William Tannock was killed in action on 18 November 1944. He was a Corporal in the 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (Service No. 2765552), aged just 20. He was initially buried at Cemetery A. vd Wijst in Overloon and re-interred on 13 May 1947 in grave II. B. 12 in the Overloon CWGC Cemetery.
 
No photo of William has yet been found. Should anyone reading this have a photo of him or further information regarding him – or if they are aware of any errors in his biography below can they please contact the Foundation.

Family Background

William Tannock was born on 13 November 1924 at 35 Graham Avenue, Radnor Park, Clydebank.

His parents were James Tannock and Elizabeth Meredith who had married on 3 March 1899 at St Thomas’ Manse in Leith. This was under the auspices of the Church of Scotland. James was 24 and working as a Carter and Elizabeth (known as Lizzie) was 18 and a Millworker. They were both living at 6 Giles Place, Leith at the time.
James’ father was given as John Tannock, also a carter, and his mother was Agnes Tannock (nee Duff). Lizzie’s father was William Meredith, a mason, and her mother was Agnes Meredith (nee McLean).
 
Their first son, John, was born on 31 December 1899 at Railway Huts, Fountainhall, Stow which is near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders. His father was still working as a carter. The address may suggest his work was connected with the railway. Oddly, the family could not be found in the 1901 Census.
 
They had a second child called David on 12 January 1902 at Kerse Lane in Falkirk, Stirlingshire. James was now working as a Rope Runner. However, just a few weeks later, on 27 February, their first child, John, died of Bronco Pneumonia which he had been suffering from for 7 days. Although James was described as a Rope Runner at David’s birth, he was now described as an Engine Driver.
 
A third child called William was born in 1904 at 27 Main Street, Ayr. James was working again as a Carter. Another child called Mary was born on 1 May 1906 at High Pleasance, Falkirk. James was back working as a Rope Runner at this time. On 28 July, 1907, another child, James, was born at 6 Eastvale Place, Glasgow. James was now working as a Waggon Shunter.
 
However, on 22 September 1907, not long after James’ birth, his sister Mary died aged just 16 months at Belvidere Hospital in Glasgow of Varicella Cerebral Congestion – a complication of chickenpox. James was described as a Contractor Labourer. Just a few weeks later, on 15 October 1907, William aged 3 years also died, this time in at Ruehill Hospital of cerebro – spinal fever. This is now called bacterial meningitis. James was now described as a Dock Labourer. The family address at the time of these deaths was still 6 Eastvale Place, Kelvinhaugh in the Partick area of Glasgow.
 
A fifth child called Andrew was born on 20 January, 1910 at Chapel Place in Inverkeithing in Fife. James was now described as a General Labourer.
 
Once again, the family couldn’t be found in the 1911 census, suggesting they had not filled it in.
 
A sixth child, John, was born on 16 January 1912 at 33 Sherriff Brae, Leith. James was once again described as a Dock Labourer.
 
All this suggests a family who were continually on the move and that James’ work was often of a quite temporary nature.
 
By 1914, it seems that the family had moved to Gateshead in County Durham, England. Here, they had a daughter, Abigail, in 1914.
 
It seems that James enlisted at London in the Royal Engineers on 8 September 1915, during WW1. His service number was 118842. He was a Pioneer in the 7th Labour Battalion and was paid 3 shillings a day. His address on enlistment was given as 3 Bankfield Lane, Gateshead. His occupation was given as a Labourer. He stated that he was 42 years old, suggesting he was born around 1873. He had married on 3 March 1899. His wife, Elizabeth Tannock, was given as his next of kin. His four surviving older children were listed, but not his youngest child, Abigail.
 
He embarked with the British Expeditionary Force for France on 17 September 1915. However, he was admitted to hospital on 22 January 1916, probably somewhere near Rouen [or Argues]. He seems to have been moved from one hospital to another on 28 January and again on 10 February. He was finally transferred back to England on 12 February, arriving at the War Hospital in Bradford, Yorkshire on 13 February. It was stated that he was sick. One possibility is that he may have suffered from the effects of gas warfare. He was transferred to the 3rd Prov. Company on that date and then discharged on 7 April 1916 from Chatham as his service was no longer required. He had served for 244 days. On discharge, his age was now given as 44 and his occupation was as a Navvy. His intended place of residence was given as 4 Cook’s Yard, Off Bankwell Lane, Gateshead – the same address as that now given for his wife. His conduct was described as satisfactory and his military character as good. He was awarded the 1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.
 
