I am researching 3 casualties that died on 29th September 1940 at Wiston in West Sussex. I beleive these may be members of 6 HAA regiment. I intend to check the War diary at tha TNA at the next opportunity, but am hoping somebody may be able shed some light on the likelihood of these men being at this location at this time. Any help much appreciated. Casulties are: Charles Hughes Albert Habbajan John Beard Many thanks
Found 3 articles you can purchase to view at britishnewspaperarchives. A couple from Sep 40 indicate a drowning accident after a dance and there's an article from Oct 40 regarding the inquest into the deaths. I used the search term "John Beard" in the advanced search and chose articles from 1940.
All 3 of them are noted as being part of 3Bty - 6HAA and drowned at Cornwall 29/09/1940 in the book 6th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment (Royal Artillery) by Patrick Walker.
Hi Khanmak. I'll' send an e-mail to Forum Member Pat Walker to contact you. I have the book and the war diary, but won't be able to look at it until Friday. Regards - Rob
In fact I have the war diary on my laptop that is with me. 5 Other Ranks from 3 Battery were accidently drowned at St. Anthony. Some others were also drowned I believe, including a naval rating responsible for a boat returning the men from a night out and which was sadly overloaded.
Dear Khanmak, My faithful friend Ramacal pointed me to your post. I am not sure why you have these men down as dying in Wiston but the full story of their demise is in my book on the 6 th HAA Regt`s full wartime history 1939-1945. Briefly there were 12 men in a boat designed for five returning from a night out in Cornwall. The boat hit rough water and turned over. 5 gunners from 3 Bty `A` section were drowned and four survived. Other casualties were two naval ratings and an Army Sgt. None of the dead gunners came from West Sussex. The two names you did not mention were Kidd and Monaghan. They came from diverse places as far apart as Ireland and Derby but none from Sussex. The NA war diaries do not mention names just that the incident happened. For the names I contacted the local newspaper archives. I am not sure of your reasons for the research but I have still got a few copies of my book available which gives for the first time the complete story of this forgotten Regt. including their Rolls of Honour by Bty and survivors lists along with many photographs from private collections. Much informatioin was gathered by Ramacal too. If you are interested to learn more I can be reached on Patwalker37srpen@aol.com Hoping to hear from you, Patrick Walker
Dear Khanmak, In haste because I have made an error in the names. It should read Kidd from Monaghan and Mullen from Long barton near Derby .Apologies for the error. Patrick Walker
Hi Pat - many thanks for your reply. Apologies for my delay in return posting. Yes - looks like we were barking up the wrong tree. Many thanks for help - it is much appreciated. Regards Mark