TARBAT WAR MEMORIAL

James Skinner emigrated from Pitcalzean Mains, Nigg, at the age of 19 to New Zealand. He led a very successful life in New Zealand and at the time of his volunteering for active service was the manager of large dairy farm.

James was a gunner in the 5^TH  Field Regiment New Zealand Artillery and died of wounds on the 14^TH February 1942.

In North Africa in late 1941 the Allied Forces had been driven back over 50 miles to the east of the important port of Tobruk. The German Africa Korps had Tobruk surrounded but allied forces in the port held out. The New Zealand 5^TH Field Regiment were involved in 'Operation Crusader' a plan to push the German lines back past Tobruk and relieve the garrison in the port, the plan was successful but within 2 months the Africa Korp were back in their old position and all that had been gained was lost.

The New Zealanders took many casualties over this period. James Ross Skinner was the younger son of Alexander Skinner and Christina Skinner [nee Ross] of Arboll Farm and is buried in El Alamein War Cemetery.

His brother Lance Corporal John Alexander Skinner, Seaforth Highlanders, residing at Cullisse Cottages, Nigg, was severely wounded on active service in France and was invalided out of the army.

El Alamein War Cemetery