3 RTR B Squadron

Ok, I'm in! Bit busy right now, but later on this evening I'll have a shifty for Cass, post some photos, maybe Len recognises someone..although I don't want to pester him- he might think, "oh God, another one!"

 

Frank (and any passers by!)


You are aware of this photo of what appears to be B Squadron chaps - mentions Cpl Evans:


Unless my eyes are deceiving me, Cpl Evans also appears on this 'new' photo of F01 standing next to the 'hole' made by Sgt Harding - photo posted on Facebook in the last couple of days:

 

Just goes to show 75 years later fresh detail is emerging. I think it’s so important to put names to people in photos , especially for future researchers. We can thank Cass Jones for providing this from her father’s (Len Brererton) collection. I doubt it’s been shown “in public” before.

 

Hang on, I'll get me pencil.... it's a shame we don't have those pics in higher resolution...by the way, after serious consideration, I think in the picture of Cherub & crew, driver Evans is the tankie on the far right, not to the left of Granddad, a I previously believed...not the same person I'm sure. As for Charlie...I've asked Cass if she could show the pics to Len, see if he could shed any light..here's hoping!
PS, found a reasonably-priced copy of None Had Lances on ebay, winging it's way to me now!

 

Frank all members of the RTR wear that tank badge!

 

Now we're getting into the realms of identifying people I was looking at this pic today and thought to myself the Op/Ldr doesn't half look like Bill Bourne! What do you reckon SDP?

 

Indeed we/I did!

 

This scene appears in the 3RTR Comet maintenence Schwarmstedt film, filmed on the 13/4 so that would probably make them B Squadron, A & C were busy elsewhere! I've tried to compress the film to post it here, but it's just too big. I'll keep trying!



Two screen shots of the tankie in the turret.

 

Of course the other item you can clearly see in this pic is a strip of green cloth on the epaulette, not always worn but I think reserved for a smart sort of walking out dress in the rear areas as they were probably in short supply! This was the 3rd's colour and in later years the 'Slides' were worn on all forms of dress less the more smarter ones ie No1s, 2s and mess dress but morphed into this:-

 

IWM has these names: MAINTENANCE OF THEIR TANKS

 

I thought Bill Bourne when I first saw that photo a number of years ago...but then, some time later, came across the image with their names. Bill certainly liked his photo taken - I've got several more of dad's photos with Bill on them! I really should post them one day! I've even tried tracking down living relatives but with no luck so far - if anyone has yet another photo of Tiger F01 it will be them?! Peter Elstob's family similarly elusive.

 

Frank,I had a message from Cass , was the Charlie you posted the picture of ,Charlie Dunn,?
Cass said everyone in the 3rd knew Charlie, he sounded a real character Apparently he married a German girl, Len was his Best man.

 

I've no idea of his surname, all I know was that he was (supposedly) killed towards the end of the war, and he billeted with my grandfather in Poperinge, and that they were best mates..Does Len recognise him from the photo? Speaking of whom, poor old Len, he must feel like the 1940's version of Google...

 

It must be a different Charlie.
Len has had a bombardment of questions
It must feel like last man standing at times
He always answers promptly so we arnt getting on his nerves yet
He was 95 3 months ago.
I’ll ask Len about your Poperinge photo.

 

Cheers! Hope I'm that lucid at that age, well, first, I've got to get there! God bless him!

 

To momentarily forget my frustration regarding the 'Poperinge squadron photo', it's time I renewed my Charlie frustration....having being looking at badges, insignias, etc I realised Charlie had this on his BD tunic, just above his left breast pocket:

Forgive my ignorance in these matters, but what is it? I guess it's some sort of decoration/award...is this what they call a ribbon? Shame we can't make out the colours.

 

Yep tis’ a medal ribbon! They’re all worn over the left breast whether it was awarded for gallantry ie MM, campaign ie Africa star or service ie LS&GC (Long Service & Good Conduct)!

 

Cheers! It seems to have two vertical bars against a solid background, here's with the contrast ramped up:

mmm, that came out a bit small, but you get my meaning...bearing in mind the time this pic was taken, Jan '45 maybe, what could it be? My grandfather didn't have one (unless his got taken away for his holiday in Haute Épine), so I'm guessing it's a gallantry award, and if so, is there any way of consulting such awards, etc?

 

Looks like an Africa Star with 8th Army metal number in the middle....or I'm seeing what I want to see!

 

Like this?

Could be! Any way of tracing tankies that served both in North Africa and NW Europe?