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Marine Ronald John Jacobs. I would be very interested in
information about my father or the units he served in and
particularly the Commando unit he served in or was attached to.
What I know is that on joining the Royal Marines in April 1943
he was at Eastney Barracks, Portsmouth followed by the HBL RM
School of Signalling in Nov 1943. In the same month he was
attached to Combined Operations until April 1946 - see
HMS Copra.
He was in Signals (communications) and was at Westcliffe
(which I believe was HMS Westcliffe II, a Combined Operations
holding base for RM landing craft personnel) prior to D-Day and
on June 5 he was at Hayling Island. On D-Day his craft headed
for Sword Beach (although 651 flotilla – which my father was
part of – headed for Juno beach), so I am unsure about this.
A fortnight after D-Day he embarked on a troop carrier for
Bombay, India. From there he sailed to Columbo in Ceylon (where
he loaded gear) and then onto Port Dickson and Rangoon in
Malaya. Other ports of call en-route were Mandapam at the tip of
India, and Trincomalee (3-4 days) in Ceylon. Some of the landing
craft carriers, among others, he was on included Glenroy, Glen
Avon, Silvio (Sylvio).
While in the Far East, he was involved in the assaults on Ramree
Island, Akyab Island and the Arakan. I understand that he was
put ashore for night patrols under the cover of darkness and
left again
under the cover of darkness. Whether these were for
reconnaissance missions or raiding parties I do not know.
At the end of the war, he looked after Japanese POWs. He
returned from Singapore to the UK in January/February 1946
aboard the Queen Emma. Thank you in anticipation. Alan Jacobs
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Sergeant Joseph Good.
I am trying to establish the accuracy or otherwise of family
accounts of the war service of a relative.
Joseph Good was, I believe, a sergeant with Combined Ops (the
description I've been given of his badge indicates this). He
was involved with training US Rangers in cliff climbing at
Bideford in Devon in preparation for D-Day. He was given
permission by his CO Major King Farlow (?) to accompany the
Rangers to Normandy.
He was attached to Lt Col James Earl Rudder's group (2nd
Ranger Bn, I think) for the assault on Pointe du Hoc. Sgt Good
survived the war and got the Military Medal at some point.
On an American website relating to the assault it seems that a
Col. Travis Trevor, a British Commando who assisted with
training, also went on the assault with Rudder's group. It may
be that Sgt Good served under Col. Trevor. If anyone can
throw any light on this I'd be very grateful
Alan Pritchard MPhil FCLIP MBCS
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My
father's name was John T. Callister (Jackie) born in
Andreas, Isle of Man. He passed away in 1985. I am in the
process of obtaining his official service record but in the
meantime the records I hold show that he enlisted at Liverpool
on 25/9/39 for the duration. He served with Unit No. 467 Motor
Boat Coy R.A.S.C. engaged in Combined Operations. Other
entries refer to HMS Quebec, Barge Engineer Group B Class II,
Classified driver H?(CI). At some point he successfully
completed Commando training and may have been posted to No 1
Commando. He had crossed rifles on his sleeve that showed he
was a sniper. He also had a special knife.
I'd be delighted to hear from anyone who remembers him or
who can add to my understanding of his war service. Thanks for
such a great web site. Jacqueline Mustill (nee Callister),
Orleans, Ontario, Canada. (4/07)
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Mr Bill Wright from Liverpool, stoker o./b. of HMS
Ambitious. The Foundation to support the Liberators of
Walcheren, 1-8 November 1944 (battle for the liberation of the
Scheldt Estuary, Walcheren) is hoping to make contact with Mr
Bill Wright from Liverpool, stoker o./b. of HMS Ambitious, a
supply vessel for the minesweepers in Terneuzen harbour from
Nov.1944 to May1945. Is there anybody who can help us to find
his family or himself. Drs Bc Léon A.DeWitte OBE, Président of
the Foundation.
(1/07) |
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Roland 'Ron' Dabson RN. Normandy 1944.
I'd welcome contact from anyone who served with Ron Dabson
particularly during the D-Day landings in Normandy and later. It
appears that the craft/ship he was serving on was hit and Ron
was blown into the water and temporarily blinded, his skin being
blackened by oil. After being retrieved from the water he
convalesced with a French family whom he visited for many years
after the war. His family are trying to learn more about his war
service history including the identity of the vessel he served
on. If you can help please contact me in the first instance.
