1611 ARTY PLATOON RASC NORMANDY

Thought you might like to read my father's war diary from 1st June - 16th June. It cover's the build up to,and
his landing on the Normandy beaches (Juno).
be aware it is hand written and you may need to zoom in to read it. Hope you enjoy.

regards.....Graham.

 

The last 4 pages of June 1944 (Normandy)
My father remained with this unit (1611 Arty Plat RASC) until Dec/6/1945,but I can't find his continuing diaries after June 1944.
Edit, I have now found the missing diaries ref 1944.

 

Hello Graham,
I wonder if you have any records of activities from the 1611 heavy artillery platoon Feb/March 1945 please? I'm trying to find out what happened to my Grandad, Corporal William Inglefield, who was a despatch rider in this platoon from 13/4/44 until he died 6/3/45. There are conflicting reports of how he died so I'm trying to find some more information for my dad.
Thank you, Rachel

 

Hello,
I'll have a look.
Apply for his service record only available from MOD, via the link below.
Graham.

Get a copy of military service records

 

Corporal INGLEFIELD, WILLIAM HENRY

Service Number T/14290929

Died 11/03/1945

Aged 29

1611 Artillery Platoon
Royal Army Service Corps

Son of Joseph and Hannah Inglefield, of West Bromwich, Staffordshire; husband of Eunice Inglefield, of West Bromwich.


INSCRIPTION
TAKE HIM IN THINE ARMS, O LORD AND LOVE HIM JUST FOR ME. HIS LOVING WIFE EUNICE

Download commemorative certificate (PDF)

Buried at UDEN WAR CEMETERY

Location: Noord-Brabant, Netherlands
Number of casualties: 699

Cemetery/memorial reference: 6. D. 3.

See cemetery plan


Corporal William Henry Inglefield (Unknown-1945) -...

 

His casualty record shows 'Died as result of Accident'.
I will check the diaries that I have.
Graham.

 

Thank you, we think he might have been run over but what is strange is that apparently his injuries were thought to be minor and from the letters we have his friends in the platoon thought he was safe at home.
Rachel

 

1611 arty platoon along with others was attached to 319 coy, under the command of 30 corps.
There's no mention of your relative in the WO diary.However I have uploaded some scans around the date he died for your interest.(first image Jan 1st 1945) and there after 4th-9th march 1945.
regards.......Graham.

 

Gosh Graham, thank you so much for these. Was there any scans of the next few days, Grandad's accident was on the 10th March and he died on the 11th March.
What is the 319 coy? Was my Grandad in the same platoon as your Dad?
Rachel

 

ok Rachel, my mistake here you go.
Graham.

 

319 coy, is 319 company RASC.
Your grandfather was in the same unit as my father (1611 arty platoon, HA, RASC)
Do you have any photos you could share.

Graham.

 

Thank you so much for these. How did you get hold of them? My dad went to Kew Gardens and they had no record of the platoon. I'm just sharing this information with my dad now. Have you been able to find many other people who have information about the 1611?
Rachel

 

All units have a catalogue number at Kew.
For example, WO 166-13242 gives you 1611 platoon (Med Regt) Jul-Dec 1943.
Finding the correct WO (war office) number is no easy task,in fact it can be a headache.

Graham.

 

Dug this photo out earlier this evening.
Don't know the date or place it was taken.Looks like they are taking time out to play tennis.My father is the chap leaning against the ladder, don't know who the other two chaps are.I assume they are all mates from 16 platoon RASC,but I could be wrong.

Graham.

 

Hi Graham,
This is my Grandad on the left with his friend, Andrew Greenshields, on the right he could possibly look a bit like the man in your photo without the glasses?
Rachel

 

Rachel,

Lovely photos thanks for sharing. It could well be the same chap,noted on your photo he is a corporal.
Is there anything on the back of the photo, date or place ?
I noted in your post #7 you mentioned some letters ? do they by any chance mention dates, place names, where 1611 platoon were.?

regards........Graham.

 

Hi Graham,
Dad has sent the letters over to me tonight I'll go through them. It would be really nice for you and dad to have a chat about your dads, would it be possible for him to contact you? Perhaps if we could have your email address, you could exchange details?
Rachel

 

Hi Rachel,
I'll send you a PM tomorrow with my e,mail happy to correspond with your father and try to answer any questions he might have.
Had a further look at 1611 platoon's diaries tonight and your grandfather is mentioned in the schedules/appendices.
I will san it and post it to you tomorrow via a PM. (private message)

Do you have your grandfathers service record ?

Graham.

 

Wow Graham, that's amazing thank you. I didn't know how to private message on this forum.
Rachel

 

Rachel,
Just keep an eye on your inbox, top right.

Graham.