The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 12:55 pm Post subject: Colvend War Memorial WW2

Looking for some help on identifying a couple of people.

SGT. JOHN HEWITSON - RAF
There are 2 Sergeant John Hewitsons listed by CWGC both RAFVR
1. 1180812 Died 4 May 1942 age 26 - 78 Squadron Bomber Command
2. 1565879 Died 25 February age 20 - 100 Squadron BC
So far I cannot find any connection with either to Colvend

LIEUT. DAVID LEGGATT - RN
I think that this is David William Leggatt who was lost at sea when the submarine HMS Usk went missing believed sunk off the coast of Sicily in late April/early May 1941 - but apart from the CWGC citation I have no other information.

One guy who is not on the War Memorial but who is remembered on the family grave stone is:
JOHN McKNIGHT MARTIN - Corporal 7th (Airborne) Battalion KOSB - 1st Airlanding Brigade, who was killed in action on 25 September 1944 at Arnhem.
CWG - Arnhem Oosterbeck WAr Cemetery

Ken
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Ken

spoons · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject:

For Hewitson, neither 78 nor 110 squadron served in Dumfries and Galloway, both were bomber squadrons and both men are listed on the lostbombers website which explains the losses but does nothing to confirm the right man.

This is the only man listed on SNWM so my bet is on him.

Surname HEWITSON
Firstname John
Service number 1565879
Date of death 25/02/1944
Decoration
Place of birth Ayr
Other
SNWM roll ROYAL AIR FORCE and DOMINION AIR FORCES
Rank Sgt
Theatre of death R.A.F.V.R. B.C.

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

I think you probably have the right Leggatt but he is not on SNWM (not unusual for RN). I cannot find anything further about him but I notice that his name is a late addition to the memorial so you may find something in church records or the local paper sometime after the memorial was unveiled. Any older residents may also remember him because the name was added later.

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

I have not found John Martin on any other civic or church memorial but he is listed on 7th KOSB's memorial roll which you can see in Dumfries Aviation Museum and here http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=1525

\Paul

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:22 pm Post subject:

Paul

Found John Martin (whilst looking for someone else) on the Kirkgunzeon War Memorial.
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Ken