Tony Chapman, Official Archivist/Historian, LST and Landing
Craft Association (Royal Navy).
(9/06) |
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Leonard 'Rainbow' Thompson, RN Commando, No 9 Beach Group D Day.
On the morning of D-Day Rainbow Thompson went ashore on Gold
Beach as part of No 9 Beach Group. Prior to this he was stationed at
Monkton Camp in Ayrshire, SW Scotland.
A genuine enquirer would like to make
contact with Rainbow, his family or friends. If you can help please
contact me in the first instance for more information.
Tony Chapman, Official Archivist/Historian, LST and Landing Craft
Association (Royal Navy).
(8/06)
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Acting Capt
Royal Marine Kenneth C Weedy, 707 LCP(L)
Flotilla Officer.
On D Day the men of 707 LCP(L) were assigned to laying smoke
in advance of the assault wave of the 8th Infantry Brigade
of the 3rd British Division on Sword beach. The son of
Acting Captain Weedy would welcome contact with any veteran
Royal Marines who might have information or memories of his
late father. Please contact Tony Chapman, Official
Archivist/Historian, LST and Landing Craft Association
(Royal Navy).
(5/06) |
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Royal Marine
Frederick Skillin.
Relatives seek details of RM Skillin's service history. His
service record provides little useful information during the
period 1942-1946. For 18 months he was assigned to HMS
Copra which suggests he served with landing craft. It is
assumed, rightly or wrongly, that he took part in the D-Day
landings in Normandy serving with one of the numerous Royal
Marine manned flotillas. Other periods of his service were
spent with 30 Commando and at HMS Sparrowhawk the Fleet
Air Arm station at Hatston, Kirkwall, in the Orkney Islands.
Please contact Tony Chapman, Official Archivist/Historian, LST
and Landing Craft Association (Royal Navy).
(4/06) |
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Able Seaman Bob Bradley.
My name is Jack Bartle, I served on LCI(S) 535 and was based at
the River Hamble, HMS Tormentor, I served IN the Royal Navy
Combined Operations. I would like to hear from anyone who
knows where or what happened to my friend Able Seaman Bob
Bradley, who was from Leeds.
(2/06) |
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Alfred Chidlow DSM.
Contact is sought with former Royal Navy personnel who recall
Leading Seaman/Coxswain Alfred Chidlow DSM. In particular veterans
who served with him on HMLCT 592 when she took part in the
landings on the French Riviera (Operation Dragoon) in 1944.
Alfred's service history is being gathered and any contact with
those who served alongside him would be most welcome. A photograph
of Alfred or indeed the crew of HMLCT 592 would be an added bonus.
Tony Chapman, Official Archivist/Historian, LST and Landing Craft
Association (Royal Navy). (01/06)
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Royal Marine Albert Harmer
- HMS Sunk Head Fort - June 1942 to July 1944. Contact sought with
former Royal Marine or Royal Navy personnel who served on the
above Maunsell Fort sited off Colchester during the period
shown. Albert Harmer's daughter, Carol, would welcome contact with
any and all who served on Sunk Head during the same period as her
father in order to learn something of his service history. If you
were there or know someone who was, please let me know. I will
relay your contact details to Carol. Tony Chapman, Official
Archivist/Historian, LST and Landing Craft Association (Royal
Navy). (10/05)
CAROL....THE E-MAIL ADDRESS I HAVE FOR YOU APPEARS TO HAVE
CHANGED. I HAVE CONTACT WITH VETERAN GEORGE HANCOCK OFF SUNK
HEAD FORT WHO IS STANDING QUITE CLOSE TO YOUR FATHER IN THE
PHOTO.
PLEASE CONTACT ME ON THE E-MAIL LINK
OPPOSITE. (1/08)
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Donald SABIN - Leading Telegraphist.
