Andrew McKay Commando Monte Casino...any info please

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 25/06/2019 19:05:12

Hector McKay son of Andrew has sent this in regarding his father.
Can anyone help with more info please.

Hector is trying to find out which Commando unit Andrew served in taking part at Monte Casino.

Thanks John Mewett

MCKAY 15.5.1944.png

2759650 Pte. A McKAY 6th Battalion Black Watch
4th Battalion Black Watch was stationed on Gibraltar from July 1940 to April 1943. The Battalion returned to the U.K. for the duration of the war.

6th Battalion Black Watch formed part of the 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Division, and saw action in Tunisia at the end of the North African campaign.

6th Black Watch transferred to Italy in February 1944. Their first action in Italy was Operation DIADEM, during the Fourth Battle of Monte Cassino. The offensive commenced on the 11th May 1944, 6 Black Watch led the advance of the 12th Infantry Brigade towards the Cassino - Pignatano Road. Pte. MacKay was wounded in action on the 15th May 1944, attached to the 6th Black Watch.

In July 1944 the 12th Infantry Briagde advanced through Montevarchi and San Giovanni and reached the Chianti Hills, twelve miles south of Florence. On the 28th July 1944, McKay was wounded in action during the 6th Black Watch's assault on Monte Scalari (Point 778). After heavy fighting, Point 778 was eventually taken and the Battalion relieved on the 31st July 1944.

Thanks Guy for your wonderful work on this.

I will pass on the info to Andrew.
Regards

John M