Search for war victim's relatives

by Colin Hutton • Published 9 Oct 2009 12:32 0 Comments

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Killed by by a lone German bomber

A soldier from Helensburgh who was killed by a lone German bomber during the Second World War is to remembered at a special ceremony.

William Torrance Hamilton, 19, a gunner with the Royal Artillery, perished along with 20 other soldiers - including two from Dumbarton - when their army base was targeted by Hitler's Nazis.

And as the 70th anniversary of the tragedy approaches, the son of one of the men who was lucky to survive the aerial attack is hoping to track down relatives of the fallen heroes so that they can attend the poignant event.

Stuart Gray's father, Andrew, and the rest of the 58th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment were resting up at the Penhale Army Camp, in Cornwall, as they tried to come to terms with the horrific battles they had faced in Calais and Dunkirk.

But the bomber struck as the men lay dozing at the barracks on a hot afternoon on Sunday July 7 1940.

Clydebank man Stuart, 58, told the Advertiser: "The troops who survived the battles in Calais and Dunkirk had just returned to Penhale and then on a sunny Sunday afternoon a lone bomber went over and dropped four high explosive two-hundred-and-twenty pound bombs, although one did not go off.

"This was a terrible tragedy when it happened in Cornwall all those years ago.

"The community holds a commemorative service every July, but next year because it is the 70th anniversary there will be a special remembrance service in the village, as well as one at the army camp.

"I've already been in touch with seven of the victims' families but the two men who were from Dumbarton and the one from Helensburgh I have had no luck with yet."

Gunner Hamilton was the son of John and Mary Hamilton.

The 58th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment was only formed on the outbreak of war, and was made up of many of the troops from the 9th (Dumbarton) Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

The Perranporth community, which is the village nearest to the army base, is hosting the service and the tragic event will also be marked with a ceremony at the barracks in July 2010.

Any relatives of the fallen Dumbarton soldiers, or anyone based at Penhale Camp in 1940, should contact Stuart on 07810450419 or email scotscan@talktalk.net for more information.

HAMILTON, William Torrance

- Gunner, RA, 1478036.

- Of 173 Bty., 58 Lt. A.A. Regt.

- Killed age 22.

- Born in Dunbartonshire. Resident in Dunbartonshire (at time of enlistment).

- Son of John and Mary Hamilton of Helensburgh.

- Buried in St. Piran's Churchyard, Perranzabuloe, Cornwall.

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