Finding out about a Desert Rat, my grandad.

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by Andrew Eyles, Jun 9, 2018.

  1. Andrew Eyles

    Andrew Eyles Member

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    I'm trying to find out more about my grandad and his time in the second world war (i know, like thousands of others) Henry George Eyles 407092 KDG

    I know it's a longshot and i've been down to Bovington and got a copy of his card although i suspect earlier details are missing. I have photos of him in Egypt earlier on in the war but there's no mention of it on this card.

    Can anyone help?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

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  3. Andrew Eyles

    Andrew Eyles Member

  4. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Welcome to the forum, Andrew.

    His army number is definitely Cavalry of the Line - Dragoons.

    Best,

    Steve.
     
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  5. Wessex_Warrior

    Wessex_Warrior Junior Member

    Hello Andrew. Welcome to the forum.

    I have a copy of the book "Kings Dragoon Guards 1938 - 1945" (no ISBN) and printed for the Regiment. As you mention the majority of their time was spent in North Africa and then on into Italy.
    There is no Roll of Honour or awards sections and the surname Eyles doesn't appear in the index.
    The main body of the Regiment arrived in Tahag Camp on the 31st December 1940.
    They were (for the most part) an Armoured Car Regiment so used mainly for reconnaissance. They used Marmon Herrington A/Cars Jan 40 to Feb 43, AEC Armoured cars Nov 42 - May 43.
    The picture you have is of a Marmon Herrington.
    If you have any specific questions about their actions please ask.

    Good luck in your search.

    Regards,
    Will.
     
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  6. Andrew Eyles

    Andrew Eyles Member

    On his card it says about 52nd and 58th tank regiments, as well as RAC, which i take it means Royal armoured corps? So is that what i'm looking up (52nd/58th) or are those tank regiments grouped together under another name in Normandy? I'd like to read some of the nitty gritty stuff he could have been involved in. Basically i don't have a clue what i'm doing at the moment!!! I'll order his service records as advised before but don't know how else to proceed.
     
  7. Andrew Eyles

    Andrew Eyles Member

    Thanks for your help by the way :)
     
  8. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    Appreciate you are “chomping at the bit” but I’d wait until you get his service record as you will then have full chapter and verse on his postings and will be able to drill down to contemporaneous War Diaries and post war histories of his units.

    I’d hazard a gues that his postings in June 1945 were to home based Training Regiments as part of the post war demobilisation process. As they were post war postings no connection to Normandy activities the previous year.

    It should only take 4 to 6 weeks to get his papers from Glasgow.

    Steve
     
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