Where Did He Serve in WW2

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Peter Machon, Jan 12, 2018.

  1. Peter Machon

    Peter Machon New Member

    Hello

    We are wondering if someone can resolve a mystery for us please

    My wife found a scrap of paper in some old family photos with her fathers (Leslie Thomas Howard) writing on it

    We know he served in WW2 in the army and was probably in North Africa and Italy

    Could someone decipher the:

    HHO or 440 4336211AA (this may OR MAY NOT be his regimental number - but its hard to read) Royal Artillery 1st Armoured Group REME 8th Army 1943-1946 Naples CMF

    We have a medal The Italy Star and two cap badges - REME and Royal Horse Artillery
    We would like to know where he served and were we could find out more information

    Regards and thanking you in anticipation
    Peter
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Hello Peter

    firstly if you could post any military photos (if you have them) or the scrap of paper forum members will be able to help further

    Also apply for his service records
    Get a copy of military service records - GOV.UK

    regards
    Clive
     
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  3. Peter Machon

    Peter Machon New Member

    hi

    HHO 4336211AA Royal Artillery
    1st Armoured Group 1943-1946 Naples CMF
    REME 8th Army

    this is exactly as written on the paper

    Peter
     
  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    We have found it is better to read the original documents - at the moment it could be that 11AA could in fact be HAA, thats why we ask for uploaded scans of documents.

    TD
     
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  5. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Can I ask if you are also posting on another forum where you state “We have always known that my wife's dad (was) Thomas Leslie Howard ………….”

    Is it Thomas Leslie or Leslie Thomas?

    There are Royal Artillery attestations in both names – neither of which may be the one are after – so the only place to start is to follow Clive’s advice and obtain his service records.

    By the way if 4336211 was his army number that would indicate that he signed up with the East Yorkshire Regiment.
     
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  6. Peter Machon

    Peter Machon New Member

    Hello

    Scan as requested

    We are looking for information about Leslie Thomas Howard - born 1917

    Yes we have been posting for as much help as we can find - Thomas Leslie Howard was His Father - born 20 Dec 1889 - we have since found out that he was in the Merchant Navy - service number: 397357 rating Fireman

    Hope this helps

    Regards
    Peter
     

    Attached Files:

  7. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    I can tell you that the first line ending is HAA Royal artillery-meaning Heavy anti-aircraft but cannot read the first bit

    Lesley
     
  8. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    I agree with Lesley and my best guess/interpretation of the top line is RHQ followed by 43,(Battery) 362 Reg (Regiment) H A A etc....

    Only problem is I can’t turn up 362 Regt HAA on t’internet:wacko:

    Steve

    Sorry -just noticed typo I did mean 43 but mistyped 46 - amended
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2018
  9. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Is that 43 HAA 362 battery?

    edit: no scrap that, I'm talking rubbisho_O
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2018
  10. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    My best guess is that top line reads:
    ILHO - 43.362.REG.HAA ROYAL ARTILLERY
    However, like others, I can make no sense of these numbers in the context of HAA.
    I would note that it looks as if the original wording became faint and someone has inked it over. They may have made a mistake when doing this.
    Tim
     
  11. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    I cant turn up a 1st Armoured Group either there is 1st (United Kingdom) Division, formerly the 1st Armoured Division which saw action in Italy

    [​IMG]

    But I cant delve further into it to see what HAA regiments it contained, but as others it definitely looks like HAA to me

    TD
     
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  12. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Peter
    I think it is best to get his records from the MOD in the link above first. They only take around 3 or 4 weeks and then you can be sure which regiment/battery he was in and we can help you further.

    Lesley
     
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  13. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    I did wonder whether it means 1AGRA. However agree best to leave until the Service Record is available.
    Tim
     
  14. hutt

    hutt Member

  15. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    I asked because on the other forum you posted "We have always known that my wife's dad and mum were Thomas Leslie Howard and Louisa Victoria Anderson - never married!"

    Assuming it is Leslie Thomas you are after it could be the attached (note: could)

    Howard.jpg
     
  16. Peter Machon

    Peter Machon New Member

    Hi

    We have downloaded forms for his Service Record - completed and posted off!
    have a look at this image - we have only just discovered it in the bottom of the medals box

    regards
    Peter
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I can make out bits of it but I think it’ll be better to wait a month or so for his records as they ought to provide full and accurate chapter and verse on his military service.

    Steve
     
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