Hello all, I have just obtained some information and service records etc. relating to my wife's grandad. He was Arthur Eric Barker, Pte 14702203. The attached picture is what he had written on the back of a postcard of nijmegan. I am having trouble working out what the writing says to work out what company he was in. Is anyone able to work out the company or from his number have an idea? I have just picked up a copy of the History if the 4th Battalion the somerset light infantry so hoping to work out his company to be able to pin down a little more of what he got up to. Kind regards Dan
Hi Tom, That's great, Thanks for that. I did wonder if that was what is was but couldn't find any references online and was not certain that's what it read. Many thanks Dan
4th Somerset Light Infantry March 1945 to October 1946 I would suggest C Company as the letter seems very like the C of Carriers in the way its written But thats only my eyes TD
Cheers for the suggestion TD. I had seen that reference to "C" company. Does anyone know if there would have been an "S" service company? I've done some online searches and found nothing and my book resource is fairly limited. Cheers Dan
I'd agree with Tom and Say Support Company Carriers - Carriers are usually separate from Rifle Companies - I had a look at Sydney Jary's book to see if he mentions an S Company, but he only talks about A-D Companys (the Rifle Companys) but he mentions the battalions carrier platoon
TD, I think it looks more like the ‘S’ in Somerset personally but have been known to be wrong before (a lot!). all the best, tom
Thank you folks for the kind input, I am still torn between "C" and "S" as can see similarities in both. I'll try to find some extra reading on the carrier companies and service companies for my knowledge. Sadly, on the paperwork I have i cannot see anything else that would help to solve this definitely. Cheers Dan
Hello Dan, On Page 135 Appendix 1 of "18 Platoon" by Sidney Jary he has an Organisation Chart and at the bottom 4th Somerset LI is listed. S Company (Support Company) contains the Carrier Platoon, Mortar Platoon, Anti-Tank Platoon and Pioneer Platoon. Methinks that counts as a Primary source. Kind regards, Will.
From History of the 4th Battalion The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's): in the Campaign in North-West Europe June, 1944–May, 1945 Order of Battle 24 June 1944 So definitely "S" Coy. Edit: Beat me to it Will!
Thank you so much guys, the book has only arrived in the last few days and I've not fully had time to read and digest it yet but your inputs confirm it to me. He was in "S" Company. Now to find out more!! Many thanks again, Dan
Hello Richard, The Infantry always beat the Donkey Wallopers. Tricky TD actually stands for Territorial Decoration. This self-isolation is re-acquaintancing me with my library . Keep away from people. Will.
