Erquinghem Lys - Lt Catto

A contingent from the Tyneside Scottish Branch Royal Artillery Association deployed to Lille in order to conduct an act of remembrance at the grave of Lt William Basil Catto who was killed on the 11h September 1916 whist serving with 4th Battalion Tyneside Scottish. 

2.Lt WB Catto
4th Battalion Tyneside Scottish

2nd Lt. Catto was buried in Erquninghem-Lys Extension Cemetery .  

CWGC 2.Lt WB Catto

Second Lieutenant WB Catto
Tyneside Scottish

In 2012, TS Branch RAA, TS ACF Cadets, and members of the Cato family deployed to France on OP DRUM. A ceremony was held to receive a Drum that belonged to 1st Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch) lost on the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. It is dedicated to 2nd Lt William Basil Catto.  The drum had come into the possession of Yves Holbeque of the Somme  Battlefield Pipe Band. He recognised the historical importance and contacted  the TS Branch RAA. At the ceremony the Drum was handed over to William Basil's great nephew, Lt. Col. John Catto Royal Artillery.

As a result the Drum was returned to Tyneside.

 

 

Tyneside Scottish Branch RAA
OP DRUM Erquinghem Lys 2012

 

Lt. Col John Catto receives the Catto Drum
OP DRUM Erquinghem Lys 2012

Lt.Col Catto hands over the Drum to Northumbria ACFOP DRUM Erquinghem Lys 2012

 

OP DRUM Erquninghem Lys 2012

 The Tyneside Scottish Royal Artillery Association remembered Lt Catto in a ceremony conducted with locals from Erquinghem Lys.

 

Tyneside Scottish Branch RAA 
2.Lt Catto Remembrance

Tyneside Scottish Branch RAA 
2.Lt Catto Remembrance

Second Lieutenant WB Catto
Tyneside Scottish

 

 

 

 OP DRUM Erquninghem Lys 2016