Further to this thread where I am slowly uncovering my Grandfathers war service.... http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/48789-my-grandfather-somerset-light-infantry/ ...can anyone tell me what this unit was in the North West campaign of 1944/1945´and where it was located. Many thanks Steve
Would also be interested in the location of 32 RHU as my Uncle transited through on the way to reinforce the 2nd Glasgow Highlanders in October 1944 prior to Op Veritable, he was KIA 14 Feb 1945 in Moyland Wood.
RHUs mentioned in several threads on the forum & are Reinforcement Holding Unit, successors to the Reinforcement Camps. No location of 32 RHU that I could see though.
I realise this is an old thread but I found it while searching for the location of 34 RHU in August 1944, and I can add to it. If too late to help you, then it may be of help to others. Reinforcement Holding Units (R.H.U.) - Researching WW2 Soldiers has the locations of 32 RHU in October 1944. (Reinforcement Holding Units (R.H.U.) - Researching WW2 Soldiers) It may be useful to know that ‘WO171/3695 34 Unit | The National Archives’ War diary shows 32, 33 & 34 RHUs formed ‘101 Reinforcement Group’ and it seems they relocated together as the war progressed. (see attached document dated 10 Jul1944 when they were near Bayeaux at Vaux-Sur-Aure). My Grandfather (Guardsman Richard Eames) transited through 34 RHU on his way to 3BN Irish Guards, so this group is of interest to me too. While the entry dates for relocation tally, 34 RHU diary doesn’t reveal their location while overseas so I hope to see a copy of these other diaries. 32 Unit | The National Archives WO 171/3693 (32 Unit 1944 Jan.- Dec.) 33 Unit | The National Archives WO 171/3694 (33 Unit 1944 Jan.- Dec.) 34 Unit | The National Archives WO 171/3695 (34 Unit 1944 Jan.- Dec.) 101 Gp. | The National Archives (WO 171/3687 (101 Gp. 1944 Jan.- Dec.)
I have just been reading some old letters that my father sent my mother and in September 1945 he passed through the 32 RHU, which at that point was on the outskirts of Ostend in Belgium. He was on his way from the 15th Field Dressing Station where he had been a clerk since shortly before the end of the war, and was now on his way back to England for leave and reposting. I quote from his letter: "This RHU is a queer sort of place. There isn't a great amount to do, but we can't go out until evening and there are all sorts of weird regulations which can easily be overlooked." He also says they have to listen out for announcements over the loud speaker and keep an eye on noticeboards. But he said the food was good although no lighting in the bedrooms at night.
