Arthur Kinnaird was my grandfather on my dad's side. He was born in Aberdeen in 1900. He served in the Royal Engineers during World War II and was one of the last British Expeditionary Forces to leave Dunkirk during the evacaution of troops. Later he served in India and Burma. His diary from 1941 is included here, it contains many personal notes and observations during his service. My grandmother Mary died in 1937 and the children were sent to the Aberlour Orphanage when Arthur was overseas with thw Royal Engineers. There are also illustrated letters and cards he sent home to his children during the war. After the war he served in the Merchant Marines saling to Australia on ships of the Pacific and Orient Line. He ailed on freight ers and passanger ships. He returned home to Aberdeen and lived with his daughter Ann. Wevisited Aberdeen in 1971 and I stayed with Arthur for two weeks. He took me to have a beer everyday at the Pittodrie Bar across the street from his home on King Street. My mother was not happy when she found out Arthur was letting me drink alcohol at the tender age of 18! Arthur died in 1976 and is buried in Aberdeen.