As we were preparing for the Perth Academy French Trip in 2019 we were approached by the family of Johnnie Williamson, whose great-granddaughter Eva would be going on the trip. Eva, her mum and her grandad told us about Johnnie, who was a member of the 51st Highland Division captured at St Valery in June 1940.

On the long march to Germany Johnnie had managed to escape at the village of La Bassee and been helped by a local family. Fearing for their safety he eventually gave himself up and spent the rest of the war as a POW. We arranged for Eva and her friend Eilidh to leave a tribute to Johnnie and another one to the people of La Bassee at the war memorial in the village. 

As luck would have it Johnnie had kept a personal diary and when we were looking for information on David Storrar - Eva's grandad, Iain, remembered seeing his name in Johnnie's diary and the details of his death and funeral.

David Duncan Storrar was born in the village of Abernethy in Perthshire on 3rd December 1919. He was the only son of Alexander Storrar, a grocer and wine merchant, and Margaret Fraser Storrar (nee Brough). He had one sister Rosilla Olive Storrar who was born on 17 March 1921. Rosilla, known as Bunty never married and died in Perth in 2006.

David was educated at Perth Academy and then entered the service of the Bank of Scotland at St John Street in Perth. He was also a well-known cricketer in the area, and was a member of Mayfield Cricket Club.

A Territorial before the war, David went to France with the British Expeditionary Force, and was killed in a road accident on 16th May 1940. He is buried in Chambieres French National Cemetery in Metz.

EXTRACT FROM THE PERSONAL DIARY OF CPL. JOHNNIE WILLIAMSON, RASC, 51st HIGHLAND DIVIION. 1940.

May 1940.

Sun 12th May Midnight convoy to here which I missed. Was off guard at 11 o’clock and in the afternoon I went along to Woippy. I’m a bit fed up here but it will soon be over.

Mon 13th May Alan was along today. He is getting on ok at the CCs. I was in tonight with one of the guards there looking after that prisoner.

Tues 14th May Off today. Took a walk along to Woippy and had tea in the café. Then back at night.

Wed 15th May 180 Black Watch shelled.

Thurs 16th May David killed. I heard that David had a smash on his bike just outside Bousse. Capt Wood took him down to the CCS at Metz.

Fri 17th May On guard again today but we will be finished tomorrow.

Sat 18th May David buried in Metz. Arrived back at Coy this morning about 11 o’clock. Mr Stewart also arrived back and D Stobie is away to David’s funeral in Metz. I was in the canteen with Fred and Barnes.

Sun 19th May Service for David, Carrier patrol killed in International post. Very nice service for David today, We were all at it. No 3 have a swimming pool. HQ also have a tent down near the Moselle.

Mon 20th May Jerry 75 miles from Paris. We were in the office at Bousse when we heard the Jerries were still running through and not far from Paris.

Tues 21st May Blank

Wed 22nd May I was down at Woippy paying for advance part billets etc. had supper in café. Paid the Maire.

David Storrar is also commemorated on the Bank of Scotland War Memorial in their headquarters on the Mound in Edinburgh.