Hi All, New member here, I’m doing some research into the 1st Bn. The Green Howards (15th Inf Brigade, 5th Inf Div), who my grandfather was assigned to in late 1945. I'm still waiting for his records but reading through thier history from the Regiment Museum I've found an image which has confused me. According to records this image shows the 1st Bn. carrier platoon at Montgomery Barracks in Berlin 1946 but the number 61 on the front of the carrier from my knowledge indicates they are from the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry? Looking at the 5th Inf. Division structure in 1945 (https://www.britishmilitaryhistory....ites/124/2019/11/5-Infantry-Division-1945.pdf) backs up my assumption so I'd like a sanity check from those more in the know.
See Steve's website. 2nd Devons joins 15th Bde in 1946. KOYLI leave 15 Bde 15th Infantry Brigade That will change the Bde make up & seniority of units.
Doesn't '61' indicate that it is the middle infantry battalion of the middle infantry brigade? Military vehicle signs 5th Division - Classic Jeeps Infantry Division Vehicle Markings
Thanks Owen useful information. Out of interest then, as I'm not very clued up on divisional seniority, the website I linked to in my OP shows the GH's as 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the 5th Division. Is that correct? If not how would I find out which unit held which hierarchical position within the division?
Yes they were the senior battalion in 15th Bde until the Devons joined . The Devons have a higher Regimental senority than the GH. See here. List of British Army regiments (1881) - Wikipedia
From my website 1st Battalion Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment) 15th Infantry Brigade of 5th Infantry Division Battalion Headquarters: from late 45 – Eitzum east of Wolfenbüttel 4 Jun 46 – Heide (Infanterie) Kaserne later Richmond Barracks Celle 6 Dec 46 – British Troops Berlin – Montgomery Barracks, Sakrower Landstraße, Kladow, Spandau relieving 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards 24 Mar 47 – 13th Infantry Brigade of 5th Infantry Division relieved by 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment – returns to Richmond Barracks later Taunton Barracks Celle 1 Sep 47 – United Kingdom relieved by 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment 1st Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry were in 15th Infantry Brigade until 7 Mar 46 but not British Troops Berlin Hope this helps https://britisharmyingermany.com (under construction)
Thanks Historic Steve! One final request if I may? Are you able to shed any light on the Eitzum Battalion HQ? The town itself is tiny so I'm somewhat surprised there would be a HQ setup there. I've used your website to identify the other barracks/posting of 1st Bn, very good info!
Do not have the war dairies for 15 Inf Bde or the battalion, just location grid references in the 30 Corps District documents for the battalion HQ, that points to Hauptstraße in Eitzum, the companies are unknown but would have been scattered over the area of responsibility, the accommodation would have be requisitioned, it would be some time before barracks were used being full of displaced persons and later prisoners.
Thanks again Steve, luckily I'm already in the process of getting the war dairies so will take a better look when they arrive.
Steve I have parts of various war diaries including 1 Green Howards (1945), 15 Inf Bde and 5 Inf Div, and I have seen no mention of Eitzum. Looking at Google Maps, Eitzum seems rather west of the area occupied by 1 Green Howards. Bn HQ and HQ Coy moved from Konigslutter to Schoningen (D2198) on 11 Aug 1945, and other companies were scattered around the area, (in places including Helmstedt and Langleben). I believe that all companies less one moved to Schoningen by Jun 1946. One company remained in Helmstedt. On 4 Jun 46, the entire battalion moved to Taunton Bks, Celle. (Yes, they were called Taunton Bks in the operational instructions of 28 May). Dave
Many thanks for the details Dave, I do have war diaries for 5 Div G Branch, clearly my entry is incorrect and will change to Königslutter and add Schoningen, will send a PM.
Interestingly when I Googled Eitzum there were two locations in Germany that showed up, one in Schoppenstedt and the other in Despetal. Eitzum, Despetal is very West as Dave mentioned, however Eitzum in Schoppenstedt is roughly 5km directly south of Konigslutter so it is possible there is a link there.
Bn HQ and HQ Coy moved from Konigslutter to Schoningen (D2198) on 11 Aug 1945, and other companies were scattered around the area, (in places including Helmstedt and Langleben). I believe that all companies less one moved to Schoningen by Jun 19 Bn HQ and HQ Coy moved from Konigslutter to Schoningen (D2198) on 11 Aug 1945.
Think I clicked all the wrong things Sorry. Admin.. Help.. Delete my error plz. It's been a while since I posted in here. Mostly in the Italy section. I often do a "catch-up" read and was delighted to see Schoningen mentioned. Why?? Coz my dad was there I also saw a mention of Celle. And yes my dad mentioned Celle to me. Something to do with being part of the guard of honour for a visiting "big-wig" Think I have a somewhat blurry photo depicting the event.