My Grandad - Gunner William John Smith Served in the Army 1943-46

Hi everyone

My Grandad Bill served in the army during WW2 and was a Class III cook.

The regiment listed on his Release Leave Certificate was handwritten as 530 / 156 (M0 HAA Regt, RA and stamped as 530 (M) HY, A.A. BTY, R.A.

I would be very grateful if someone could shed any light on this regiment (is it heavy artillery?) and where he may have served between 1943 and 1946? My Nan gave birth to my Auntie during this time, so I'm guessing he wasn't too far from home - home was Leyton, East London (or Essex, in those days).

I have attached his Release Leave Certificate and apologies to anyone if this is a stupid question - I don't personally have any military experience, but I'd love to find out more.

Many thanks!
Julie

 

Hello Julie

Firstly send off for his service records
Get a copy of military service records

Regards
Clivr

 

Welcome Julie

HAA = Heavy Anti Aircraft
BTY = Battery
RA = Royal Artillery

The best and only way to really start search ............ CL1 beat me to it - service records - best start

TD

If by any chance your Nan is still alive then she can apply for his service records for free

 

Julie,
Your grandfather originally enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1940, attached is his attestation entry. He was posted to a Search Light Regiment on 10th August 1942, prior to service with 530 Battery 156th Mixed Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

 

There is some background info here - https://wikimili.com/en/26th_(London)_Anti-Aircraft_Brigade

TD

 

Dear Clive, TD and Guy - that’s amazing, thank you all so much for taking the time to reply and for the information. I will certainly send off for my grandad’s records. Thanks again!

 

Come back and tell us more when you receive them - or upload them if you need help deciphering them

TD

 

156 HAA Rgt was formed in April 1942 and served throughout in Home Forces.
The relevant War Diaries for the Regiment are:
WO 166/7523 (Apr - Dec 42)
WO 166/11637 (1943)
WO 166/14812 (1944)
WO 166/16733 (Jan - Nov 45)
Once you have your grandad's records you will know which ones to look at (You can view at the National Archives, Kew or there are forum members who will copy them at very reasonable rates).

Tim

 

Fantastic, thanks again everyone. I will let you know how I get on.

Julie

 

This is incredible Guy - thanks so much! That actually looks like his handwriting - would that be right? Maybe just a coincidence.

 

Julie,
The date listed on your release leave certificate must indicate when William joined 530 Battery, 156 H.A.A.
He served with them from 24.2.1943 until he was demobbed.

 

Hi Julie,
I was researching my grandad's history today and came across your post because his regiment was identical to your grandfather's on his Release Book! His name was Albert George Skuse (see release certificate here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dHXxi6nJ7kGKHfQA9)

The information forum members have provided is already helpful to me. Did you find out anything more from the National Archives or for other forum members off list?

Also, if any other forum members are reading this, I am keen to see copies of the relevant War Diaries for the Regiment, and would be happy to discuss remuneration. My grandad died before i was born, so all I know about him is from family stories.

Best wishes
Ben

 

Ben
Julie has not been on the forum for over a year.
start your own thread here Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy where you will get more help from forum members.
If you havent all ready apply for his service records plus a couple of forum members offer a diary copy service from the national archives for a reasonable fee.



regards
Clive

 

Thanks Clive, will do!