im sorry if I’m posting this in the wrong place. I’ve literally just joined. I’m trying to find as much information as I can about my Grandad who served in 45th LAA. I’ve got his service number and 4 medals but I just can’t find him online anywhere. I’m happy to sign up to a paying site if need be. All advice greatly received. Thank you. His service number was 1834911 and thankfully he returned home.
Hi, Welcome to the forum. Unlike WW1 era there are no WW2 service records online. You my find a brief mention of him in the RA Attestation records available via FMP. You need to apply to U.K. MOD for his service records via this link- Get a copy of military service records Good Luck Steve
Here is a short summary of the service of 45th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA: 45th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A. (T.A.) RHQ, 500th-507th Light AA Troops Raised: 10 July 1940 The regiment was reorganized with 102nd Battery by August 1940. The regiment formed part of 1st Anti-Aircraft Brigade at Crewe in February 1941. 306th Battery was added at Meriden on 15 September 1941, but left on 16 December 1941. 135th and 142nd Batteries were added on 27 July 1942. The regiment landed at Bougie in North Africa on 9 November 1942 as part of V Corps and was still part of the corps until mid-March 1943, when it came under XIX French Corps. By May 1943, it was serving under 52nd AA Brigade in Tunis. It joined 66th AA Brigade in Italy by April 1944 and moved with the brigade to the defences at Salerno in June 1944. The regiment was converted to 45th Garrison Regiment, R.A. (T.A.) on 4 November 1944 and reorganized as 603rd Regiment, R.A. (T.A.) on 13 February 1945 with ‘A’ to ‘D’ Batteries. It served as a garrison unit in Italy until the end of the war.
Looks like your grandad took part in "Operation Torch" (North Africa landings) and would have been on convoy KMF-01.
Lorraine they are very knowledgeable people who have many years experience in researching WW2 and other things regards Clive
What makes you think this? I’m looking for books on the subject. He did day he was in Malta too. Why would that be do you think? Thank you.
I may be adding 2 & 2 together and getting 5. Dryan67 says the 45th LAA went to Bougie (North Africa) in November 1942...so that would be Operation Torch. But I don't know if your grandad was with the 45th at that time...do you? Sergeant ACK-ACK: Operation Torch convoys
Lorraine, Google Operation Torch 1942 and it will show landings were made in Algeria November 1942. Malta was a fortress island between Sicily and North African coast subjected to heavy bombing attacks so it needed protection by UK personnel but as to what exactly your relative was doing there best wait until you get his service records. Steve
Gosh I’ve no idea. I found some paperwork with 45th LAA REGT on it. I’ll be impatient to get his information back. I read it can take months.
Yes, you will just have to wait for his service records to arrive...but in the meantime, can you describe or post a copy of this paperwork you mention here so we can take a look at it? What are the 4 medals? (they probably include the 'stars' for Africa & Italy).