He and Elizabeth went on to have another daughter, Elizabeth, in 1917 in Gateshead, but she died the same year. Another child, Robert Henry Tannock, was born on 16 May 1918 at 11 Cook’s Yard, Bankwell Lane, Gateshead. His father was once again described as a General Labourer. Another daughter, Agnes, was born in Middlesborough in 1921.
 
Once again, the family could not be found in the 1921 Census.
 
It seems that by 1924 they had returned to Scotland as Wiliam was born 13 November 1924 at 35 Graham Avenue, Radnor Park, Clydebank. Their last child, Ellen Tannock, was born in 1927 in Old/West Kilpatrick.
 
Between 1925 and 1939, six of William’s siblings married. David married Emily Johnston in Old/West Kilpatrick in 1925 and went on to have six children in the north east of England. James married Rose Wigmore in Old/West Kilpatrick in 1931 and had two children there in 1932 and 1933 but then had another in Yorkshire in 1940. They later lived in Birkenhead on the Wirral peninsula. Andrew married in 1929 in Old Kilpatrick and went on to have five children there. Abigail married John Gaughan in 1933 in Old/West Kilpatrick but no children were found. Robert Henry married Catherine Curran Robertson in Old/West Kilpatrick in 1939 and had one child in Belshill in Glasgow.

Military Career

William Tannock enlisted in Glasgow on 19 March 1941 and was despatched as a Private to the 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) at Milnathort. Milnathort lies between Perth and Dunfermline in Scotland. He stated that his date of birth was 2 February 1923, suggesting that he was 18. His service record stated that his birth certificate gave his date of birth as 13 November 1923, making him 17. However, his birth date was registered as 13 November 1924, suggesting he was actually only 16 when he enlisted.
 
His address was given as 35 Graham Avenue, Clydebank, Dumbartonshire which is the same street in which he was born. He and both his parents were Scottish. He named his father, James Tannock, at the same address as his next of kin, although this was changed to his mother at 166 Duntocher Road, Clydebank, possibly on 17 December 1943. His occupation was given as Labourer. However, this could not be verified as his employer’s business destroyed by enemy action. He was just under 5ft 6in tall and weighed 132 ½ lbs. He was described as having a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. His religion was Presbyterian. His educational grade was given as D and his medical condition was Grade 1.
 
It is interesting that he enlisted just 5 days after what is known as the Clydebank Blitz. This was a pair of air raids conducted by the Luftwaffe on the shipbuilding and munition-making town of Clydebank in Scotland. The bombings took place on 13 and 14 March 1941. The town was largely destroyed and it suffered the worst destruction and civilian loss of life in all of Scotland. 1,200 people died, 1,000 people were seriously injured, and hundreds more were injured by blast debris. Out of approximately 12,000 houses, only eight remained undamaged. Many industrial targets were severely damaged. It may be that this inspired him to join up – and may explain how his employer’s business had been destroyed.
 
On 15 February 1942, the 70th (Young Soldiers) Battalion of the Black Watch became the 1st Battalion Highland Regiment which was now William’s regiment. It was based at Broughty Ferry at the time. Broughty Ferry is just to the east of Dundee in the east of Scotland. This is the area in which the Battalion remained until mid November.
 
The transcript in the war diary of an item in the 1 o’clock news of 19 May 1942 told of a visit by a journalist to what he described as this “infant regiment” which had only just been formed. He said that the main purpose of this regiment was to ensure a steady flow of well trained youth and strength to its older brother regiments. He said that when they reached 20 every man was posted to another regiment. Most wanted to go to a Highland Regiment and most had an idea of which one they wished to go to. So far, all had got the one they wanted.
 
The troops spent their time training and carrying out various exercises. Men were regularly moved out to other Regiments while others joined the Regiment from elsewhere.
 
On 2 October 1942 William was fined 7 days pay for lending out a pair of boots without permission two days previously – a relatively minor misdemeanour.
 
Between 14 and 18 November 1942, the Regiment moved down to England. Most were stationed at Freckenham Camp near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. However, B and D Companies were sent to Wisbech in Cambridgeshire to work on the sugar beet harvest. B and D companies moved again on 28 November. B company moved to Littleport, north of Ely in Cambridgeshire while D Company continued with beet lifting at Haddenham.
 
