Hello - Starting to research my Grandfathers Service With the RASC

Hi,

My grandfather served wtih the RASC in Africa (and then italy I think) but he never talked about the war and passed over 20 years ago.

I've always wanted to find out more and have decided now is the time to start the hunt.

I have a few papers from his time in the army, which give a little infomation.

I know he served with the RASC, 1553 Artilery Platoon (Light).

So here goes, let see what I can find......

 

Hi and welcome to the forum, have you got his army records from the MOD or any photos that you can post on here to help the guys with your research.
Good luck with your research

Lotus7

 

Hi, I've started the process of requesting the records, I need to get my Uncle to sign off on the form (which i think will bo ok) and I've got 5 or 6 photos with no names or dates which I'll scan and post in the RASC section soon.....

 

Hi, your on the right road applying for his records. It's amazing what you can find out once you have them.
Hang in there some one will be along and help.

 

Hi and welcome
It looks like 1553 Arty Pl may have been in Sicily as shown in the order of battle for Operation Husky (attached below). Interestingly it implies they may (by summer 43) have been attached to the 55th HAA regiment.
One you have confirmation from his records that this is indeed his unit then you need to get the diaries from Kew either in person or via one of the members on this forum who can copy them for you. There are 3, WO169-12067, WO170-5901 and WO170-2658 that look as if they would be relevant. I would also recommend getting the diary of the 55th HAA regiment as reading their diaries will give you a very good idea of what sort of work his RASC platoon was doing which would most likely have been supporting the artillery regiment with ammunition and supplies. It may also give a better idea of the geographic area in which they operated as some diaries can be a bit thin in this respect. Also, I suspect that in NA his unit would have been part of a brigade and if you can establish which one, again, getting their diary may add further detail to what was going on.
My father was in 1532 Arty Pl and later in 1503 Art Pl in North Africa, Sicily and then Italy.

Graham

 

Also, forgot to add that these RASC Artillery companies seem to have had a general re numbering around February 42 so it will be interesting to see how this is recorded in his service record and if I am correct, will provide pointers to an earlier thread of diaries for research.
Good luck

 

Thanks Hutt, Thats a great starting point.

I'll post a link here later when I get his papers and photos scanned in.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum. Look forward to seeing your photos

Lesley

 

Hi

Anything you can post in the way of papers or photos before you get hold of his records could still be very interesting. I look forward to seeing them.

Graham

 

Look forward to your postings with interest.

 

Thanks Guys,

I have uploaded some docs and images to the (I hope) correct forum.

http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/57146-william-gibson-rasc-t257570-1553-platoon/?p=665062

I'd love it if you can tell anything more from these,

Thanks Craig.

 

Craig,

A quick word of advice - probably better to keep your posts regarding your Grandfather all in one thread. It will be easier to keep track of all responses that way.
I have asked Owen (one of the Moderators) to merge your two threads and I am sure he will do that soon.

Good luck with your search.

Mike

 

I thought I'd got it right by introducing myself then starting a new thread (I hope in the right place)

Oh well!

 

No problem Craig, usually that is the best way to go, but in this case it would be easier to keep track of replies all in one thread (for you and other forum members).

When Owen turns up I hope he will merge your threads and also include your Grandfather's details in the thread title.

New members might not understand the best way to 'use' the forum - it can be a bit of a learning experince - but I can assure you forum members will help as best they can. There is a huge amount of knowledge here and we are all willing to help to the best of our ability. Keeping it all in one thread is the best way to go.

Sorry for the lecture,

Mike