Served on HMS Eagle from Aug 1939 until Oct 1941. We -
and the RN - have been unable to trace his whereabouts or
records since then, until his death from smallpox on Gibraltar
in Feb 1944, at which time he was Leading Telegraphist on HMS
Vetch, a Flower Class Corvette. His medals imply that he was
involved in Torch. We are led to believe that he trained in
Scotland. His obituary states that "...... he volunteered for
the Commandos & took charge of his unit's wireless van & trailer
on an overland trek. "Any clues or tips gratefully received,
as we are very keen to fill in these missing years. Kind
regards, Angela & Dianna. (10/05)
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Royal Marine 'Sam' Moss of
537 LCA Flotilla off Empire Battleaxe....D-Day.
On the morning of D-Day in Normandy, Royal Marine 'Sam' Moss
was present as crew aboard an LCA of 537 Flotilla off the Landing
Ship (Infantry) Empire Battleaxe. His craft, and others of 537 LCA,
carried assault troops of the 2nd Battalion The East Yorkshire
Regiment of the 8th Infantry Brigade of the 3rd British Division
on to Queen Red sector of Sword beach at La Breche. If any veteran
Royal Marines present with 537 LCA on June 6th 1944 contacts me
I'll happily put you in touch with Sam. Many thanks. Tony Chapman,
LST * Landing Craft Association.
(9/05)
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Captain T.N.B.Coulson R.A.
I am Treasurer of Wincanton (Somerset) Royal British Legion and
writing a tribute book to all 13 people from Wincanton listed as
killed in action during the Second World War. The proceeds from the
book will all be donated to a new War Memorial being erected in
Wincanton. One person who is proving difficult to find much
information on is Captain T.N.B.Coulson R.A. (known by his last
Christian name of Bevis). Captain Coulson was a Forward Observation
Bombardment (FOB) Officer with the Royal Artillery and was killed in
action during the landings on the Walcheren Islands on 6th
November 1944. I would be most grateful if anyone has any knowledge
of Captain Coulson which I could include in our tribute. Tony
Goddard.
(8/05) |
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Captain Wilfred R. Crowe
- No. 7 Commando/No. 3 Special Services Battalion/No. 11 Commando.
My grandfather's uncle, Canadian Dr. Wilfred Crowe, was in his
mid-40's when he was posted to No 7 Commando on 9/8/40 and to No 11
on 31/1/41. He was captured at Crete and spent the next four years
in Stalag XVIIIA in Austria. He left hundreds of letters and photos,
mostly from the camp. I'm looking for anyone who recalls Captain
Crowe from his days of active service as I am trying to fill gaps in
his story (he died in 1970). He mentions many wartime friends and
colleagues in his correspondence and I'll be happy to exchange
information with the relatives of anyone he knew. Thank you for a
very informative website. Tracey Croft. (7/05)
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Norman Edmund White. My
father, Norman Edmund White, MX.636194, served at HMS Copra from 11
September 1944 to 4 February 1945 (E.R.M 5th Class) and from 5
February 1945 to 8 March 1946 (E.R.M 4th Class). I have no
information as to his war service and he never talked about the war.
Any information would be appreciated. Robert White.
(7/05)
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Henry John Clifford Elcome
(2nd row, far right), RAF, 3204 Servicing Commandos Unit &
2TAF. My dad, known as "Cliff" didn't talk about his wartime
service. Sadly he is now gone leaving me with some medals, uniform
buttons and badges. I'm trying to make sense of these clues and
his official service record.
His record shows '2RC' and a date which I've discovered
stands for the No 2 Recruitment Centre at RAF Cardington. I
wonder if anyone reading this can help with other references
that remain something of a mystery.
(1). 10(O)AFU, 13/01/43, with an annotation alongside of
'Dumfries?'. 10(O)AFU may stand for No 10 Observer Advanced Flying
Unit. If this is so, why would my dad, an Armourer, be on a flying
training unit?... and which RAF station would he based at?
(2). 1BPD, 29/02/44. This was just after 3204 SCU was disbanded in
Italy and he was on his way home. 1BPD may stand for the No 1
British Personnel Despatch (Centre) possibly located in Algeria.
Can anyone confirm this and/or confirm where it was located?
(3). HE, 07/03/44. To an Armourer 'HE' would have meant High
Explosive but, in the context of his service record it clearly has
some other meaning! Home Establishment has been suggested. If
accurate could this mean that he was on leave or something else
entirely?
(4). 3PHU, 18/03/44, Morecombe. This may stand for No 3
Personnel Holding Unit. Can anyone confirm this and hopefully give
a more precise location, i.e. which RAF camp?
(5). 6025SE, 27/11/44. I've established that this is
the 6025 Servicing Echelon which may have been at the RAF's Castle
Camps & Bradwell (Essex). More information would be welcome.