William remained with this Battalion until 3 March 1943 when he was transferred to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, presumably to the 1st Battalion which he was in at the time of his death. He was again still a Private.
 
Here he headed back to Scotland, as the 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers transferred on 6 March 1943 to Acharacle on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in western Scotland, having just been issued with extra clothing. They began training here on 8 March and the War Diary indicates that the purpose of the training was to harden the troops “and from the looks of the hills there isn’t much doubt that it will.”
 
However, between 23 and 26 March the Battalion transferred again to Stobs Camp at Hawick in the Scottish Borders where they remained until mid October 1943. Here their time was again spent training for what was to come.
 
While based here, they sometimes had spells in other locations. In particular, from 19 to 27 April nearly the whole Battalion spent time on Combined Operations Training at Inverary on Loch Fyne. Here they practiced landing exercises for what was to become D-Day. However, they were glad when they got back to Hawick as it had rained every day in Inverary. A major focus was training on firing ranges as they were required to be first class shots by 31 July. They also spent time on marches, sometimes of around 12 miles which they seemed to enjoy.  In early July most of the men were able to have around a week’s leave.
 
From 22 July to 9 August they were again at Inverary for more training on landings. The Battalion suffered the death of a Corporal Clark during a field firing exercise as he was hit by a 3in piece of mortar shrapnel. This time they started with 4 glorious days of weather before it started raining again, so they were again glad to be back at Hawick.
 
Various exercises in September were held jointly with the 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles with whom they would fight in Europe.
 
Once again by early September one company was undertaking farming work, being distributed far afield such as to Yetholm near the English border, though it was said that the men seemed to enjoy it. They were officially thanked for helping to get the harvest in. On 1 October the War Diary reported that “The famers have returned to the fold.”
 
Another exercise away from Hawick took place from 5 to 13 October at Tighnabruaich. It was described as a tented camp in a sea of mud where many came down with ‘flu.
 
On 17 October the Battalion left Stobs Camp for Selkirk as they switched location with the 2nd Lincolnshires. Training continued here as usual. In early January 1944 the Battalion was again at a different location for around a week. This time it was at the Muir of Ord in North East Scotland in a tented camp where they were practicing landing and moving off a beach. Many men seemed able to take some leave in February 1944.
 
Towards the end of April the War Diary gets less explicit about locations. There was a briefing on 25 April for an operation, then on 29 April, a move was made to “different locations” in readiness for embarkation. During May, they seem to have been based in the south of England as there are references to the South Downs and Waterlooville. On 26 May, the camp was sealed and preparations began for Operation Overlord on 27 May. They moved to the marshalling area on 31 May and commenced embarkation on 4 to 5 June, but the operation was postponed for 24 hours.
 
They finally landed at Queen Beach on 6 June, first reaching the assembly area at Hermanville sur Mer and then moving first to Colleville sur Orne and then St Aubin D’Arquenay where they spent the night. The next day they moved to Periers sur le Dan in readiness for an attack on Cazelle. However, it was reported clear of enemy so they moved on to a wood just north east of Le Mensil. They remained on the left end of this wood the following day with the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles on the right. They moved back to an assembly area near Le Mensil on 9 June while the 2 RUR put in an attack on Cambes. When they got pinned down, the 1st KOSB put in an attack which succeeded, but with some casualties. They consolidated in this area the following day.
 
Over the next days they suffered a degree of shelling causing some casualties. The Battalion operated patrols in various areas, sometimes encountering the enemy with casualties on both sides.
 
On 20 June the Battalion took over from the 2 RUR at Le Mensil in the Brigade reserve area. On 21 June approximately 15 enemy shells fell in the Battalion area killing 5 men and wounding 11 others. A casualty record indicates that William Tannock was wounded that day. It isn’t thought that this can have been very serious. While he was placed on a list indicating that he was away from his Battalion that day as a result there was no later mention of it.
 
The Battalion took over from the 2nd Lincolnshires at Cambes on 29 June and on 8 July took over form the 2nd KSLI at Le Homme before moving on to near Lebisey. This was in preparation for an attack with the Canadians and the 2 RUR on Caen the next day. They cleared the town with little difficulty and were welcomed by the French people. They then moved to Plumetot for a rest period before moving to Breville on 16 July.
 
