My grandfather H Rowley was in the 4th Cheshire Regiment from June 1940, I don't think they left the UK from the time he joined, can anyone shed some light on what they were doing in the UK for the duration of the war? Thanks
>>>> The Vickers Machine Gun 4th This Battalion was an interesting one as it was never 'mobilized' but instead 'embodied'. It was part of the 55th Division initially but soon transferred to the 48th Division for administrative purposes but it was in reality part of the Corps Troops and did not wear divisional insignia. It went to France in January 1940 and took part in several actions there. After serious losses, including two complete companies, it returned to the UK at the end of May - via Bray Dunes. It remained in the United Kingdom being a breeding ground for MG and Small Arms instructors and these were picked off by other Battalions and Regiments. In October 1943, it became part of 61st Infantry Division but was never called on to fight and was dispersed in April, 1944
Robert, do any of your relatives have connections to Widnes, as I have both Snape's and Rowley's in my ROH P
Here's all the battalion war diaries held at the National Archives. WO 166/4191 4 Cheshire Regiment. 1939 Sept.- Dec., 1940 June- 1941 Dec. WO 167/725 4 Cheshire Regiment 1940 Jan.-May WO 166/8633 4 Cheshire Regiment 1942 Jan.- Dec. WO 166/12509 4 Cheshire Regiment 1943 Jan.-Dec. WO 166/15086 4 Cheshire Regiment 1944 Jan.-Dec. WO 166/17148 4 Cheshire Regiment 1945 Jan.-Dec.
