Good evening, I am not familiar with Canadian research so I apologise if I am asking in the wrong mailing list. If so, please aim me in the right direction. I am researching my maternal grandfather, Walter Seymour MCDONALD who was born in Nelson, New Zealand in 1886. He apparently joined the Canadian Kilties Band when they toured NZ (in early 1909?) and travelled with them to Tasmania, Australia, Ceylon, India, Burmah, Egypt, Italy, France, Portugal and the UK eventually ending in New York. (This was reported in a newpaper cutting when he returned to live in NZ in 1920). I have found newpaper reports of the time advertising the arrival of the Kilties in Jan 1909. Having googled, I have found that the band was known as the Belleville Kilties Band, under Drum Major Roderick Bain MacKenzie. I would be interested in any information about the band in the period 1909 - 1920. Confirming some if the places they toured would be great. Were they connected in any way to any military regiment? If so did they fight in WW1? An uncle had some recollection of mention that my grandfather was in the Black Watch? Not sure if he meant regiment or tartan? Are there any photos in existence today of the band members which may include Walter Seymour (Hector) MCDONALD? Kind regards Janice Searle Darfield, NZ

Do a search on google "Belleville Kiltie Band"