Hello, I'm looking for the location of "65 Transit Camp", which appears to have been part of No.1 Transit Group. A solider passed through this camp in August 1945 for leave in the U.K. under LIAP (Leave In Addition to PYTHON). He was serving in Italy at the time so the camp may have been in Italy or a reception camp in the U.K. Any information - specific or general - regarding the location of British transit camps and transit groups would be most appreciated. Steve
I think you have started an interesting thread. I have often wondered about the detail route and stages that my father took on his return to the UK. His service record and entries in his unit diary would suggest he left his unit in Taranto about the 14th October 45 and flew home (Operation DODGE) (probably from Naples) on the 4th or 5th November (arriving Newquay to see the first post war fireworks from the plane). I have a single photograph that has the familiar profile of Vesuvius that includes a number of parked Sherman Tanks that perhaps suggests it may have been taken or acquired while he was in Naples between the above two dates and maybe waiting for the flight. Looking on the Discovery search engine, there are numerous results if you search for 'Transit' or 'Camp' but nothing for a 65 Transit camp specifically that I can see. However, there is a diary, WO170 4572 - Milan Area Transit Control Staff 1945 - June - October that may possibly have details of the organisation of these camps (or further clues to pursue). I have it flagged for looking at on a future visit.
Army Camps in Italy/North Africa (World War Two) - RootsChat.Com Hello Rothy, Found this entry when searching british army 65 transit camp on Google. It mentions a possible location of Transit Camp 65 at Taranto, Southern Italy. I hope it may help you and not prove a blind alley....arkrite.
Presumably: is one of the two RAF airfields at Newquay, Cornwall. See: RAF St Mawgan - Wikipedia and Day Five - 100 Miles, 100 Years of History
Here is the entry from Air 28-754 ST. MAWGAN 01 January 1945 - 31 October 1946 that records the incoming flights on the 5th November. Also the service record entry listing 71 Transit Camp Tibbenham. I guess that number could suggest that 65 Transit Camp may be in the UK perhaps?
My grandfather was in Italy. His service record also states that he was on LIAP leave and assigned to 65th TC between 15/09/1945-21/10/1945. He was attached to 305 Transit Camp on the 12/09/45-08/10/45. He then entrained at Milan for UK on 21/12/1945 after being sent home.
My father finished the war in Austria and had LIAP leave from 2/10/45 to 29/10/45, note also 65 Transit Camp; at the time the Regiment were at Sillian, Austria. He left Villach on 25/9/45 His 'Combined Leave Pass and Railway Ticket' for his return journey that shows his return train departed Victoria Station, London 30/10/45 @ 21.30 hrs and he embarked Folkestone 4/11/45. Arrived back in Villach ex UK leave 6/11/45. Later, when he was released in February 1946, his return to the UK was on MEDLOC (Middle East Direct Line of Communication) train used for the movement of troops, both to and from the UK, the journey started with an overnight stay at Alamein Camp, Villach. The journey was from 1 Feb to 6 Feb at Dover plus a day for UK travel. A guess is that 65 Transit Camp could be the Alamein Camp at Villach, as I say a guess. I wonder if the answer is here Show Me the Way to go Home. The Story of Medloc 1945-1955 By Maggie Hurst and Chris Elliott | Used | 9780952596301 | World of Books More info here: trains-worldexpresses.com
Just received my Dads army record (after a long Covid delayed wait) It shows att 65TCLIAP from 3/10/45 - 30/10/45, rejoining his unit on 10/11/45. His regiment was 1st Derbyshire Yeomanry. I assume from this post that these were leave dates?
