Nice page, Wills. Thanks. I've Googled my fingers to the bone with no resolution. The researcher recommended to me by 17thDRYCH may have my info in a few weeks so hope that will solve this mystery once and for all. Many thanks to all who took the time to try to help me. I never expected that with so little info to offer. I have only some old photos, a Belgian 5 franc coin, and a tiny blue pin.... but having you guys offering advice has motivated me to not give up! If I get what I want, I'll be sure to post!
That regimental number indicates that he originally enlisted with 1st AA Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery, in NS or PEI. That unit was involved in the AA defences of Halifax except for a period in Goose Bay, Labrador.
Kevin: I tried to track down the regimental number as well. What is your source on regimental numbers. I am aware of the letter related to the province, but how did you discover the unit? David
Regimental Numbers of the Canadian Army, Clive M Law Service Publications Service Publications - Booklist
My records are on their way (thanks again Randy!) I'm very excited that I may finally know where my father went and what he saw. I'm sure I'll be back here to get help understanding just what I'm reading, even though Randy's friend kindly sent me documents with all the military abbreviations. Found another pic of him taken in Nova Scotia the other day with "Two weeks after returning from overseas, 1946" written on it. Does anyone know why it would take so long to get back to Canada after the war ended? I'm embarassed to be so clueless. Thanks for your patience.
Doreen a number of things prevented everyone rushing back home at the end of the war - things still had to be done in Europe to sort out the millions of Displaced persons and get them back to where they came from- we weren't too sure about the intentions our friendly Russian Allies- there wasn't the transport available and lastly - the home areas didn't have the jobs available for all who were coming home - some were allowed home after two years after the war ended . Cheers
One thing you can be sure of is, if he was in a duty company of any Canadian regiment, he saw and took part in some severe actions.!!
Thanks Tom. All that makes sense. The only one I thought of was the lack of transportation for so many men at once. he saw and took part in some severe actions.!! I'm thinking that's probably true. EDIT: I got the service record and thought I'd let you know since you were all so helpful and kind to me. I knew I wasn't dreaming when I thought he was in the Black Watch. He was transferred there in Aug of '44 where he served as rifleman and he was in the battle of the Scheldt and South Beveland. It says there were 12 survivors in his company.
