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Author Topic: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch  (Read 1706 times)

Offline suds

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Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« on: Tuesday 08 May 12 15:16 BST (UK) »
Hello

I am writing on behalf of my partner.

I have attached a photo of her grandfather who was in the Black Watch during the first world war. During the war he served in Palestine and France, however there is a note that suggests the photo is taken at Keynsham.

I guess our query is:

What is he doing on a horse? According to family stories he seems to have walked everywhere he went. We would also be interested to have some indication of his rank. Does the stick he is carrying have any significance?

Here's hoping

regards

Suds

Online mmm45

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 08 May 12 18:53 BST (UK) »
Hes a Lance Corporal (one stripe) the Horse may be part of the Transport Section of the Battalion or he MAY be looking after an officers?

Horses were the workhouses of the military in WW1

Ady
Lowe(Lower Gornall-Castleford)
Blackburn (Castleford)
Sidwell(Ledsham)
Fairburn(Hartshead)
Wood(Liversedge)
Tallon (Whittington Lancs/Hartshead West Yorkshire)

Researching all Great War soldiers from the Spen Valley of West Yorkshire Especially lads from the Cleckheaton Company of 1/4th West Riding Regiment.

Offline suds

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 08 May 12 19:42 BST (UK) »
Ady

Thanks for your response.

What you say is probably correct.

I'm sorry I cocked up attaching the photo.

Regards

Suds

Offline armagh20

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #3 on: Thursday 10 May 12 21:50 BST (UK) »
There is a record card for Alex Ballantyne, Regimental 5493 who was a SGT, I do not know if this is your man,can you check if he has a regimental Number,if you have his medals, look on the rim.
Joe

Offline thommoje

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #4 on: Monday 21 May 12 02:58 BST (UK) »

 Hi Suds,
              My Dad served in the Black Watch ( Royal Highlanders) in WW1 and I have a photo of him in his Battalion taken at Kynesham. Photographer - F M Orchard. This was obviously where they underwent basic training before being sent overseas.
              You should be able to find him on the National Archives site under Military.They have the soldiers` Medal Cards available in their Documents Online section.You should be able to download a copy for a couple of Quid.
               Regards, Thommoje
Hardie ,Hislop ,Beattie , Glass , Heslehurst
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Offline suds

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #5 on: Monday 21 May 12 06:18 BST (UK) »
Thommoje

Thanks for your response.

We have his medal card. We have several photos taken at Keynsham. We were intrigued about the one I showed because he was sat on a horse. There are lots of accounts of him walking long distances - through Palestine to Basra, for instance - none mention him riding in style on a horse.

Regards

Suds

Offline suds

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #6 on: Monday 21 May 12 18:54 BST (UK) »
Thommoje

We've just dug out the original photos that we have. One of them (attached) is annotated across one corner FREDK M ORCHARD,  KEYNSHAM, SOM.

Regards

Suds

Offline armagh20

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Re: Alexander Ballantyne - Black Watch
« Reply #7 on: Monday 21 May 12 21:46 BST (UK) »
Very good photos
Why not post on the BW site?
Joe
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