Hi All 299309 Lt J Rowland MC, E Lancs I'm trying to research my grandfather's war history. He has been dead 20 years now but I have such fond memories of times spent with him and also the talks we used to have. As fine a man as ever lived, he was, and is, my standard to live up to. He served with 5th Bn, East Lancs, part of 197 Bde of the 59th Div. When that unit was broken up in August 1944, he was transferred to 2 Mons, part of 160 Bde in 53rd Welsh Div. Whilst serving with them we was awarded the MC for his part in the fighting in and around s'Hertegenbosch. I have just returned from Fulwood Bks in Preston and was dismayed at how little information is available on this unit. Next step is the National Archives and looking at war diaries. However, before I do that I wondered if anyone on here could help? I have looked through the forum's pages,have looked at the War Diary for 2/5 Lancs Fusiliers that was linked from one posting and have also been on the following website (http://59div.morssweb.com). There is more information on the 53rd Welsh Div but the real difficulty is finding information that covers the period from coming ashore at the end of June 1944, their first actions after landing around Caen, 'Bloody Sunday' at Fontenay le Pesnil (16 July) until they were split apart in August 1944. To be honest, I have been gobsmacked by the depth of knowledge of some people here and how wide the connections have gone. It has been fascinating looking at previous posts. I keep my fingers crossed that the same might happen in my case. Any help would be tremendously appreciated and many thanks in advance. Mike Spectamur agendo
Hi Mike, You've probably seen J. Rowland's citation, but I will post it anyway. Interesting also to note he resigns his commission from the Territorial and Army Reserve in 1968 as a Lieutenant. Cheers - Rob
I have a copy of the regimental history of the East Lancashire Regiment, History of the East Lancashire Regiment in the War 1939-1945. Pages 301-310 cover the 5th Battalion's service in France 1944. Let me know if this is of any use.
Hi Guys Thanks for both your replies. My Grandfather was acting Captain at war's end but went back to being a policeman in Lancashire when released. He remained in the Lancashire constabulary for the rest of his working life but did join the Army cadet force for a few years in the mid to late 60's, eventually resigning in 68 - hence leaving as a lieutenant more than 20 years after he'd been a captain! I've just photocopied those pages you mention from the History of the East Lancashire Regiment in the War 1939-1945 when at Fulwood. What was amazing was the lack of detail when compared to the 1st Bn East Lancs. As you have the book, you can see the difference between the comprehensive and detailed coverage one gets and the other, well it's almost as if it's forgotten. My grandfather had such a tough time (as did so many others) in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The end result though is a largely unknown history of what he did in the war. Like so many of his generation, the things he saw and did never left him ... but he hardly ever spoke about them. It's now like trying to piece a massive jigsaw together, only so many of the pieces are missing. I'm sure this is a position many of the forum users can identify with. Once again, many thanks for your replies and I hope that some other information may come to light. Warmest regards Mike
Hi My Uncle was in the 5th East Lanashire Regiment in Normandy ,I to went to fullwood barracks and was horrified as to what little amount of records and photographs they had of those poor young men. My uncle sadly was kiled in action on (Black Sunday)!6th July . Unfortunatley all his photos were burnt in a house fire soon after the war and my Dad is longing to find one of his Battalin . Major Bremner was his company Major (Who was Rory Bremner from the tv''s Father ) he went to Fullwood to Barracks and showed many photos and information when he done a tv programme about his Dad but would not let them copy or leave any items ,I did try to contact him but had no luck with a reply .if you hold any photos i would be really gratefull if you could share them Regards Dawn
Have you tried contacting him via twitter - I'm new to it but I seem to have a lot of luck with it of late.
