6984253 George HAMILTON, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers

[SIZE=12pt]Hi I was trying to trace my grandfather his Name was George Hamilton.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]He joined the army in 24/09/1940 and discharged on 15/08/1944 [/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]He was from Baronscourt/letterbin Address when listed was 37 Letterbin Cottages Baronscourt Co Tyrone.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]His army no is 6984253 and was with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers then formed in the 5th when he got to England and we are trying to trace his activities I was wondering if you can give me some more info about the triangle insignia worn on his uniform My Father thinks it was a dark red triangle with a dark red stripe above it. He apparently fought with ( Paddy) Blair Mayne Tamet raid and blew up planes in Italy how could I get more info on this ?[/SIZE]
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Hi,

The usual mantra - suggest applying for service records from the UK MOD using this link as a guide https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records There's the usual timelag/cost issue considerations but if you want definitions on movements/postings, this might help.

In terms of the Skins' service, you'll know that there were three battalions in the field during the Second War - 1st, 2nd and 6th (the latter two in Italy at some stage)...I'm not an expert on divisional insignia etc but isn't that Y symbol, the 5th Infantry Division one, suggesting a 2nd Battalion connection.

best

 

Richard.

The Y is definitely 5 British Infantry Division. If he was with them during Jan-Jun 44, then he would have been at the crossing of the Garigliano and then at Anzio.

Regards

Frank

 

Great Job Owen That has really helped I was trying to link his involvement with Blaire Mayne and according to that book on the fifth they joined the 8th Army so all seems to be fitting into place and just found out his Brother got the vc ao that more for me to research

 

5 Months for a reply so I'm not sure how serious your research is. Pay the MoD £30 for starters and get a copy of his records- they'll tell you who he served with and when. Here's the units war diaries covering the period you are interested in.

WO 166/4549 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1939 Sept.- 1941 Dec.
WO 166/8870 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1942 Jan.-Mar.
WO 174/29 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1942 Apr-May
WO 169/5026 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1942 June, Dec.
WO 169/10233 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1943 Jan.- Dec.
WO 170/1403 2 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers 1944 Feb.- Dec.

 

Thanks Drew

I had to put things on hold for a while trying to sort a wedding for the daughter plus my uncle was very unwell and I needed him to sign kinship over to me so I can get the records,

 

apparently my Grandfathers but I'm still trying to confirm that as all I can find is an award for CSM James Hamilton 2 LIR for the Military medal so need to ask around the family to be sure

 

VC's are well documented so you shouldn't have any trouble finding info. I have a copy of Monuments of Courage by David Harvey that lists all the VCs awarded before it was published so happy to do any look ups but Like I said the info is all online via google.

 

That's Great it must be the Military Medal guess I will have to cross question my father when he gets back