40th RTR 1943, query on a memorial.

Discussion in 'RAC & RTR' started by daggers, Jul 29, 2018.

  1. daggers

    daggers Member

    On a private family memorial in a Liverpool cemetery is the following inscription:
    “And Trooper John JONES 40th R.T.R. / beloved son of the above / died of wounds Italy 6th Nov. 1943 / aged 26 years.”

    I have been unable to find any matching entry on the CWGC records and would welcome any comments from those who know more about this than I do. Tpr Jones's parents were John (dec'd 1922) and Florence who was alive at the supposed date of the trooper's death.

    Thanks
    Daggers
     
  2. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    There's a Alfred John Jones,3456507, son of 'Thomas' and Florence Jones of Dingle,Liverpool. 46th Liverpool Welsh RAC.?

    Kyle
     
  3. daggers

    daggers Member

    That looks promising, and 46 RTR was the second line of 40th. The name Alfred was not mentioned but I think you have cracked it for me.
    Many thanks, quick too.
    D
     
  4. gmyles

    gmyles Senior Member

    Extract from "The Valentine in North Africa 1942-43" by Bryan Perrett

    Subsequent History of 23rd Armoured Brigade

    Naples Oct. 1,1943

    To return to the west coast of ITALY, the 23rd Armoured Brigade fought with the Infantry in the break-out from the SALERNO bridgehead and in the forcing of the VIETRI Gap. They also carried out the advance on to the NAPLES plain and the capture of the SORRENTO Peninsular which was effected by the “Greys” with Americans. The 23rd Armoured Brigade, (40th RTR) plus Americans were first into NAPLES and they continued throughout that extremely wet and cold winter fighting in the mountains and on the banks of the VOLTURNO. The crossing of the river followed, which, at that period the Italians considered to be an insuperable obstacle. They continued to advance along the famous APPIAN WAY towards ROME. During this period 46th and 50th RTR rejoined the Brigade from the 8th Army and the “Greys” left us, much to our regret. They were a fine fighting regiment.


    That Autumn (1943) consisted of mountain climbing in tanks, to assist 46th Division, 56th Division, 210 Guards Brigade and 5th Division. The GARAGLIANO River was crossed by the 40th RTR about January 19, 1944, in support of 56th Division, 46th Division and 5th Division. The fighting was bitter and the Infantry suffered very severe casualties which prevented them from joining up with the British 1st Division at ANZIO where 46th RTR had landed. It is not necessary here to describe the fierce fighting that took place at ANZIO.

    Hope this helps

    Gus
     
  5. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    I’ve got the war diary for autumn 1943 - I’ve had a quick look and there are details of numbers of casualties day by day in October, but only a single figure so impossible to tell if wounded or killed in action. I don’t suppose the CWGC information includes a date for his initial wounding?
    Regards
    Tom
     
  6. daggers

    daggers Member

    Thanks for helpful additions. The Perrett extract helps with setting the scene. CWGC do not specify cause of death, but the family inscription includes dow, so I shall accept that.
    The key to my original problem was the first name Alfred, evidently not used by the family - a problem I have had myself!
    D
     
  7. gmyles

    gmyles Senior Member

    British Army Casualty Records 1939-1945 (WO 471-86) (available online on www.findmypast.co.uk).

    I have cut out the irrelevant information.

    Hope this helps

    Gus
    upload_2018-7-30_10-17-25.png
     
  8. daggers

    daggers Member

    Thanks again. This wraps up what I need about this casualty.
    I have been looking into war-related inscriptions on private (non-CWGC) memorials in Toxteth Park cemetery, Liverpool. Most are WW1 but there are enough WW2 to keep me going, so I may be back!.
    D
     

Share This Page