On 19th August 1942, David Laing, who was at that time a L/Cpl, took part in the Dieppe Raid, “Operation Jubilee”.

Perthshire Advertiser, 1st July 1944

“DEATHS - On Active Service"

“LAING.-Killed in action, June 1944, David Laing, Sgt. Black Watch, only son of David and Mrs Laing, Waterside Almondbank.”

Dundee Courier - 3rd July 1944

“PERTH FOOTBALLER KILLED"

“Sgt. David Laing, Black Watch, only son of Mr and Mrs David Laing, Waterside Cottages, Huntingtowerfield, has been killed in action in France. He was 30 years of age, and in civil life was an electrician. Six years ago he went to South Africa, but came home in 1941 to join up. He was a prominent local footballer, and was two years with St Johnstone.”

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY ALISON SOUTHERN OF SOUTHAMPTON

June 2020 was the 76th anniversary of D-Day, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic all visits to France were cancelled. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission opened a virtual “Wall of Remembrance” and arranged for their gardeners to leave tributes at graves and memorials in Normandy.

As a result of this we were contacted by Alison Southern via Twitter and she shared with us her memories of David Laing:

“I too recently requested a marker for Sgt David Laing, so I was interested to see your post via the Wall of Remembrance. Our connection is via my 89 year old mother (who has recently passed away) who was aged 14 in 1944."

“Living in Southampton she told us the story of local people being asked to give board and lodging to the pre D-Day troops. A young man of 30 years of age stayed with her family. His name was Sgt. David Laing from Scotland and he was with 4 Commando."

“My mother remembered that he slept all day, and would go off with his face camouflaged on night manoeuvres. All too soon he was gone and my mother’s family never saw or heard from him again. Only in very recent years were we able to do some research on the internet."

“We found out that sadly he was killed in action on 10th June 1944, just four days after D-Day and is buried in Ranville Military Cemetery. We have visited his grave. It is such a very sad story, but he will always be remembered by our family."

“My mother had such a lot of memories of that period, Southampton had so much going on for the D-Day preparations.

“It is quite incredible that just laying that CWGC tribute has connected me to Perth Academy. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the photo of your tribute to the same person.”

Alison Southern also sent us some information on a commemorative 50p coin she had obtained from the Royal Mint. The image of David Laing had been used in the promotional material for this coin and is reproduced below.