Irish Guards 1940

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by Paul Reed, Dec 24, 2008.

  1. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Amazing what you find when you have a Christmas clearout!

    Here's one for dbf (and anyone else interested!)... this is a large framed photo of men from a Training Platoon of the Irish Guards photographed in July 1940. Must confess I haven't got round to researching the names as yet, not sure what happened to these lads.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    The names:

    [​IMG]
     
  3. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    As you rightly say Paul "Where are they now" is what springs to mind when you see photos like this - a moment in time captured in an uncertain time. ( It would be nice to thinkt hat they all came safe home but it is probably unlikely :poppy:).

    Thanks for posting it up.
     
  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    How much 'junk' have you got to clear up?
    ;)
    Looking forward to Diane adding some detail.
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hi Paul, Nice pic and I recognise one face and name there, Sgt. Spence was also in my father's squad photo 3 years later!



    Three possibles for T. Callaghan, not quite enough there to rule either of deaths out but the medal one is a bit iffy.
    CWGC :: Certificate - served from May/June 1940
    CWGC :: Certificate - served from March 1940
    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Def NOT this man, enlisted 1928.

    Just checking my spreadsheet for a bit more...

    C. Vause - served from May 1940
    CWGC :: Certificate

    W. Angel - Angell? - served from May 1940
    CWGC :: Certificate

    H. Johnson - served from May 1940
    CWGC :: Certificate

    I have a G. McDermott who enlisted in 1931/32 who might fit the bill for the Trained Soldier; he ended up in 2Armd listed as a V/Mech with a 3 Ton [- amn.] in No. 2 Sqn, 2Armd IG before embarkation.

    F. Steers - mention of a Sgt Steers in the history as well as a couple of others will check them later.

    For an A/Sjt Fred Steers, 2 Armd Bn - M.M. recommendation:
    Sgt STEERS, 2 Armd Irish Guards was troop sergeant of the leading troop (No. 3 of No.1 Squadron) in the advance which reached the approaches to the bridge over the ESCAUT CANAL at about 7.30 pm on the evening of 10 Sept 44. As the bridge was still intact, orders were given for it to be rushed with a troop of tanks and a platoon of infantry. Sjt STEERS under orders from his Troop Leader got into position from where he could neutralise the fire of the enemy 88mms guarding the crossings over the bridge. Although this position was necessarily an exposed one, he continued to exchange brisk and fierce fire with the enemy for 30 minutes at very short range. When at about 8.30 pm orders were given for the final assault, Sjt STEERS’ tank was the first tank to cross the bridge, going with all speed and great dash he charge through the flames and explosions of a blazing ammunition lorry, and with complete contempt for fire from enemy 88s crossed the bridge. It was due greatly to the initiative and dash of this Serjeant that the attack on this bridge achieved such brilliant and complete success.


    G. Ward.
    There is a photo of a George Ward, 1bn on this site with a message from his daughter who is looking for people who knew him. Hard to tell, but may be same man. Recent E-Mail

    J. Gallagher
    Of 2 possibles, one, Joseph Gallagher, taken PoW with 1bn in Tunisia March '43; joined, acc. to questionnaire, June 1940.
    Other joined Jan/Feb 1940, with No. 1 Sqn, 2Armd Bn as D/IC on Bedford 4x4.
     
  6. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    God Bless the Fightin Oirish!
     
  7. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Great stuff, Diane! Glad it was of interest.
     
  8. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    Much impressed D , you know your "I.G." onions :).
     
  9. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Yes Diane is a real expert when it comes to the Guards Regiments.

    Well done Diane.

    Regards
    Tom
     

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