Hi Just researching my father-in-law's war record.Have obtained his service record and have deciphered, which in its self was an interesting exercise. I have a book 'D Day to VE day with the RASC' written by a Major C. J. Tatham RASC. Office Commanding. With a foreword by Briadier N. Duncan. Commander 30 Armed Bde. The book is very information, however I am having difficulty to find another information in various archives. A point in the right direction would be appreciated Bob
Four war diaries at the National Archives WO 166/13129 502 Company 1943 Jan.-Dec. WO 171/2470 502 Company 1944 Jan.- Dec. WO 171/6290 502 Company 1945 Jan.-Dec. WO 171/9822 502 Company 1946 Jan.- June Cheers Andy
BigBob. My dad was also in the Rasc in NW Europe. I am interested in the book that you mentioned but cannot find it online. Any pointers as to where |I could get a copy? I can recommend 'Run Away Somebody's Coming' by Robert Houghton. Very informative and also amusing in parts. Contact the author direct as you get a new copy much cheaper than used ones on Amazon. robert@milford24.freeserve.co.uk
Your father in law can, hopefully, be amongst a true band of heroic brothers My father ,who served in the RASC from '43 to '46, went through the hell of Normandy to the surrender of Germany with 43rd Wessex Division. He and his company drove ambulances from FDS's, transported ammunition, food, and fuel to keep the offensive going. He endured far more enemy fire of all sorts, than many of the ,"front line troops , who gave the RASC the pathetic soubriquet that some of them deserved themselves. RASC ! Unsung heroes of WW2.
Andy Thank you for your help. I will contact the NA direct as there are a couple of other things I'm working on Bob
Hi Toki2 Spent a fine amount of time chasing this book and always ended up in the same place so I purchased. The online book store is ABE which basically is a clearing house for numerous book dealers around the globe. he book is specifically about the 502 Coy RASC, you don't which unit your dad was in. If you are unable to get a copy let me know and I will scan the book and send a copy, it may take awhile and be piecemeal, but the offer is there. Have included opening credits Bob View attachment 502_Coy_RASC_02.pdf View attachment 502_Coy_RASC_01.pdf
Will check that out BigBob and thanks. My father was in the T category which was attached to the Royal Engineers but I am interested in all RASC roles. I have learnt so much on this site.
My father was Captain George Hodkin, he wrote one of the chapters in the book. I went to a couple of reunions of the Bazenville Association with him in Manchester back in the late 80s. I'd love to hear from anyone who has information about the activities of the company. I do have a copy (possibly 2) of the book plus a number of copies of DFG (The Organ of the Bazenville Association).
Hi Dobbers Haven't been on the site for a while so have just read your post. Wife's father didn't talk much about his service. I am just piecing his progress from his service record after deciphering all of the abbreviation.
Hi Bigbob, My dad wouldn't talk about the war years either. He was taken off the dunes at Dunkirk and was then assigned to this company. He used to visit a comrade in Manchester up to the 80's when the comrade died. If anyone has recollections of my dad from the war, I would love to hear it. His name was Herbert Raymond Chambers but was always known as Ray.
Apologies I may be too late on here, but I would like to connect to anyone looking into the activities and records of my dad's unit, 502 Coy RASC. My dad, Gilbert Sutton, was a driver in 502 Coy RASC and he went to pretty much all the reunions of the "Der Grosse Funf" Bazenville Association in Manchester. I have most of the reunion booklets that were produced for each one, with many stories in, but I'm only just starting to try and research my dad's service properly. I also have a copy of to RASC books that were produced after the war. Like others I wished I had gone along with him now, like most he would not talk about the war too much. I have many many letters, even one he wrote both sides of the channel at Dunkirk which helped me to identify his evacuation on HMS Harvester. My dad passed away in 2013 and although I cleared the house and found too many documents and letters there it has taken many years for me to finally get around to make a family record of his service. If there is anyone out there reading this who has a connection please get in touch. Cheers Martin
Hello! I would like to know if you have more informations about Bazenville Association in Manchester. is it about the village near Gold Beach in Normandy? I'm doing some research about Bazenville, particularly soldiers who went there. Cheers, Alexandra