70th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by 2EastYorks, Oct 22, 2010.

  1. 2EastYorks

    2EastYorks Senior Member

    So as posted elsewhere, my Grandad's service files have now arrived and I've learnt that from 19/09/1940 - 25/02/1943 he was part of the 70th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment.

    Can anyone assist with the Battalion's movements during this period? I'm aware that it will no doubt have been home defence duties and training of some sort but if anyone can give me pointers as to where the Battalion was and what it was doing during this period I'd appreciate it, as I'm trying to build up a picture of my Grandad's movements during the War. I've done a bit of googling but without too much success.

    I appreciate that the best place to look will be the Regimental Diary and I'm hoping to get down to Kew next month, but wondered if anyone had any clues in the meantime.

    Cheers
     
  2. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    I may be wrong here but I believe all 70th battalions regardless of Regiment were Young Soldier Battalions The Young Soldiers Battalions were formed in December 1940 and were made up from volunteers who were below the then conscription age of 20. When the conscription age was reduced to 18 in 1942, the Battalions were gradually disbanded I cannot comment on the West Yorkshire version but the 70th(young soldiers)DLI became a demonstration battalion for the new GHQ Battle School at Barnard Castle. The Battalion eventually disbanded in August 1943.Perhaps the West Yorkshire Regt were based on similar lines.I doubt any served overseas in this time.
     
  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  4. 2EastYorks

    2EastYorks Senior Member

    That would seem to make sense as he was 18 when he joined. Also I was using the search facility on the National Archives website last night and the regimental diary seems to stop at the end of 1942 so that would potentially tie with the regiment being disbanded perhaps?
     
  5. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    I've found from looking at a couple of the 70th Battalions, that 1942 seems to be the year they were wound up.
     
  6. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Eastyorks
    In your posting #4 - you write that the REGIMENT was disbanded - this is not so as you appear to be confusing yourself with the difference of a Regiment and the Battalions which make up the Regiment.......Manchester United TEAM consists of 11 PLAYERS ! Same as Chelski and Arsenal....and all the others
    Cheers
     
  7. 2EastYorks

    2EastYorks Senior Member

    Eastyorks
    In your posting #4 - you write that the REGIMENT was disbanded - this is not so as you appear to be confusing yourself with the difference of a Regiment and the Battalions which make up the Regiment.......Manchester United TEAM consists of 11 PLAYERS ! Same as Chelski and Arsenal....and all the others
    Cheers

    Tom

    You're correct of course, I meant Battalion. It must be this man flu I've been struck down with, it's addled my brain!
     

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