Now for something completely outside the scope of this site!
Dad went on to both the Palestine and Malaya Police after leaving
the RAF in 1947 (as a number of servicemen did I understand). The
Palestine Police Association have confirmed dad's serial number
and that he was a member of the Association at the time. However,
apart from this information, a few photos and uniform badges, I've
no other information on this post war period (1947-1950).
Does anyone have any idea where I might find information on this
period? Thanks in anticipation. John Elcome. (6/05)
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Dougie Hollingsworth & Andy
Newham - No 4 Commando. During the war I
lived in Queens Terrace, Ayr, with my aunt, Martha Mackechnie. We
had two No 4 Commandos billeted with us and I remember well their
comings and goings. At the time I was just a youngster attending
Ayr Academy and remember them making a fuss of me. They were
Douglas Hollingsworth, (Dougie), from Derby; and Andrew
(Andy) Newham, from Plymouth. Andy will be 82 now, and Dougie
probably the same age if they survived. If anyone has information
I'd be delighted to hear from them. Joy Madden.
(4/05)
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Paul Richardson, Petty Officer. My father's twin brother
PAUL RICHARDSON was a Petty Officer from 1942 to 1945 and served
HMS Dinosaur and HMS Copra. He died in 1994. He is
believed to have been involved in supporting Yugoslav partisans
from N. Africa, to have been involved at Anzio & Cassino, and to
have ferried landing craft from USA to UK (bombed by RAF in the
process). I have just started researching his career & would be
pleased to hear from anyone who served with him, or who can add
details including books to read. TIA. John Richardson Waikato,
New Zealand.
(3/05) |
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Stanley "Mickey" Maguire
of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am researching my fathers WW 2
wartime service from May '41 to July '45. He was an A/CMM member of
the 1st Royal Canadian Naval Commando Unit stationed at HMCS Niobe
in Greenock, Scotland, and served on LST's at Oran, Casablanca,
Sicily and, I understand, the diversionary raid prior to Normandy.
His records show the above ship along with "Copra" Northney III and
Northney 1.Any information or assistance would be appreciated as I
would like to leave the information in our family tree. William H.
"Bill" Maguire, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. (1/05)
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Robert Albert Bell. Last
known service record states HMS COPRA from March1944 - June
25 1944, lost at sea. From relatives memories we believe his ship
hit mine. He was Chief motor mechanic. Any help with info on my
grandfather would be appreciated. THANKS Robert John Bell.
(1/05) |
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Bertie Lowe, Royal Engineers.
My dad, aged 26 at the end of the war, was in the Royal
Engineers in WW2. He came from Stourbridge in the West Midlands. I
do not know his regiment or service number. All I know is that he
blew up bridges and was in Africa, Italy and Burma. He was awarded
the African Star and had a medal with the Eisenhaur bar attached to
it. He also escorted prisoners of war when travelling from one place
to another and had some kind of bomb symbol on his sleeve. Can
anyone help? Any general or specific information would be warmly
welcome. Shari Mills.
(1/05)
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George Haines - LCT 977.
How many of us wish they could ask their father about his WW2
service, but sadly are unable. My dads name was George Haines who
was in service from March 43 to Dec 46. He served on LCT 977 which I
believe was involved in the Normandy Landings. I have found his
certificate of service but this only refers to the service umbrella
of Roseneath, Copra and Pembroke. Does any one have information on
the craft or my dad. (1/05)
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David T Owen COPP7, SBS 595801.
My granddad was in COPP7 during World War 2. Can anyone tell me
what he took part in? I really would like to know more.
(1/05) |
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Lieutenant James
Alexander Noble, RNVR, (Warrant Engineer, Lt RNR). I
obtained my father's war record from the Admiralty so I know that
the information I have should be correct. However, I am concerned
that there is a year missing, mainly from Jan to Dec 1944. He served
on HMS Pembroke May to April 43, HMS Northney during
April 1943, HMS Copra Feb 45 to October 45 and then HMS
Europa Nov 45 to Jan 46. He finished service on HMS
Kenilworth Castle Jan 46 to Sept. 46. I know some of these were
land bases possibly providing training. I will be very interested to
hear from anyone who can help fill in the gaps or provide me with
any information likely to be of interest to me. My father also
played some part in the D Day landings, as I know he was there.
