DRYSDALE, Kenneth J.H.

Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
'Commando Basic Training Centre'
Regiment/Corps: 
King's Own Scottish Borderers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
3191996
Died : 
Tuesday, July 4, 1944
Died on war service
Died in the UK
Age: 
27

Private Kenneth Drysdale drowned at Mucomir, Gairlochy, whilst serving at the Commando Basic Training Centre, Achnacarry. Son of Andrew Sproat Drysdale and Maggie Drysdale, of Wigtown; husband of Eileen Doris Drysdale, of Wigtown.
He died along with another soldier, Pte Charles Sweeney aged 26 from Stoke on Trent [see below], whilst fishing from a boat with 15 yr old John McKay, the son of a water bailiff from Kilmonivaig. A newspaper report states that they lost an oar whilst manoeuvring the boat into a suitable spot near Mucomir Falls on the River Lochy and got carried away into the swirling water.
The Register of Deaths records his profession as Crown Labourer "Commando Forces" and the informant is recorded as T.R. Coleman, Camp Chaplain, Achnacarry. Reverend Coleman was RNVR and on the staff at the CBTC as Chaplain. Whilst the CWGC record does not show a Commando unit, the CWGC Grave Registration report shows "Commando Basic Training Centre, KOSB". Additional detail is required as to his status at the Training Centre.

Service as a Commando has not been established.

Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/79.
Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour file ref. National Archives DEFE/2/843.
CWGC database - Grave Registration Report.
Register of Deaths in the district of Lochaber.
The Scotsman newspaper published 6th July 1944

Primary Roll of Honour: 
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