Cairnie (Cairney) Auxiliary Unit Patrol

This page was last updated at 8:50am on 2/7/14

Thank you for selecting information on the Cairnie (Cairney) Auxiliary Unit Patrol and their Operational Base in Scotland. The info and images below have been supplied by CART's Aberdeenshire CIO, Alan Stewart.

The patrol was based near Huntly.

2nd/ Liet. John Forsyth, Farmers Son, then teacher – Haddoch Cottages, Cairnie. Later became Asst. Group Commander. Group Commander was Captain L.G. Cochrane, Schoolhouse, Spey Bay.

Unknown.

Sgt J (known at Maitland). Roger – Farmer, Mains of Haddoch
Pvt James Duff – Farmer, Glass
Pvt Alexander Duncan – Farmer, Mains of Edinglassie
Pvt Ronald Gray – Rhynie
Pvt Alexander Duncan
Pvt Kemp – Rhynie
Pvt Don ald Sey – Farm worker , Cumrie
Cpl  Willian MacPherson- Farmer, Ruthven
Pvt John Strachan – Forestry Worker, Cairnie

The location is about ½ Mile on Ordiquill hill which is part of Bin forest.  The area is basically wodded area, however currently this area has been forested.

The OB is located at a ruined cottage at NJ 52108 43989. This is on Forestry Commission land and was access under the Land reform Scotland act (2003). This is accessible off B9022 road towards Banff. Walking from parking area at Croft of Dykeside, follow path up hill and follow road round to the right.

Condition of OB: The officers area has a collapsed concrete roof, walls intact and in good condition. Patrol area next to it just a depression.  Believed to have been blown up at the end of the war.

Size of OB and entrance/exit etc: Entrance was through a dry stone wall at the back of a ruined cottage. In accessing the entrance, there was a split corridor that went left to officers area and right to privates area.

Orientation of OB: OBs ran NW to SE (Officers one) and SE to NW (Privates)

Observation Post: Uunknown, but likely to have been 1/4 mile to an a rocky outcrop know as Theifs Rock.

Other physical remains nearby: A rectangular brick structure with collapsed room, roof build and door frame in fairly good condition.

Substantial railway bridge over the River Devron, (above) as well as road bridges.  Banff would have been a possible landing ground on the coast, with a major airfield there.  Huntly is also a main thoroughfare for the Aberdeen Inverness road.

Training was conducted at Blairmore House in the locality.

Currently unknown but assume they had the standard weapons and equipment.

Norman Davidson (Forestry Worker) recalls two other structures in the wood, however is unable to locate them today.

Most of this info has come from Norman Davidson, who got it from John Strachan of the patrol.  Additional Information from Patrick Scott of Huntly.
TNA – WO199/3388 201 Bn rolls.
Hancock report
http://www.forestry-memories.org.uk/picture/number470.asp

If you can help with any info please contact us.