Perhaps someone reading this might just remember him. Sandy Felton.
(1/05) |
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Edwin (Eddie) Lionel Nettleton. My father was Edwin
(Eddie) Lionel Nettleton, possibly known as 'Janner' during the
war. He served on
HMS Matabele as a torpedo-man, and as a small boat coxswain,
from January 1940 until the day she sailed to be lost with all
hands in 1942... he had been offloaded into the dockyard sick
bay that day. He often talked about landings he made as the
coxswain of a 'Skimming Dish' landing craft taking Combined Ops
personnel ashore in Norway in 1941/42. Does anyone recognise the
type of landing craft or know of which operations Matablele
supported - most sites simply say 'and destroyers' without
naming them. Thanks. (12/04)
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Gerald Blake, No7 Commando/No1 SBS.
My uncle didn't speak much of his war time service so I'm trying to
contact any ex members or relatives of No7 Commando or No1 SBS
soldiers who may have known him. Any information from their training
to operations in North Africa, Crete and the Mediterranean would be
warmly welcomed. Regards, Simon Blake.
(12/04) |
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James T. H Todd, lst Para Sqn,
RE. I am trying to locate anyone who knew my father, James Thomas
Hedley Todd, from Tynemouth. For a little while he was lst SAS, and
mainly served in B troop, lst Para Sqn, RE. He was on the Bruneval
raid, served in North Africa, was on the Bone drop, and also
parachuted into Sicily. He was always attached to 2 para under Lt Col
John Frost. I am sure that he was a Sgt, but was later commissioned
around 1944 or 1945. He jumped around Caen on D-Day. He later stayed
in the Army as a Lieutenant in 1945 and early 1946 with the
Durham Light Infantry, but I don't know the Battalion. I am anxious to
meet someone who was with him in B Troop. Thank you. Lt Geoff Todd,
CPSM CD1 (Ret'd).
(12/04) |
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Lieutenant Colonel Leonard James Allen. I have
recently been doing some family research and have found a lot of my
Grandfather's old papers. From this I know he took part in operations
on Vaagso and Maaloy, landing on HMS Prince Charles, and in Italy. I
was wondering if anyone had any further information about his
movements during the war, and any recollections etc. Any information
will be gratefully received! Thank you. (12/04)
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'Scouse' Joel or Joe Joel.
I am attempting to get a cap badge, tie and beret for my father, he
was known as scouse Joel, or Joe Joel to his friends. If there is
anyone out there who remembers him, I would like them to get in touch
with me. He is still alive and kicking but not as high!
(12/04) |
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Lt. St. George Paulin
Walker RNVR. I'm trying to find out about my father who was
Lt. St. George Paulin Walker RNVR at HMS Tormentor Mar 42- Sept
44. He was in LCPL`s in 702 and 703 flotillas. He took part in the
Dieppe raid and landed Canadian troops in the second wave. Survived
unscathed miraculously. Took part in D-Day when the boats were used
for laying smoke screens off the beaches. Mainly GOLD and the Mulberry
harbour. Boat No. 127 I think. Lived West Meon area in Hampshire and
was a school master before joining up. He joined up as an AB in
1940 and went to Ganges and Victory then did sea time on HMS Ramsey
and
HMS Winchester. The latter by coincidence was my
grandfathers first command in WW1 he having taken her over from the
builders yard.
He went on to do officer training and then joined Tormentor in the
`R` Boats and then the 3rd and 5th flotillas in LCPL`s. as a 2nd Lt.
He had a passion for producing plays and was extremely good at this
and Tormentor became famous for its plays. The missing years are after
Dieppe up till D-Day. I have his daily diary for the whole of D-Day
and for some 80 days after before they were withdrawn due to the
fighting having moved well inland. What I'd like to know is what the
flotillas were doing and where they were stationed for this period.
They were obviously practicing for the various intended raids. By the
time of his demob he was a Lt. in 46. If any one has got any
`snippets` they would be gratefully acknowledged. Patrick Walker.
(12/04)
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Sam Bassett. I have read that a
commando called Sam Bassett did a recce on the beaches of D-Day before
the event itself to test the sand on the beach. However, I can find
nothing on him. Any information about Sam Bassett would be welcome -
if only to say he did what I believe I have read about him.
