My uncle Harry Rossiter was originally with the East Lancs Regiment. He was wounded at Dunkirk sometime in May 1940 and according to a local newspaper spent 5 months in hospital in Worcestershire. I have now discovered that sometime later he was posted to the 4/5th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. According to the casualty list he was wounded on the 8th March 1945. 21 other men of the regiment are recorded as being wounded on that day. It seems to fall between Operation Blackcock and Operation Plunder I am unable at present to obtain his service records. (the current exchange rate of 19 South African Rands to the pound makes it expensive) So I am hoping someone can provide more information or a copy of the relevant War Diary for that time.It would be nice to tell his nephews and nieces. Sadly he had no children.
Just had a quick look at " Mountain & Flood". Operation Veritable - fighting around Alpon and the Wesel Pocket.
Thank you. from what I have learnt (via Google!) 4/5 Battalion became part of 52nd Lowland Division during Feb/March 1945. Were they involved in operation Veritable? I am afraid my knowledge of the war in NW Europe leaves a lot to be desired. I know a bit more about the war in Italy as my father was a "D Day Dodger". Diane
Hi Diane, As I'm in TNA this week I got this file out today with the intention of copying it but didn't have time this afternoon; I had a a quick llok before I left and there is a multiple page write up of operations up to 11th March. I'm back there tomorrow so can copy it for you - do you want Jan and March 45 as well? Cheers, Gary.
Thank you Gary, That would be great. I really appreciate your help. In need I can let you have my e-mail address. Cheers Di
Hi Diane, I copied Jan-Mar today - PM me your e-mail and I'll send them over. There's a lot more detail on the fighting for ALPEN in the report I mentioned.
Hi Gary, I'm doing research about the fighting in and around Alpen and wonder if it´s possible that you can send me the report you mentioned. That would be much appreciated.
I wonder, would there happen to be anything for mid to late January 1945? Unfortunately the only source Google currently seems to have for this particular photo is where it has been posted on Twitter... "Two soldiers of the Royal Scots Fusiliers entrenched between Sittard and Roermond, the Netherlands, January 1945" Not even any clues as to whether or not there were also other photos taken around then. https://twitter.com/WWIIpix/status/1451241510473764868?t=1rykO4_r7n039xUz19r8ig&s=19 The IWM, for example, does have... THE BRITISH ARMY IN NORTH-WEST EUROPE 1944-1945 IWM B13795 : Object description - Men of 4/5th Royal Scots Fusiliers interrogate German prisoners during 52nd (Lowland) Division's attack towards Stein from Tuddern, 18 January 1945. Photo taken by Sergeant Travis. There seem to be 3 separate dates proposed here, currently by the IWM... 15, 18 and 19th January 1945... Similarly... 12 CORPS ADVANCE FURTHER INTO GERMANY IWM B13794 : Object description - Original wartime caption: Troops of "D" Coy 4/5 Bn RSF advancing through deserted courtyard of houses.
Not sure how much of this is readable - drop me a DM and I can send over the whole of the month with much better quality.
Hi Gary I'm new to this site and researching my Uncle Frank Swann who was in D company of the 4/5 RSF. Your posts of the war diaries for Jan and March have been very useful in tracing the battalions movements in 1944/5. I wonder if I could ask you for a clearer copy of the Blackcock orders you posted above? I'm not sure how to DM you! with thanks Andrew