126490 (5623277) Captain Ranulph LUMGAIR, Seaforth Highlanders 1940 whereabouts

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by Chris Wilson, May 13, 2024.

  1. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    I am writing a biography of one of our villagers, who fell in WW2, as part of a community project. I've got stuck on a bit of detail and would appreciate some help.

    The man in question was commissioned into the 5th Seaforth Highlanders and went to France with the BEF on 16 May 1940. I have been told of a brother who posted information on a forum to say he escaped via St. Lezayre but I cannot find details of this place and I'm left wondering if it is a spelling error (I have no way of checking this). His service record shows him being back home on 23 June 1940.

    I'd be really interested to know where he was for those four weeks in order to add some colour to the biography.
     
  2. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    A name would help. 5th Seaforth never went to France in 1940. Maybe he was posted to 4th seaforth, or 2nd Seaforth. Probably 2nd Seaforth as they replaced 6th Seaforth early 1940 as the regular army regiment in 152 brigade.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2024
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  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

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  4. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    Confusing!

    His name is Ranulph Lumgair. I know he was with the Seaforth Highlanders, the detail about it being the 5th also came from the post by his brother, so it would appear there are a few inaccuracies in the account. He went on to say that after he returned he was made Captain of the 7th battalion, however then volunteered with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, which I know he was with when KIA.
    https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2822736/ranulph-lumgair/

    Any clarity and/or unravelling would be much appreciated.
     
  5. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    Last edited: May 13, 2024
  6. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    The note in the Gazette was concerning his commission.
     
  7. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    Thought I'd add this snippet from his service record in case that allows anyone to offer me any further help.

    As well as original question, it throws up a few other issues.
    1. When was he apptd Captain (as apposed to acting captain)
    2. What does "embarked draft RNAHA" mean"
    3. Did he actually transfer to the Argyll & Sutherlanders after arriving in Africa rather than shipping out with them?
     
  8. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    A thought; If he had been attached to the A&SH in 1940 he may have gotten away with Ark Force from Le Havre. They sailed from Le Havre between 11th and 13th June to Cherbourg and then sailed from there to Southampton on 15th June arriving 16th June. Maybe he went to St. Lezayre, Isle of Man for debriefing? before getting home.
     
  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  10. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    I'm pretty sure he was not attached to the A&SH in 1940
     
  11. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    It is strange that he is not on any lists as missing?
     
  12. 51highland

    51highland Very Senior Member

    The only other thing is that he was with 6th Seaforth and evacuated vie Dunkirk 1st June 1940. You need his service records to find his postings.
     
  13. spindrift

    spindrift Active Member

    FMP
    British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945
    WO 417/4
    WO 417/5

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Chris Wilson

    Chris Wilson Member

    Thanks, spindrift, for the cuttings - I did have these but they just add further confusion. Official records list him at the end as captain, although the two items above suggest either W.S/Lieut or T/Capt.

    Sorry, meant to post a screenshot from his service record before Screenshot 2024-05-13 122841.png
     
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