Good afternoon, all. I am helping a friend research the war service of his Uncle, Private William Victor Woolley, 4863156, who enlisted in June, 1940 and who became a signaler with the 1st Battalion of the 'Tigers'. He was captured on 21st October 1944, and spent the remainder of the war until his release in 1945 in Stalag XIB, (Fallingboststel), Saxony, repairing damaged railway tracks. We have his service record, and it states that he was captured near Breda. I believe the Bn. landed in Normandy on 3rd July, 1944, and was involved in actions in Merxplas, Stonebridge, Brembosch, and RosendaalI amongst others. He survived the war, and his son (also William, my friend's cousin) was born in 1947. W.V. Woolley died in 2004, aged 88. I would be most grateful if someone who has access to the War Diary could provide a few details about what William was likely to have been involved in, and in particular what happened the day of his capture. Many thanks Malcolm
Not sure if this helps, but I now have a little more information about William that I hope the War Diary might be able to shed some light on. I understand that at some time between the 24th July and 16th August 1944 a German shell hit the Command Post wireless dugout - William was promoted (Acting) L/Cpl on the 20th August, and I am wondering if the two facts are connected? I also understand that on the 21st October (The day William was captured), 147 Brigade - and the rest of the 49th (WR) Division - was involved in repelling a German counter attack in what was to become known as "The Battle of the Stone Bridge" - This bridge over the Weerijs was the only stone one, and thus essential to hold so the river could be crossed with heavy equipment. Again, I would be most grateful if anyone who has access to the War Diary could reproduce the entries for the above events. Many thanks in anticipation Malcolm
Hi, Best drop Andy Drew5233 or Lee PsyWar.Org a personal message to see if they already have the relevant WD. If not they offer a look up & copy service at UK NA at a fraction of the price NA will charge for a copy WD. Steve
Thank you for the very helpful advice, Tullybrone - ! will contact Andy and Lee as you suggest. KR Malcolm
Just wanted to publicly acknowledge my appreciation and thanks to all those that have responded, and in particular to Andy (Drew5233) for supplying the War Diary info I was after - an excellent service, Andy, and I know William's son and nephew are going to be delighted with the knowledge that William was one of the survivors of 62 OR's that were killed or went missing that day. And thanks again, Steve, for pointing me in Andy's direction. Malcolm
