you have the book name and author please?
Hell no! I was thinking of Ellis' War in France and Flanders. Of all the formations/units of the BEF, the 51st Highland Division gets the greatest attention by Ellis. General in nature, but excellent for providing the background canvas to orientate oneself. I don't possess any books myself, but I know plenty exist regarding the 51st Highland Division in France. There was even a TV documentary aired this summer. And whilst people like you and I may have a deep frown on some of the historical 'facts' (nothing bigger than a boyes AT rifle to take on the panzers!!!), even that provides a decent all round background to what they got up to. Seddy57 seems already to be doing a fine job of drilling down individual pieces of the jigsaw. When he orientates those pieces to the bigger picture, it will all look rather good I expect.
