Hi everyone, I'm new to this Forum, so forgive me if I don't get everything right. I am researching the men on our local Memorial and wanted to add as much as possible for the relatives to know a little of what hapenned to their loved one. I have Bombardier ASHBROOK, CHARLIE Service Number 4205281 Died 27/03/1945 Aged 32 25 Lt. A.A. Regt. Royal Artillery Buried at REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Location: Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany From what I have gleaned so far, I have the feeling that 25th Lt AA Regt had recently been moved to Germany, in 1945, so can anyone explain what battle or circumstances my soldier would have been involved in please. Any help you be gratefully received. Kind regards, Mavis
Thank you both for your swift reply and I am so thrilled with photograph o his gravestone. There are remarks underneath that look as though they were from family. Would that be right? Thanks again
The 25th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RA, were divisional troops of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division from 25 April 1942 to 1 December 1944, when 50 Div was broken up and returned home from NW Europe as a Training Cadre. Monty saying they’d done enough. On 1 December 1944 the 25LAA joined the 53rd (Welsh) Division, which is somewhat poignant given Bdr Ashbrook was it seems Welsh or living in Wales and his service number indicates he was originally a Royal Welch Fusilier. The 25LAA was formed in Liverpool on 1 June 1939 primarily for the defence of the Mersey, but spent most of its active life overseas; Western Desert, Sicily, NW Europe. The original batterys were 81st, 82nd and 225th. The 225th Bty was diverted to Malta at the time the regiment went to the Western Desert in February 1941 and never rejoined the regiment. It’s place was take by the 274th Bty, which had previously been ‘A’ Bty, 102nd (Northumberland Hussars) Light Anti- Aircract and Anti-Tank Regiment, RA, in September 1941. The 81st Bty was overrun by the Afrika Korps during the Gazala battles in June 1942 and never reconstituted. It was later replaced by the 138th Bty (which had been formed in Margate) in Novemer 1942. It is unclear which Bty Bdr Ashbrook served with 82nd (Liverpool), 138th (Margate) or 274th (Northumberland). Bdr Ashbrook died during or just after the crossing of the Rhine, which started on 23 March 1945 and they crossed on 24 March 1945. The 25LAA ceased to operate as a Light Anti-Aircraft unit on 27 March 1945 and were given other duties such as prisoner escorts, bridge protection, amateur RASC troops, HQ defense duties, etc. The circumstances of Bdr Ashbrook demise are currently unclear. Best, Steve.
Thank you so much Steve, I have some Casualty Lists where he is mentioned and it seems he was wounded and died the same day. You have enabled me to add to his story and I have added a few of the Documents I got from FMP. I really appreciate it. Regards, Mavis
Hello Mavis, The second attachment shows that he was posted to the 116th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment on 1 January 1942 and the link reveals that the 116LAA was formed from the 12th Bn Royal Welch Fusiliers: 116 Light Anti-Aircraft The link also reveals that the 116LAA were Divisional troops of the 53rd (Welsh) Division and disbanded in NW Europe in December 1944. It is most likely the case that on disbandment of the 116LAA, Bdr Ashbrook transferred from the 116LAA to the 25LAA, which joined the 53rd (Welsh) Divsion in its place. Clive (handle ‘CL1’) who posted the headstone link (above) may be able to tell you more about the 116LAA, as I believe his father served with them. Best, Steve.
Once more I am indebted to you Steve, I have only just started looking at the 2nd World War after doing the Great War, when I was always asking questions on 1914-18 Invision Army Forum, who were like you all on this - experts, and it is so nice to know I can ask and get help. Thank you - Regards, Mavis
This is the original photo I took in June 2013 (and shown in the link). A couple of other pics included. A couple of general shots from 2014 & 2015.
Thank you so much for these wonderful photographs Ramacal, they are stunning and I am sure they will be very much appreciated by Charlie's family if they get in touch. Thanks again, Mavis
