Hi, I am researching all of my Uncles/Great Uncles and Grandfathers/Great-Grandfathers that fought in WW1 and WW2. I am working down the list one by one and I would love to know about my uncle Jack Nicholls, who fought in WW2. So… here’s my uncle’s details: - Jack Nicholls Birth date: 14 July 1915 Royal Regiment of Artillery: A175-55. LAA. REG: R.A. 1609754 Gnr. Nicholls. B/165/55. A. A/A. TK Reg R.A. India Command, India & South East Asia Command. The above details have been copied from letters/cards sent home during WW2. I think they transcribe as Info from Carol: Dads army number : A. 165-55 LAA. Reg R. A. The address mum sent his letters to : 1609754 Gnr Nicholls B/165/55 A. A/A. To Reg R.A. India Command India. UNIT: ROYAL ARTILLERY RANK: GUNNER - BOMBARDIER - LANCE BOMBARDIER - SERGEANT ???? RECORD YEAR: 1939 - 1945 POSSIBLY ANTI-AIRCRAFT BRANCH = A/A My cousin did think that her dad was a Sergeant at one point, but Gnr. indicates to me that he was a Gunner, not sure! Some letters indicate that he was a Bombardier or a Lance Bombardier. Carol does know that he lost a stripe in 1940, as he was about to be drafted out to Burma (I have since found out that he was actually sent to Ceylon), but he received news that his daughter Carol, had been born and went A.W.O.L. because he knew that if he didn’t see his daughter before he went to war, he may never see his daughter (his father was shot in the chest during WW1 but survived, but his uncle died in WW1). As it happened he did see his daughter again, but it was 4 years later! My cousin (especially) and I, would love to know what Jack was doing and where Jack was during his four years away from his family. We have both watched programs about Burma and don’t expect to hear that he had a wonderful time there, but it is very important and close to our hearts that we know what he saw and had to endure. We do have various letters/Christmas cards that was sent home during his time at war, but my cousin says that on his return, he never spoke a word about his time away fighting. All she can remember is that her father would wake up crying out (having nightmares) in the night, wet through with sweat and her mother would have to comfort him. Still he kept silent. My cousin, always thought that her father spent the whole four years of his war years in Burma, but after digging out all the old war letters etc., it seems that initially he was in Ceylon, then India and then Burma. Jack did receive the Burma Star. He may have been awarded other medals, but that is the only medal my cousin remembers for sure that her father got. We do have a photograph of Jack with four Gurkha’s stood behind him which Carol believes was in Burma (photo attached). My father, Jack’s youngest brother, says that his brother Jack, ended his war years in Germany. We (my cousin and I) would love to know the exact itinerary of Jack’s war years, what battles he fought and under what circumstances he had to live. It is very important to us. I have tried to research the Battalion or battery uncle Jack was in, but it seems they changed names three or four times as one joined another etc., and I didn’t really understand all of the terms used in the websites I found this information. I am hoping to find some expert advice. I have seen posts where the order of battles has been described, so if there is anyone out there that can give us as much detail about Jack and his military history, we would be extremely appreciative. Sorry this is a long one, but I just wanted to give all the information I have. Don’t expect a reply immediately as this is a tall order! Regards Margaret
First thing to do is apply to the MoD for his service records , it will cost 30 quid but will save a lot of guesswork You have his army number & name,-1609754 Nicholls -that all you need. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records
Good morning Owen, Thank you for the link above. I have just clicked on the link and read through the information. I'm sure my cousin will still have uncle Jack's death certificate. I think this will be the only way we know for sure of his whereabouts. Like you say, most of my research is just piecing things together, so quite a lot of guesswork! There does seem to be a lot more information available on the first world war and on one forum a kind gentleman has produced the full order of battle that one of our great uncles was fighting in when he died in action. The same gentleman even gave me the exact time my great grandfathers brigade was blown up with 150 rounds of high explosive shells, accurately aimed at his battery. One officer and two gunners died, one of the gunners being my great grandfather. I even wonder if my great grandmother ever knew this much information. So much is to be learnt and the internet has opened all of this up for people to discover. Kind Regards, Margaret
hello Margaret as Owen suggested go through the government website and no other to get his service records.Its £30 and it will tell you a lot of the info you require. Also there are forum members on here who can copy any relevant wars diaries that you might require at a very reasonable rate. regards Clive
Hi Margaret, Obtaining my grandfather's service records gave me a sold base on which to continue my research into his WW2 journey. These will also save you chasing wild geese. Good luck going forward. Steve
Hi Margaret. Welcome to WW2Talk. Jack would have held all ranks you mentioned this should clarify it. Normal Non Commissioned ranks in the British Army are Private, Lance Corporal (1 stripe), Corporal (2 stripes), Sergeant (3 stripes). In the Royal Artillery they are Gunner, Lance Bombardier (1 stripe), Bombardier (2 stripes),Sergeant,(3 stripes).
Margaret, This is Jack's RA attestation from 1940. He appears to have transferred to a Royal Artillery Field Regiment on the 15/9/44. As Owen, Clive and Steve stated, all will be confirmed with a copy of Jack's service record. Good luck with your research Guy
Hi Margaret The Addresses you give suggest he was in 165th battery of the 55th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment in the Royal Artillery. This unit existed and its history is as follwows: 9 March 1942 arrived Colombo in Ceylon and joined 1st Royal Marine Anti-Aircraft Brigade. 29 July 1942 reorganised as a Light Anti-Aircraft/Anti-Tank Regiment whilst in Calcutta 16 December 1944 arrived in Tamu (probably as part of 20th Indian Division) and destroyed for Japanese tanks (most likely when they broke through in January 1944 in the fighting around Tamu). 29 May 1944 in the Artillery Box at Bishnapur. Destroyed 12 enemy aircraft and four possibles. 17 July 1944 Reorganised as an Anti Tank Regiment and on 1st Sept 1944 renamed as 111st Anti Tank Regiment which served with 20th Indian Division. Therefore it was likely to have taken part in the re-conquest of Burma with them. The above came from a book by Farnham on The History of the Royal Regiment of Artilley - The Far East Theatre 1941-6. It accords with some of the tyhings you mentioned in your original request but of course the personnel record mentioned above will confirm when and if he was with this unit. I have details on the Bishenpur Box and the fighting there ....I was there two years ago.
