53rd Welsh Division

Thanks very much von Poop for the warm welcome - even more thanks for the link on the Welsh Bridges to the Elbe, I was starting to pull my hair out over that one!

Delaforce is pretty costly, I guess I'll have to take the whack on it :-/

Regardless, learning a lot and definately going to cross reference with all the original material I can to check that the accounts are pretty accurate et al.

EDIT: Does anyone know what sort of book: 'Squaddie' an Ordinary Soldier with the 53rd Welsh Division 1944-45: Charles Bedford: Amazon.co.uk: Books&

The following is? I havent been able to find out a definitive answer anywhere some places as 'fact' and other as 'fiction'

 

Hi Swiper, I have a copy of Welsh bridges, The address in the front of the book is ... Boldacre books 20 Kingsfield Crescent Newlands Witney oxen OX8 6JB But there is no sign of them there now. Good luck. Paul.

 

I'm gonna kick start the search for that book shortly after buying Delaforce's book at cost, and finding it (like the other histories) somewhat wanting, so I'm bloody glad I'm reading/transcribing the original sources!

 

Swiper

Other than personal accounts, you are probably gaining more information from the war diaries than any of the books can give you. Good effort by the way.

Cheers - Robert

 

Cheers mate, I've got a mate who is brilliant friends with the NVA vets in S. Wales and I've found many others through chance encounters/online which should mean that many untold stories should out.

The books give the overall picture but still seem to whitewash some dates, but even the War Diaries are annoyingly lacking at times (until you start crossreferencing them to each other )

 

Sorry to double post but anyone know what the book on s'Hertogenbosch was called - its 'Den Bosch' or something but I cant remember the title to search for it...

 

Hi swiper, me again try October 1944. Den Bosch by luc van gent. (1990)

 

Hello all,

I'm currently serving with C Coy 2RWelsh as a Platoon Commander and have been tasked to visit s'-Hertogenbosch this September with members of the 1st Bn iot organise a battlefield tour for our own visit in October. I'm trying to hunt down a copy of Delaforce's history of the Welsh Division but am having limited success finding a supplier that can deliver in good time and am reluctant to spend the extraordinary prices that Amazon are asking. Does anyone have a copy that they would be willing to lend for a short time? Of course it would be very well cared for and returned as soon as I've had a chance to brush up on the background history of the Division and the lead up to the action at Den Bosch.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

2RWelsh

 

Royal Welsh, you have PM.

 

Dear All

please find attached some docs that could be of interest


days pay given to the fallen
non fraternisation

 

53rd Welsh Division

 

Hello

 

hello Owen
no idea of how it was administered at the time or since

 

Would it be worth asking the Royal Artillery Museum? If so I'll shoot them an email, as they know the area of my research!

Many thanks for those awesome items CL1, Brecon has some which are similar (but I believe different) - well worth a trip and ask to see 'Bollands Scrapbook' - excellent stuff in there.

EDIT: as to the money, I'll ask a chap who I know, may be able to shed light on it...

 

thanks Swiper
great if you could email the RA
much appreciated

 

Ok guys, if I havent got back with answers to your enquiries yet - drop me an email I have a fair few answers just need my mind jolting as to who to send them too!

Also, I am now proudly in possession of 'Welsh Bridges to the Elbe', a most excellent work (very hard to understate this!), impeccibly researched, illustrated and explained. Indeed its opened my eyes to the 53rd Division's engineers and more importantly shed light on key figures in the earlier days of the war who did extraordinary feats as part of the 53rd Division's detachment in Norwary.

Highly recommeneded and I've only just scanned it/started reading it! I warn you its a bugger to find, and paying £30... well take that as a good price if you see it!

 

Hello Swiper

sent email to you

 

Hi swiper, me again try October 1944. Den Bosch by luc van gent. (1990)
That's a really good book about the battle for Den Bosch. In the town are a few things remembering you to this battle. There is the 53rd Welsh Divisionsquare, a monument and a Welsh Division room in the town hall.

 

Pieter

thank you for the infomation