On 18 July, they moved to an assembly area at Le Mensil before commencing an attack towards Troarn. They made some progress but faced strong opposition. The attack continued the following day but had to withdraw back to their previous position due to heavy casualties. On 31 July they moved to the army reserve at Bieville.
 
On 2 August they moved to Longraye then to an area north of Foret D’Eveque two days later. On 6 August they succeeded in taking Montisanger without facing any opposition. On 8 August they moved to La Groudiere then La Planche. On 9 August they successfully attacked Vire along with the 2 RUR. The Battalion nearly had to get involved in an attack on Tinchebray but other Regiments were successful, allowing the Battalion to stay in reserve. On 13 August they took over at Viessoix. On the 16th  they moved towards Tinchebray then Flers but the enemy were withdrawing. On the 17th they swept a large area south of Flers. They found a holiday atmosphere and were covered in flowers. On 20 August they moved on to La Chapelle au Moine. While there, they had a draft of 3 officers and 60 other ranks – some of whom were from the Battalion who had previously been wounded. On 22 August, William was appointed to the rank of Lance Corporal.
 
On 3 September they moved 147 miles to Hacqueville south west of Rouen. They were still in reserve. On 6 September they moved a short distance to Etrepagny. On 16 and 17 September they moved on into Belgium, by passing Brussels and reaching an area to the south of the Meuse Escaut Canal near Lille St Hubert. On 19 September the 2 RUR and 2 Lincs were the assault battalions charged with crossing the canal with the 1 KOSB following. They reached Achel by the 20th and were welcomed by the population.
 
They entered the Netherlands on 21 September at Budel, where the troops were again given a great welcome by the inhabitants. On 22 September, William was appointed to the rank of Corporal. They moved on to Liessel on 24 September where they undertook patrols of the area east of the Deurne Canal.  On 28 September the Battalion took up positions further north covering a cross roads at Milheeze, then on 1 October they moved further north again to St Hubert where they were again very well received by the inhabitants. They remained here until 12 October carrying out patrols but also undergoing training and having time to relax a little.
 
The rapid push up through Belgium and the Netherlands had been in support of Operation Market Garden where airborne troops had landed with the aim of taking several key bridges, with the infantry drive being in support of the attack. However, this failed when it proved impossible to take the bridge at Arnhem. It had left the allies in a very narrow salient with threats from both east and west. It was decided to try to clear the enemy back to the Meuse by capturing Overloon and Venray to the south.
 
On 12 October they moved to an area just west of St Anthonis. On this day the 8th Brigade attacked towards Overloon and by 1700 hours the 1st Suffolks had captured the town and had taken up a position just to the South of it. On the 13 to 15 October the Battalion took part with other Battalions in clearing woods to the west and south of Overloon. During this action 3 men were killed and 12 were wounded. The following day the Battalion continued south through more woods, but that afternoon they were ordered to take over the positions of the 4th KSLI east of Overloon in the Smakt area. During the take over one man was killed and 3 wounded by Nebelwerfers (Moaning Minnies).
 
They remained in this position until 4 November.  From here, they could patrol the area west of the railway line and observe movements of Germans on the east side and target them. They were often heavily shelled and mortared but also made good use of the Artillery to retaliate. Mines on the railway crossing points prevented attempts to cross the railway. On one occasion, on 22 October, when a platoon did cross to see if the enemy had withdrawn from the houses in Smakt, they were surprised by enemy machine guns concealed in the houses. One officer and 19 other ranks were presumed killed or taken prisoner with only 5 being able to escape. In this period 33 men were wounded, 10 were killed and 21 were missing.
 
On 4 November the Battalion handed over to the 2 Royal Ulster Rifles and 2 Lincolns and moved to just outside St Anthonis. Here the routine was 48 hours rest and sleep, and the remaining 72 hours spent in cleaning weapons, ammunition and kit and checking stores and equipment. Some enjoyed 48 hours in Brussels, and most could attend the cinema in Mill.
 
They remained near St Anthonis until 9 November when they moved back to the Overloon area. On 14 November they moved into positions west of the railway line in the area of Smakt which were held by the 2 Lincolns. The take over began before first light when they took over exposed forward positions and standing patrols thought to be under enemy observation. The take over was completed by 1415 hrs. However, Cpl Drummond, who is also buried at Overloon, was killed by a sniper that afternoon.
 
