Hi I am currently undergoing research into my wife's grandfather william mosley from the 7th seaforth highlanders. I know he died on 28th March 1945 after crossing the rhine and is buried at reishwald cemetry. Does anyone know where I might find a regiment picture or a picture of him we haven't got one and have never seen one of him and are desperate to trace his path through ww2.we are planning a trip in November to REICHSWALD Rees and mehr as we know he was involved in capturing those villages waiting on info from service records and medal info finding it all a little difficult keep coming up lots of dead ends any help or info would greatly be appreciated Thanks in advance
Hi These two unit war diaries may be of interest. They won't contain any pictures but they will give you all the locations of his unit as they moved through Europe amongst many other pieces of details. WO 171/1371 7 Seaforth Highlanders 1944 Jan-Dec WO 171/5270 7 Seaforth Highlanders 1945 Jan-Dec
Matty Named photographs are exceptionally rare: think traditional whole school photographs with just rows of faces where it can take some time to even find yourself! The chance is slightly improved if he was an officer as group photos were often taken. Only likely public sources would be a chance find in a Regimental museum archive or Regimental Magazine. Also remember that photographs were discouraged in the British Army for security reasons. Most photos are in family collections if they survive....and finding them could be difficult. That's the negative part! I have been through this exercise myself with positive results (although searching for a particular tank rather than a person!). I suggest you contact the Regimental Old Comrades Association if there is one, ask all members of your extended family (this is obviously your best bet), get a copy of any Regimental history/book, contact the Regimental Museum and trust to luck....and never give up! Good luck in your quest.
7th Seaforth were part of 46th (Highland) Brigade of 15th (Scottish) Division. They crossed the Rhine north of Xanten on 24th March, 1945, and captured Mehr. A strong counter attack by German paratroops was only defeated by the commanding officer, Lt-Col P.M. Hunt, bringing down fire on his own battalion positions in the village. You might try contacting the regimental Museum at Fort George.
Thanks this is all helping it is a hard journey so far I have found out about the Epsom operation and that they took rees and mehr he died on 28th March 1945 so trying to figure out where it would of been wessel maybe?Obviously I am new to the site so as much help as possible would be appreciated
Just send me a message - I can copy them for you at 10p per page if you don't want to go in person. Cheers Andy
B and b booked in kleve ready for our visit to reichswalde cemetry in November and hopefully re trace some of private William mosley steps