The Black Watch was an elite military Regiment whose history stretches back almost three centuries. This website aims to provide comprehensive information on everything 'Black Watch' from the history of the Regiment to its current activities and exists to celebrate and sustain that unique heritage and tradition.
The 51st (Highland) Division and St Valéry-en-Caux, France 1940
September 25, 2008
An illustrated talk by Angus Hay in aid of Erskine, caring for ex-Service men and women.
7.00-8.30pm, Tuesday 4 November 2008.
Refreshments available 6.30pm.
The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Dumbarton Road
Stirling
FK8 2RQ
Ticket price: £10 (suggested donation)
The 51st (Highland) Division was a territorial Division that fought with distinction throughout both World Wars.
In his talk, Angus Hay presents the sequence of events that led to the capture of the 51st (Highland) Division in 1940. After being cut off from the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), the Division was forced to retreat to St Valéry-en-Caux where attempts were made to evacuate by the Royal Navy prior to its surrender to the Germans. Thereafter, Hay describes the conditions endured by the soldiers as Prisoners-of-War.
Angus Hay is a former army officer, whose father served with the Gordon Highlanders in the 51st (Highland) Division and was captured at St Valéry-en-Caux. He has travelled extensively throughout his life, and as an amateur historian, has researched and written about a number of historical events relating to the British Army in the countries in which he has lived.
L/Cpl James Wilson, one of the three escapees who spoke Gaelic to evade capture at St Valéry.
To reserve your place please contact:
Cherry Marsden,
The Erskine Home,
Bishopton, PA7 5PU
Tel: 0141 814 4532
E-mail: cherry.marsden@erskine.org.uk