This page contains a transcription of the offical war diary for the 1st Battalion Black Watch (RHR) of Canada from 1944 to 1945. The diary was dictated by the Commanding Officer at Regimental Headquarters, starting from the activation of the regiment at the beginning of the war until its deactivation at the beginning of 1946. I have only included the pages referring to active service in North-West Europe, from July 1944 to May 1945.
I began this site in an attempt to learn more of my father's (Jack Niven) experiences during the war, but quickly realized it contained information which would be of interest to a broad spectrum of people. The transcription is literal so all spelling and grammar mistakes have been left intact.
As I proceed I hope to add explanatory references, graphics, and links - and possibly some first-hand accounts of some diary references. A short section defining some of the terms which may be unfamiliar to the general reader is provided at the bottome of this page. The diary lacks some depth when dealing with very critical periods and this could be supplemented by details from the veterans. I will soon be getting the appendices which accompany the diary and will endeavor to get them on as soon as possible.
Please remember that this is a volunteer effort and, no matter how much I would like to give up everything and work on this site, progress will be in fits and starts. Thanks for your patience and if you have a Black Watch story to relate please share it. The experiences of veterans are an important chapter in our history and one which we are losing all too rapidly.
For questions and/or comments you can reach me HERE
Please visit the Black Watch (RHR) of Canada homepage
Last Updated : September 27, 2000
Notes on the Diary by Pte. W. T. Booth (D-83056)
Pictures from the Canadian Battle Drill School, Vernon, B.C., 1943-45