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Help identifying Regiment/Unit

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by Neil0841, Aug 27, 2023.

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  1. Neil0841

    Neil0841 New Member

    GeorgeBearman.jpg
    My great Uncle, George Bearman (pictured) was with the 44th (Indian) Airborne Division, and I have the 44th Division Pegasus patches that he wore on his uniform. Aside from him talking a little bit about his service in the Far East during WW2, and that he did parachute (though whether these were only training jumps, I don't know?), I am intrigued to know what Regiment he served with. Am I correct in thinking that the cap badge on the beret in this picture is an Artillery Regiment badge? Are there any other clues I should be picking up from this photo? Many thanks in advance!
     
    Neil0841, Aug 27, 2023
    #1
    Uncle Target likes this.
  2. Richard Lewis

    Richard Lewis Member

     
    Richard Lewis, Aug 27, 2023
    #2
    timuk and Uncle Target like this.
  3. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    What rank was he? Remote possibility if he was RA
    5 COBU Combined Operations Bombardment Unit needed to be NCO or officer and completed Commando & Parachute course.
    VERY long shot!
    Artillery Observation Officer and OP assistants working alongside Royal Navy Communications specialists.
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2023
    Uncle Target, Aug 27, 2023
    #3
  4. travers1940

    travers1940 Well-Known Member

    Hi

    Did he have the middle name of William ?

    If so there is a RA Tracer card on ancestry for 1138180 George William BEARMAN enlisted 22 Jan 1942. Served with 55, 192 & 94 Field Regiments before going to India in July 1945, where he seems to have served with 134 Med & 160 Field Regiments. Released to Z Reserve 1947.

    Travers
     
    travers1940, Aug 28, 2023
    #4
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  5. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Comparison RA cap badge Orderly Sergeant (Guard Commander) Palestine 1945 67th Field Reg. RA (TA).
    Wearing Khaki Cap GS not a beret. Looks like your man is wearing a maroon beret (Parachute Regt), with RA Cap badge.
    The grenade was also worn by Royal Engineers who also used the same motto: Ubique (Everywhere).
    See #2 Richard Lewis

    Sgt Humphries 67 FR RA (TA) Palestine 1945.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2023
    Uncle Target, Aug 28, 2023
    #5
  6. Neil0841

    Neil0841 New Member

    Thank you all for your comments and posts.. very useful and informative. In answer to some questions. Yes, my understanding is he is wearing the maroon airborne beret in the picture. I believe he was a private soldier (ie no rank) and his name was George Ernest Bearman (not George William)..
     
    Neil0841, Aug 28, 2023
    #6
    travers1940 and 4jonboy like this.
  7. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    The 44th Indian Airborne Division had the following artillery units (rough dates):

    23rd Light AA Regiment, RA 4/4/44 - 19/2/45
    23rd Para. Light AA/Anti-Tank Regiment, RA 19/2/45 - 31/8/45
    8th Mahratta Anti-Tank Regiment, IA? 4/44 - 2/45
    159th Field Regiment, RA 18/12/44 - 20/1/45
    159th Parachute Light Regiment, RA 20/1/45 - 31/8/45
    123rd Parachute Field Regiment, RA 18/1/45 - 28/6/45
     
    dryan67, Sep 6, 2023
    #7

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