CAN YOU HELP UNLOCK THE DETAILS OF A SOLDIER'S PAST?
THE grand-daughter of a Kirriemuir-born World War II soldier is hoping to piece together her grandfather's past through the pages of the "Dispatch" and "Herald" by appealing to our readers for any information they might have.
Ms Gail Watson wrote to us from Ontario, Canada, in her quest for information about her grandfather Frank Lawson Smart.
Over a period of 18 months, Gail has exhausted all of the resources she can think of and has found herself no further forward.
Gail contacted the Dispatch and Herald after getting our web address from the Family History Society.
"I am so hoping your readers may be able to help me," she explains. "Over the past one and a half years I have used all resources that I can think of.
"My grandfather served in World War II. He was born in Kirriemuir and lived in Brechin.
"However, he was stationed in Blackpool, I believe, and was responsible for the Balloon Barrages.
"The Almanac of Brechin Library shows he was on the Muster Roll of 1941. He was an instructor with the RAF.
"I now believe he was a civilian instructor ,having a skilled background which the RAF wanted. However, he may have not had to join the RAF, but perhaps the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
"I have notified the RAF Disclosures in Sleaford, Lincolnshire only to receive a response they had no record of anyone by that name.
"I have sent money and documents to several places and this is getting a wee bit expensive only to have negative response.
"Could he have trained somewhere near his home town before he was stationed? I understand they had two training camps - Squires Gate and Weeton in Blackpool.
"My only next of kin is my mum who is not well. She was only a wee girl at the time of the war.
"Frank's parents were William Smart and Anne Lawson and he was born on April 2, 1901, in Kirriemuir.
"He resided at 3B Castle Street, Brechin, and went on to marry Elizabeth Lindsay Nicoll.
Gail continued: "I just need to know that there is a record out there for him and I will send all that is required to get the information."
If you think you may be able to help Gail fill in the gaps of her grandfather's past, she can be contacted by email at gailwatson@xplornet.com
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Weather for Forfar
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: East
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