The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Adam Brown

Tony Price posted this query on the Scottish Military Research Group website

Is it possible for someone to confirm whether a memorial to the 1st Maritime RA Regt. exists in a church at Lochwinnoch. Many years ago I seem to remember someone telling me that my uncle,William Lloyd Lewis is named on it. Prior to his death at sea in 1942, he was based near Stranraer and made regular trips as a gunner aboard HMT Hampton sailing between Stranraer and Larne.

My uncle was based at Stranraer for about 18 months between 1940 and 1942 (he always gave his address as either "Movement Control" or "Transit Camp", Stranraer). For much of this time he served on HMT "Hampton" which I understand made regular trips between Stranraer and Larne. On the 18th December 1941 he sailed on the Norwegian vessel Blink from Ardrossan as its gunner but sadly the ship was sunk by a U-Boat on its return journey from the USA in February 1942.

Any information about this transit camp, the Hampton (eg precisely what purpose did this ship serve?), or the memorial in Lochwinnoch would be very much appreciated.

I think from memory that there may be a roll of honour in Lochwinnoch Parish Church to the regiment.

Adam