Private WALKER, DAVID Service Number 2750901 Died 15/10/1940 Aged 35 1st Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) Son of William and Mary Ann Walker, of Dundee; husband of Mary Walker, of Dundee. Remembered with honour PERIGUEUX NORTHERN COMMUNAL CEMETERY Plot 9. Grave 3. FRANCE Unfortunately, the marble name plaque from the original French cross which is behind the CWGC headstone is missing. I would love to know how David came to be buried here. Buried alongside WRAIGHT and WALKER RAF 151 Squadron (listed on the RAF War Graves thread). I first looked for these War Graves and couldn't find them. I asked cemetery workers if they knew where they were situated as there were several War Graves of French Servicemen. One of the workers recalled seeing some graves in another cemetery in Perigueux. I went to that one and found them. I contacted CWGC to inform them of the incorrect listing, which they have done. I was visiting while waiting for my daughter to finish at Lycee.
Have you tried the Bkack Watch Regt Museum/Assoc etc ?? 4 months after the fall of France - would assume he was a straggler trying to get to Spain, or the SW coast for a boat, soo very likely trying to escape back to UK If you live near there (havent checked) are there any records in the local marie's office?? TD
Hi TD, Thanks for your reply. I am awaiting a response from The Black Watch Museum and have joined The Black Watch Forum with a view to posing the question there. The Mairie's office is a good idea. I have asked the Army Museum in Perigueux if they have any information and am awaiting a reply. I have also sent an email to the group remembering the Resistance in Perigueux, although they might not have existed at the time.
Wasn't Perigueux in the Vichy portion of France in October 1940? He may have been wounded earlier in the Retreat west and been in a hospital in Perigueux area when he succumbed to his wounds....
Hi Kevin, Yes Périgueux was in the Vichy controlled part of France from July 1940. Vichy did round up and hand over Jews to the Germans, but I wonder what their policy was with soldiers? There were camps run by the Milice in Southern France. Paul
