Scotland’s Longest Serving Soldier Dies

| February 4, 2013 | 0 Comments
Black Watch Cap Badge

Black Watch Cap Badge

Harry Morgan, Scotland’s longest-serving World War Two veteran has died aged 87. With a military career spanning 48 years, Harry served as a Black Watch quartermaster sergeant and was part of the legendary 51st Highland Division.

In 1942 at the age of 17 years and two days, Harry enlisted in The Black Watch and was sent to Perth for initial training. On completion he was transferred to the 1st Battalion Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch), then to the 5th Battalion Black Watch as part of the 51st Highland Division. During his time with the battalions he saw action at some of World War Two’s fiercest battle sites including Caen, the Falais Gap, the corridor through Holland, Ardennes, Reichwald, Goch and the crossing of the Rhine.

Harry was awarded the War Medal (1939-45) and the France and Germany Star (1939-45), and upon demobilisation in 1948 he enlisted in the 6th/7th Battalion The Black Watch (Territorial Army). In 1957, SQMS Morgan transferred into the Royal Army Pay Corps (TA), which was administering the wages for the 51st Highland Division, and on the formation of the new Territorial Army and Volunteer Reserves (TAVRA) in 1967, he joined HQ Company of the 1st Battalion 51st Highland Volunteers.

Harry served with the Highland Volunteers until 1990, and was described by then Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Richard Nunneley as “an inspiration” to all who served with him and praised his “devotion to duty, dedication, bearing and cheerful disposition” during his “long and outstanding service”.

Upon news of Harry’s death, Black Watch Association secretary Major Ronnie Proctor said they have lost one of the regiment’s “best and dearest”.

“Harry lived for The Black Watch and he will be sorely missed,” he said. “He was a true loyal soldier. He was the most gentlemanly of gentlemen and enriched the lives of those who were privileged to know him. He wore the Red Hackle with pride over a career spanning an amazing 48 years. The Black Watch has lost someone very special.”

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Category: The Black Watch

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Nadine has recently arrived in Scotland from New Zealand, and currently works at scotclans.com

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