14732778 J R MORRIS, 1 East Lancashire Regiment

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Chris Morris, Sep 24, 2019.

  1. Chris Morris

    Chris Morris New Member

    Hello everyone,
    My dad has recently received some of his father's service records.

    He served in the East Lancs Reg, 1st Batt. Service number 14732778.

    He is listed as being wounded on 11th Feb 1945, we believe this to be around the Reichswald forest area.

    Just wondering if anyone can find anything further to add to this, just out of my own curiosity. I would love to get a clearer picture on where he was during this time.

    Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!
    Chris.
     
  2. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    You have started along the correct path, which is his service records, your grandfather is listed as being wounded on Casualty list No. 1696 dated 3 March 1945, the date of casualty is 11/2/1945 as you already know.

    What you need now is the war diaries or regimental histories, worth doing a search on the forum to see what is already about:-
    http://ww2talk.com/index.php?search/4590707/&q=east+lancashire&o=relevance

    Good luck with your research.

    Edit: in case you wonder I am afraid that the casualty lists do not give any detail.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2019
  3. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    It adds little or nothing to your grandfathers Service, but he must have known this chap during his basic training
    MORAN, JOHN. Private. Service Number 14732777. Died 24/10/1944. Aged 18
    1st Bn. Welch Regiment
    Son of Christopher and Florence Moran, of Dalton, Huddersfield.
    Buried at UDEN WAR CEMETERY. Plot 3. Row F. Grave 6.

    It is also the earliest death in the 1473277x series, and given his age, must have been battlefield replacements for casualties after D Day.....

    The 1st Bn sustained quite a few casualties in February 1945, and some kind Pal may have relevant War Diary extracts that may shed more light on what may have happened.
    I also note that there is a book available, not just here https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-East-Lancashire-Regiment-1939-1945/dp/1535570938 but may be cheaper elsewhere.

    This earlier thread may also help if his Service Record dates are in 1944... 1st Battalion East Lancashire Regiment

    This young lad may also have been with your grandfather when he was wounded, unfortunately this chap didn't survive
    SCHOFIELD, LAWRENCE. Private. Service Number 14743479. Died 11/02/1945. Aged 18
    1st Bn. East Lancashire Regiment
    Buried at REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY. Plot 51. Row D. Grave 3.
     
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  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Can I ask what you mean by 'some' - did you receive them from the MOD or from a web site that leads one to believe they provide service records for military personnel??

    TD
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2019
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  5. Chris Morris

    Chris Morris New Member

    Apologies, it's just a figure of speech I use. We got them off the MOD.

    I had a look at them last night, he joined the army on 3rd March 1944. In April he was transferred to the KOYLI, then in August he transferred to the East Lancashire Regiment.

    He was sent over to Europe on 3rd Jan 1945, and took part in Op Veritable. Wounded 11th Feb.

    April '44 to Jan '45 seems a very long time for him to be at home. Would there be any chance he went to France with the KOYLI? My dad recalls him mentioning Sword Beach...logically I can't see the army leaving a young fit fresh soldier sat in England while the likes of D-Day, Market Garden, Battle of the Bulge etc are going on?

    Will be visiting the museum at Fulwood barracks asap to see if we can further our research.

    Cheers for all replies so far!
     
  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    My father was 'at home' from 1939 to 1945 - you did what the Army [or other service] told you to do

    Have you used the sites search facility to check out other threads perhaps on 'Veritable' or 'East Lancs' there is already a lot of detail on Veritable especially by member stolpi

    TD
     
  7. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    I would strongly recommend getting a copy of the regimental history of the battalion, which is very good and detailed.

    It's entitled: "The History of the East Lancashire Regiment 1939 - 1945".
     
  8. Chris Morris

    Chris Morris New Member

    Thanks, I'm looking to purchase it this coming Friday. I've been in touch with a friend who is currently based at Fulwood, he is going to have a look in their archive.

    Yes, if this is the case then so be it. My dad is just questioning his memory as he mentioned Sword Beach many years ago.

    Thanks for the replies.
     
  9. wibs12

    wibs12 Well-Known Member

    You mention visiting the museum at Fulwood.......... I've visited the museum several times researching 1st Bn East Lancs WW1 and 1/4th and 2/4th South Lancs in WW2. Cracking museum in one of the finest examples of historic barracks still in use today. The volunteers at the museum are keen to help.... I'd recommend having in mind specific things you want to research and ask to speak to the curator - Jane Davis who has been fantastic with me. Apols if this bit is in granny sucking eggs territory, but make sure you check the opening times....caught me out on my first visit!
     
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  10. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    I would also say that you should try a obtain copy of that book of ( of which it did) take me a while to obtain a original copy whlist lookinig into a Great Uncle start served with 1st battalion as part of the B.E.F.

    I cant remember the name of the Captain who i think was the only chap to win the VC? In that mess that was known has Dunkirk..

    I'm sure there are decent reprints about that are in hardback format & do not cost you a arm & leg.

    Regards
    Stu.
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2019
  11. Michael Dyer

    Michael Dyer “Train Hard and Never Surrender”


    Hi Chris.

    Please make contact with me reference your question on the East Lancashire Regiment and the Battle at Reichwald Forest. Just by coincidence, my father was also wounded in action on the same day 11th Feb 1945 with the East Lancs and in the same action.

    I have detail he gave me and some research in addition to making a number of visits to the Forest over the year.

    Regards

    Michael
     
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  12. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Michael, looks like Chris hasn't been around since 2 October last year, he may respond to your post but, if not, suggest that you click on his name on the LHS of one of his messages and 'start a conversation', this may trigger an email.
     

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