I have lots of pics to post on here when Ipick them up from my mums, don'tknow who any of them are except my dad but others may recognise relatives you never know.
Liz, looking forward to seeing these photos. Do you have any idea which squadron your father was? Dave
Dave, Are you still looking for a copy of Welsh Spearhead?? I have been offered an ex-library copy in complete and reasonable condition - would you be interested?? I have a copy already. Jawan
As a novice to this site I have yet to discover how you make a PM - could you PM me with your email address and I will respond. Many thanks, Jawan
Drumaneen many thanks for the restoration on that photo, just shown my mother and she was chuffed to bits!!!!! Jawan PM sent.
Hiya I've transcribed one of my uncle's letters. I picked this one because it mentioned Montgomery. Obviously at this time the Regiment was training for the invasion. I've got about 60 of his letters so if anyone has any specific dates in mind I can look to see if any of his letters match up... Seaford and Ashford seem a long way apart so I'd be grateful if anyone can check where the regiment was based at this time... Hope this is of interest. I'll post more if I find anything interesting.. Cheers Dave
Drumaneen, wow a brilliant restoration on that second one, the top of the three badges would have been green with yellow writing, second one down would have been khaki background with a red "W" and the bottom one a green and yellow tactical recognition stripe. At this time the beret would have been black and the lanyard on the right arm green and yellow striped. Many thanks for your effors on this!!!!
Dave, In October 1943 the Regiment moved from its camp at Gore Court in Otham, Kent to an old manor house some 20 miles away in the village of Smeeth, on the outskirts of Ashford. From the war diary the ranges at Seaford and Lydd were used as Anti-Tank ranges so exercises were based around these areas alot!! The war diary entry for February 1944, confirms that on the 3rd February the Regiment were in the field on Exercise ALP, the regt attended HQ 31 Tk Bde where General Montgomery, C in C, 21 Army Group inspected and addressed 3000 assembled troops. For the football fans amongst us, 2 days previously 53 Recce had beaten 16 Tk Bde RASC 4 goals to 3 in the second round of the 53 Div soccer competition!!! Dave
Drumaneen, wow a brilliant restoration on that second one, the top of the three badges would have been green with yellow writing, second one down would have been khaki background with a red "W" and the bottom one a green and yellow tactical recognition stripe. At this time the beret would have been black and the lanyard on the right arm green and yellow striped. Many thanks for your effors on this!!!! Is this the Recce livery?
Yes, however the 53rd Div patch would be more of a browny/khaki - I'll upload some shots of mine later. Also the 'W' Had a line under it as well. I think the lanyard is fine as well, excellent work.
As Swiper said excellent work!!! Looks amazing. The middle badge, the 53rd div insignia more like this.
Thanks for all that - very helpful -- Dave - I've PM'ed you my email - can u ping me - just that I am conscious that photo restoration is not what this thread is about and I have another on the go (ur grandad & Recce Group in woods posted earlier). I'm feeling the need to get out of the road of the thread! So here is my final version on here - PM me if u think adustments still need to be made - otherwise Dave - show these to your Mum
As my research becomes more well known in my family other stuff which we thought had long since disappeared turns up!! Check out this 53rd Recce Fruit bowl which I have just been given. As you can see from the markings is from the Regiments posting to Solingen in 1945.
Dave, many thanks to your tip off... I got Welsh Spearhead (2 copies) for £36! BARGAIN! I owe you a few pints... also I'll eventually put up some pics of my rapidly growing 53rd Welsh collection, have a deal with a local militaria dealer in Swansea now so hopefully will get some nice 53rd Recce stuff through it...
I'm not one to turn down a pint!! I'm pleased you have managed to get a copy or 2. I have to say you have done very well to get 2 for £36, I paid £85 for one but that is life, c'est la vie!! I would appreciate anything you get on 53 Recce.
Once I get back from America/graduate/sort-my-life-out I'll go through my now 4-5 boxes full of 53rd Welsh Div documents, books, photos etc and have a proper search mate... Need my own house and a room to display it all in...