A visit to Scotland . . .

After the POW reunion in Newcastle I travelled up to Scotland for two weeks to learn more about the FEPOWs. I first went to Aberdeen where I had the pleasure to finally meet fellow researcher and friend Stewart Mitchell, who does volunteer work for the Gordon Highlanders Museum and with whom I have worked for the past year sorting out the men of that regiment who were in Taiwan. Of the three days I spent there, one was at the GH Museum which has a nice display on the FEPOWs and has asked for my help in arranging a special display on the FEPOWs for next spring. I look forward to working with Stewart and the museum in the future. Stewart also arranged some self-guided walking tours through the area for me so I was able to explore Aberdeen and its history and sights. I really enjoyed the time I had there and hope to return again in the future.

Stewart was also kind enough to accompany me to Dundee to visit our mutual friend and ex-POW Alistair Urquhart of the Gordon Highlanders. Alistair was not a POW on Taiwan but was in the same convoy of hellships as my two Australian cousins who were torpedoed by American subs on the way from Singapore to Japan in September 1944. He was on the Kachidoki Maru and they were on the Rakuyo Maru. Alistair was rescued, but sadly my cousins were both lost at sea. It was good to finally meet him after corresponding for many years, and we spent a nice few hours together.

The next seven days were spent in Edinburgh and on one of those days I took a train out to Stirling – the site of many famous battles and events in Scottish history, in addition to the famous castle there. The castle is home to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment and while there I met and visited with Archie Wilson of the museum staff who kindly showed me around the museum. I had also been working with Curator Rod Mackenzie in past months to establish the Argyll’s who had been POWs on Taiwan and it was good to see their display on the FEPOWs as well.

Back in Edinburgh, I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the wonderful city with all its historic sites and Scottish culture. Being connected to the Thompson clan I was also able to explore a little of my roots and as well, re-live long ago memories of a little dog from Edinburgh that touched the hearts of the world – Greyfriars Bobby! I also had the pleasure of visiting one evening with Mrs. Elizabeth Keith, widow of Taiwan POW John Keith whom I have known almost since I began this work many years ago. It was a fantastic trip and I hope that I can return to Scotland again sometime in the future.

Gordon’s Museum	FEPOW Display	Argyll’s Museum	2nd Btn. FEPOW Display	Greyfriars Bobby