Hi, I have embarked on the journey of documenting my Grandfather's life. His name was Harold Littlewood - he was a driver in the Royal Corps of Signals. I am currently trying to work out where he did his training during 1940 and 1941 before moving to Algiers. The closest I have come to finding this information out (other than labelled photographs) is from his pay book which lists the places he collected his weekly wage. The first few weeks were 'field', though most were listed as HQ 138/03, 199/03. If I knew where these payment places were, it would help my research greatly. Thank you in advance for any help that can be given, Helen
Hi, Welcome to the forum. What makes you think he served with 138 Field Regiment RA? 78th Infantry Division (United Kingdom) - Wikipedia Your best bet to plot his movements during his service is to apply for his service papers from MOD Glasgow via the below link. You’ll need a copy death certificate and it costs £30. It takes 6 to 8 weeks to get the papers from Glasgow. Get a copy of military service records Good Luck Steve
Thank you Steve, Harold was definitely in this regiment - I have documents with it on then he joined the 78th Battleaxe Division. I can trace a lot of his moves by his photos and paperwork but just not clear about his training. he spent some of it in Auchterarder and some in Sussex but wanted a bit more detail than that. Thank you for your reply, Helen
Hi, My uncle was in 360 Battery, 138 FR. I have his service record from Glasgow. I'll have a look for the places he served in England 1940/41. You will likely find out more from your grandfathers service record as he would've had different training if he was Royal Signals. Steve
Forgot to mention that unit War Diaries are at U.K. National Archives. If I remember correctly they do contain references to their U.K. movements 1940/42. Steve
Hi, My uncle was at Llangattock, near Crickhowell with 360 Battery in December 1940 and was at Poynings, Sussex on a medical orderlies course in April 1941. As I said in my previous post I'm sure that the UK War Diaries will list the full Regimental movements 1940/42. I remember skim reading them at UK National Archives a few years ago. When 78 Division units were concentrated in Scotland for exercises in 1942 I seem to remember they were at Auchterrader and in Dumfries area. I think they might have been on Sussex Coast and or Isle of Wight on Home Defence in 1941/42 (while part of 56 Division?). Steve
If he was cap badged Royal Signals he would have done some or all his basic training at Catterick Garrison. That was the Home of the Royal Signals during WW2. As previously mentioned, obtaining a copy of his service records would be the best place to start.
Thank you both. Just setting off on holiday but will look into all this when I get back. Really helpful.
Hi Helen, my Grandfather also served in the 138th. He didn't talk a great deal about the war but he did mention that they undertook gunnery training in Tilgate Park, Crawley, sometime in 1942. He only mentioned it because my wife and I moved there. Hope this helps?
Hello Chris Helen has not been on the forum since August 2018 I have sent her a private message re your info regards Clive