(11/04) |
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Davey 'Taff' Jones
RN Petty Officer. I am trying to track down anyone who
served with my grandfather. He joined Combined Ops in late '40, after
serving on the ill fated HMS Port Napier. I believe he was at
Inveraray in the early part of '41. Amongst others, he was on one of
the Lofoten raids, the Bruneval raid, Torch and Salerno landings and
also the Arakan Peninsula operations. I know he was also in Malta and
India as well as being stationed in the Hayling Island area. He has
told me a few names that he can remember, a Corporal Lambert and Ben
Howells, Royal Marines and another Marine named Whitelaw, Stoker
Norbury was someone else he recalled. If there is anyone who knows of
my grandfather I would be very grateful, his health has been excellent
but is failing of late and I know it would mean a great deal to him to
regain contact with any of his CO palls. (11/04)
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Frank Nightingale & George
Martin 41 RM Commando. I have been trying to find two old
friends who were in y troop 41 RM CDO. To my delight I found a
picture of them on your website it showed them (operation Infatuate
at Weskapelle) on 4th November 1944 just before they went into
action the next day at Domberg. Frank Nightingale is in the middle
of the picture (he went on to win the DCM the next day) and behind
him George Martin. I wonder if they are still with us and if they
made the 60th reunion. My name then was Violet Millross. Are there
going to any pictures of the 60th reunion on the website?
(also on Walcheren page).
(11/04) |
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Alan A Haydon No 12
Commando. I am trying to find out any information about my
Grandfather who was in No12 Commando. His name was Alan A Haydon and
his service No. was 998913. He originally was with the Royal
Artillery. From what I have been told he died in an accident
with 8 other men on the 28th November 1941 in Scotland, where he is
buried at the Ben Nevis cemetery. With him are Corporal F.W.M Turner
4203290, Private P. Mc Carthy 5509745 who also died on the same day.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Paul Hill.
(10/04) |
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John Guthrie. I am looking for information about John
Guthrie born around 1919 at Pitowan, Scotland and his
involvement with the Scottish Commandos during WWII. His parents
were Archibald Lindsay Guthrie and Elizabeth Sim. I believe he
or perhaps only his family ended up in Canada. His wife was Nan
Robertson and I believe his son, also John Guthrie perhaps born
around 1940's was a Colonel in the Canadian Army. Any
information would be greatly appreciated. (9/04)
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Ernest Roy Brown. I enquire on
behalf of a former crew member of LCT(A)2191, Mr Ernest Roy Brown who
was in the assault wave on Sword Beach. He would like to know if there
are any other former crew members still alive particularly a Mr Squash
(known as lemon) and 'Darkie' Heath. Hope you can help, regards,
Richard Warner.
(9/04) |
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William (Bill) Marriot. I'd love to hear from anyone who
knew William (Bill) Marriot. He was an electrician Petty Officer
serving on board HMS Sandycroft around 1943.
(8/04)
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Capt Ronald GK Hardey. Does
anyone remember Capt Ronald GK Hardey MC No6 Commando - No2 Troop
(1941-1945), 1st Special Service Brigade? Can anyone help with
information generally on No 6 Commando. How did he win the MC. I am
his nephew and I am looking for information and help.
(8/04)
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Sydney 'Ted' Conquest. My
father Sydney "Ted" Conquest volunteered from the Royal Norfolk
Regiment to train as a commando and then serve in Combined Operations
during WW2, partly in Scotland on the Clyde on small boats. He spoke
very little about his war and I wondered if anyone using your site
knew him. Charles Conquest.
(8/04)
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Ernest Albert Cawley. How I wish I could ask my father
about his WW2 service. Sadly he passed away a few years ago. His
service book details are; Army no 14389701, R R Field, enlisted
17/12/1942. He was born on 29/8/1924 in Liverpool. I think he
served with the Royal Suffolk Regiment possibly working with
artillery. He was involved in the D Day landing his regiment
being attached to the Canadians. I would like to find out more
about his service, his regiment's history and service comrades
and friends. Any information no matter how small would be very
much appreciated by my brothers and myself. Alan Cawley.
(8/04) |
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Claude Eric Tyler - LCT 158. My father, Claude Eric Tyler served
in the Royal Navy from 1942 until he was demobbed in May 46. He was part
of a Combined Ops LCT 158 and ended up in Messina. He is wondering if
any other personnel are still around with news or updates on what has
happened to them since the war. Here is his service record taken from
his diaries which may jog a memory or two!
