Hi does anyone recognize this regiment?my grandad is in the middle served in the greek rebellion 1946 thats all i know not much togo on any help appriciated.
That's what I was thinking. Greek civil war is Gmyles's department. I'll give him a few hours to notice this thread and then I'll message him. Westo, it's no guarantee of anything, but what part of the country was your grandfather from? It wasn't London, Essex or Sussex was it?
Hi he was from london he told me they had abit of a rough time of it out there i dont no if they issued medals i have nothing togo on just this photo i dont no what regiments were sent to deal with it im sure he was army not police cheers.
I did say military police. I may be wrong, but in other theatres not all of them started out that way, but ended up being seconded.
There was no campaign medal for Greece, but a lot of the British troops there had moved across from Italy and North Africa, for which medals were awarded. Do you happen to know his year of birth?
I'm no expert, but two factors seem likely: a) Although there was some conventional fighting, it was more akin to a police action like Malaya. b) Politics: there was some nasty stuff going on with massacres and civilian deaths--once we were out, it was considered better not to wave too many flags about our involvement. I've sent a message to Gus--the resident expert on this period--he'll be able to speak a lot more authoritatively than me. 1926--so it's quite possible he was called up near the end of the war and served only in Greece. British troops were in Greece (late) 1944 to (mid) 1946, I believe. Because a lot of older men were eligible for leave, having served overseas for so long, many of the most active army units in the Mediterranean theatre received a considerable number of newly-drafted men to replace the old sweats.
There's a document here that may be of some use to you: Family Soldiers [1/4th Essex & 25 Field Regiment R.A.]
No problem. If your grandfather turns out to have been with the Essex Regiment, I will be back to interrogate you! Joking aside, have you applied for his service records? If not, it will answer all the basic questions and isn't too expensive.
My dad seems to think he was somerset light infantry but im not sure if they were in greece then that might confirm it :/
Details of the process here: Get a copy of military service records: Apply for the records of someone who's deceased - GOV.UK
I feel confident he would have received a GSM (General Service Medal) for his effort because those going to French Indo-China or Netherlands East Indies did with a clasp S. E. Asia.
My late Father served in Greece after being pulled off the Gothic line on Christmas eve 1944 He was with the 4th Reconnaissance Corps. I stand to be corrected but I am pretty sure he said they used white Blanco. Whilst no medal was issued by the UK Government, the Greek Government recognised the service of those sent to Greece and issued a medal and certificate for those who served. A nice medal not dissimilar to the British Star medals. I have my father's Greek medal and scroll framed together with his other four medals. Regards Tom
hi white blanco?how would i go about finding out about medal none of the family have ever seen any cheers.
Hi Westo I don't have a lot on 1946. But here's what I've managed to extrapolate from the "The army medical services Campaigns Vol. 3 by Francis Crew & Albert Eley" 1946 OOB GREECE Major Units 4th Brit Inf Div Dec 44 to Feb 46 Northern Greece & Macedonia 4th Ind Inf Div Oct 44 to Feb 46 Eastern Greece 23rd Armoured Brigade Oct 44 to April 46 Athens 13th Inf (179, 180 & 181 Bdes) Feb 46 to ??? Athens & Patras Minor Units British Military Mission in Greece (BMMG) 212 Area 202 Sub-Area NOTES: Apparently 13th Inf Div was made up forces pinched from 4th Ind Div and 4th Brit Inf Div and 3 fresh Inf Battalions brought over from Italy. Can't seem to find 13th Inf Div's formation emblem anywhere. I thought the shoulder flashes in the pic look a bit like a medieval shield with a English cross on it. Strength Jan to Mar 46 50,000 Apr to Jun 46 38,000 Oct to Dec 46 20,054 All troops who served n Greece got the Italy Star. Once you get your grandfather's service record, it shouldn't be too difficult to tie him to one of the units above. Hope this helps Gus