Again, while in this location, they faced the threat of the enemy from across the railway line and from attempts by the enemy to cross it. There was also a certain amount of shelling from across the line.
 
The War Diary entry for 18 November states the following: “A fairly quiet morning. During the afternoon the forward Coys were heavily mortared, Cpl Tannock of A Coy being killed.”
 
He was initially buried near houses today at Schaartven along with 9 other men from his battalion and 11 others from other battalions. All were reburied in Overloon on May 13, 1947.
 
William had served for 3 years and 245 days of which 167 days were in North West Europe. He was awarded the following medals: 1939/45 Star, France & Germany Star and the Defence Medal. He is commemorated on the Clydebank War Memorial.
 
His remaining personal effects which consisted of a wallet, hair clasps, letters and photos were later returned to his parents at 166 Duntocher Road, Parkhill, Clydebank, Scotland.

Other Family Members in WW2

William’s brother, Robert Henry Tannock, was also involved in WW2. He was a Private in the 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (Service No. 3133574). He was already in the Army at the time of the Clydebank Blitz in March 1941. He was put in detention around that time for going absent without leave and “losing the King’s property.” He had taken his wife who was pregnant with their daughter to a place of safety, away from the danger of the blitz. He had made her wear his tin helmet. This took more days than his leave allowed, hence his punishment. 
 
His Battalion sailed for France on 16 June, 1944 as part of the 46th (Highland) Infantry Brigade of the 15th (Scottish) Division. Their first major action was Operation ‘Epsom’, the attack to seize the crossings over the river Odon, in preparation for the advance south from Caen. This action lasted for 5 days from 26 to 30 June. On 30th June, after failing to make the decisive breakthrough around Caen, General Montgomery called a halt to ‘Epsom’. In this operation 34 men were killed, 147 wounded and 22 were missing. Robert Henry Tannock died of wounds on 2 July, 1944. It is likely that he was wounded in his operation. He is buried in grave VII.F.10 at Ryes War Cemetery in Bazenville.
 
Their elder brother, John, also served in WW2. At some stage he was in the Palestine Police. After the war he was stabbed in the back for singing “Oh Christmas Tree” which sounded like The Red Flag to the stabber.
 
It is thought that their sister, Abigail’s, husband also served in the war and it is believed that Abigail herself served in some capacity as she was good with machinery.

Aftermath

Willliam’s two youngest sisters married in 1948. Agnes married William Chapman in Old/West Kilpatrick and Emily married David Moyes in Clydebank.
 
Agnes is thought to have gone on to have two children in Newcastle while Emily had two in Dumbartonshire.
 
William’s Brother John felt a responsibility for his deceased brother Robert’s wife and child. She agreed to marry him but, as she was a Catholic, they had to get special dispensation from the Pope to do so. They married in 1950 in Milngavie in Glasgow. Catherine went on to have a second child with John.
 
William’s mother, Elizabeth Tannock, died aged 70 on 7 October 1952 in the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. Her address was given as 20 King Street, Clydebank. Her husband was described as James Tannock, Contractor’s Labourer. Her death was registered by her son who lived at 21 Craigend Drive, Milngavie.
 
His father, James Tannock, died in 1960 at the Henry Brock Hospital, Alexandria, Anderston, Lanarkshire. His address was given as 20 King Street, Whitecrook, Clydebank. His son, Andrew, of 166 Duntocher Road, Parkhall, Clydebank registered the death.

From Scotland’s People, FindMyPast and Ancestry websites: Civil and Parish Birth, Marriage and Death Records; Census Records, Electoral Rolls; Military Records
King’s Own Scottish Borderers website
1st KOSB War Diaries  (Royalscotskosbwardieries)
The Highlander Museum website
War Diary 7th Seaforth Highlanders
Wikipedia Clydebank Blitz
From Amanda Scheffer Scheffer/Hair family tree on Ancestry
William Tannock’s War Record from Philip Tannock,(National Archives ref WO 423/555361)
Assistance from: Philip Tannock, Frank Skelly, Catherine Lee (great nephews and great niece of W. Tannock)

Researchers: Nicole van Loon, Elaine Gathercole