After training at HMS Collingwood, he
travelled to Liverpool and boarded the troop ship Rangitiki bound
for Freetown. 18 Jan '43 arrived Durban transferred to troop ship
Nieuw Amsterdam sailed for TEWFIK. Transferred by road to HMS
Saunders (Com Ops) on banks of Suez Canal, Bitter Lakes near
ISMALIAH. Feb '43 left HMS Saunders for HMS Canopus
a shore station at Alexandria. 16.02.43 left Canopus for
BENGHAZI and TOBRUK and finally ended up in TRIPOLI on 28.02.43. On
01.03.43 boarded LCT 158 at Tripoli assisting other LCT's
(111,113 and 115) in harbour duties. April '43 sailed for GABES
and SFAX in Tunisia and returned to Tripoli May '43. June '43
sailed to Alexandria. 15.08.43 sailed for Bitter Lakes, Suez on
HMS Saunders with LCT's 139, 101, 100, 113 and 114. 15.09.43
sailed for HAIFA. 21.09.43 sailed with an escort of 2 French
sub-chasers for CASTELLALOZO in Aegean. 02.10.43 sailed for KOS
with members of RAF Regiment. Nov 43 - 45 HAIFA, BARI,
DURAZZO (Albania), TARANTO, NAPLES, MESSINA. In Messina LCT 158
left with local Sicilians and transported to HMS Appledore.
Completed service at HMS Greenock in May '46. We'd love to hear
from anyone who may be able to help Dad's search for old friends/ship
mates. Linda Cartwright. (7/04) |
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Middle East Commando -
John Garcia. My Great Uncle, John Carrion Garcia, who was
Spanish and volunteered for service with the British Army, was
eventually captured at Crete as part of the ME Commando. He eventually
ended up as a POW in Stalag Luft IV F and I was wondering if you have
any information on him, his unit, any knowledge of Spanish in the ME
Commando, any fellow soldiers from his unit and or POW's from that camp.
I think he was originally cap badged Pioneer Corps and volunteered for
Combined Service when they were forming the ME Commando. Sav Kyriakou.
(7/04) |
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Fred Walker No 3
Commando. I took many photographs
on D-Day + 60. This one of Fred Walker of No. 3 Commando right
of centre, Roy ?, on the far left and to the right of Roy a
veteran who fought in Yugoslavia. The location was the memorial
to Lord Lovat's Commandos, especially Bill Millin the "mad
piper," taken at Cafe Gondree Pegasus Bridge. I gave the guys my
card but neglected to take their addresses. If they read this
please get in touch. Thanks. Jim Daily.
(7/04) |
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LCG 1 (L). Information required
about Lt Commander A.H.Ballard of LCG 1 (L) sunk of Westkapelle 1st
November 1944 or anyone who knew my father Mne Harold George May, DSM,
Ch/x109260, 'B' Gun sole survivor of gun crew that day. Thank you. Steve
May. (7/04)
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George Douglas
Green - 5th Tank Regiment. I would like to find an archive
photograph of George Douglas Green, 5th tank regiment No.3596872, posted
in Palestine, WW2. This is all the information I have but I'd be
extremely grateful for guidance or anyone who, by the grace of god, is
still alive to tell me more. Many thanks. (7/04)
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Frank Kerr 52 LCT Flotilla
(Staff). I lost a brother from HMS
Copra on the 16 June 1944 and for the last 15 years I have
been trying to establish his place and cause of death but unfortunately
to no avail. No British or allied ship, large or small was lost on the
16 June so his death according to official records was caused as a
result of enemy action, again I can find no enemy action occurring on
the 16 June. His particulars are as follows: Peter Kerr P/MX
636675 enlisted Oct 1943, ERA 5th class. Frank Kerr, Australia.
(6/04)
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William 'Lofty' Atkinson . My grandfather was attached
to the 1st Border Regt, 1st Airborne Division, HQ Coy Sigs. He
was captured by SS Panzer Corps during Operation Market Garden
at Arnhem on Sept 17th 1944. He was taken to a POW camp in
Germany mostly occupied by Americans. Liberated by the Yanks. He
was made up to Sgt post POW camp. Any information would be
gratefully received. Vanessa. (6/04)
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