Missing Personnel & Casualties, Norway, N.W.E.F. : Selected Extracts from War Diaries

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  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    File sent to me some time ago by ADM199

    http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11430081

    .Extracts from the following war diaries relate to casualties and location:
    1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS
    1st Battalion THE GREEN HOWARDS
    1st Battalion YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT
    No. 1 INDEPENDENT COMPANY
    No. 2 INDEPENDENT COMPANY
     
    dbf, Jul 1, 2015
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  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    THE WAR OFFICE CASUALTY BRANCH, BLUE COAT SCHOOL, CHURCH ROAD, WAVERTREE, LIVERPOOL, 15.
    19th February, 1941.

    Dear Colonel EVANS,

    We have a small number of cases of N.W.E.F. (NORWAY) not yet cleared; have you anything regarding that Campaign?

    If so, we would be extremely grateful for information on the following:-

    1st Battalion WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.
    1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS
    1st Battalion GREEN HOWARDS
    1st Battalion YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT
    Nos. 1 and 2 INDEPENDENT COMPANIES.


    These are all we need for the NORWAY Campaign.

    Yours sincerely,
    signed V. HARVEY


    Lieutenant-Colonel Ll. EVANS, CMG, DSO,
    The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.


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  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    HISTORICAL SECTION, THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH.
    24th February, 1942.

    Dear Mr. HARVEY,

    1st Battalion WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.
    1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS
    1st Battalion GREEN HOWARDS
    1st Battalion YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT
    Nos. 1 and 2 INDEPENDENT COMPANIES
    -----------------------------------


    Herewith the answers to the queries relating to the above Units.

    Yours sincerely

    signed W. EVANS



    V. HARVEY, Esq, The War Office Casualty Branch, Blue Coat School, Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool, 15.


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  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    HISTORICAL SECTION, THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF WALES, ABERYSTWYTH
    25th February, 1942.

    Dear Mr. HARVEY,

    With reference to your letter of the 19th February:-

    "1st WORCESTERSHIRES were in the SUDAN on the outbreak of the war, and according to Order of Battle, MIDDLE EAST, were still there in December, 1941."

    Yours Sincerely,

    signed W. EVANS

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  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1st WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT

    We have no records of this Regiment her but I think it is safe to say that neither Bn. was in NORWAY.


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  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1st Battalion SCOTS GUARDS

    [Extract from War Diary]

    1940

    ANKENES April 30 Brigadier the Honourable W. FRAZER wounded.

    BREITSTRAND May 2 Battalion H.Q. at Breitstrand near Harstad.

    MO May 12 Battalion disembarked.

    MO May 17 Battalion retiring north towards Mo had a considerable number of casualties. Lieutenant RAMSAY and Lord GARNOCK wounded.

    MO May 18 Up to this date Battalion had had about 70 casualties.

    BODO May 18 to 31 A considerable amount of fighting took place during this period but there are no details of wounded, etc. There is only the general statement that from 17-31 May Battalion had 97 casualties (2 Officers and 95 Other Ranks).

    BODO May 31 Battalion embarked in destroyers.

    BORKENES June 1 Battalion arrived Borkenes near Harstad.

    BORKENES June 6 Battalion embarked.

    BORKENES June 11 Arrived off GOUROCK.


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  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1st Battalion THE GREEN HOWARDS

    [Extract from War Diary]

    1940

    AANDALSNES April 25 Battalion disembarked.

    DOMBAAS April 26 Enemy incendiary bombs in afternoon. In the afternoon Battalion was outflanked and No. 15 Platoon sent to stop this movement was never seen again. Lance-Corporal WHITE and Private BELLIS were the only two who returned.

    DOMBAAS April 28 During whole day aerial bombardment and machine gunning from the air was almost continuous. Very few casualties.

    AANDALSNES May 1 Battalion embarked.

    The casualties during these operations were:-
    Officers Missing & Wounded -
    Captain G.R. LIDWILL
    Lieutenant E.C.P. HARRISON
    2/Lieutenant A.R.M. TANNER

    Officers Missing -
    Lieutenant A.E. McKENZIE (ROYAL SCOTS attached 1/GREEN HOWARDS)
    Lieutenant J.H. RAWSON

    Other Ranks -
    Killed - 4
    Wounded - 11
    Missing - 136

    AANDALSNES April 26 B Company ordered up in support of Y & L. REGIMENT

    AANDALSNES April 27 3 Other Ranks, Privates WILLIAMS, HAMMOND and CHARLTON were missing.
    Captain LIDWILL's party were retiring along the road when suddenly they were machine gunned by an armoured car: it was difficult to get off the road and only 5 men succeeded in doing so. They were Sergeant DENNISS, Corporal HORNER, Private SMITH and 2 others, names unknown. It was now that Captain LIDWILL was wounded. Sergeant DENNISS was also wounded and nothing further was seen of Private SMITH. Corporal HORNER was the only one to return of this party.

    AANDALSNES May 1 Train carrying 15th INFANTRY BRIGADE was derailed and destroyed near VERMA on the way to AANDALSNES, several killed and injured.
    Battalion embarked.


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  8. dbf

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    1st Battalion YORK AND LANCASTER REGIMENT

    [Extract from War Diary]

    1940

    QUESNOY-SUR-DEULE April 17 Battalion entrained. 3 Absentees reported Lance-Corporal SMALLWOOD, Private McDERMOTT and POXON (since found drowned in River ?)

    OTTA April 26 Occasional shell fire, one man missing from a patrol.
    C Company subjected to heavy M.G. and Artillery fire and was eventually nearly surrounded.
    There were several casualties included 2/LieutenantsV.X. FRENCH and KELSO.
    A and B Companies were subjected to M.G. and mortar fire and sustained some casualties. An A.F.V. on the road enfiladed the position and caused many casualties. Throughout the action these Companies had about 70 casualties.
    D Company were also heavily engaged.
    Major R.V. de S. WALTERS was reported missing after leading a patrol.

    OTTA April 28 After the engagement of 26th and 27th Battalion was reorganised and the following Officers were missing -
    Major D.C. TENNENT, Captain S.E. WILSON, 2/Lieutenant V.X. KELSO, 2/Lieutenant FRENCH (Wounded), 2/Lieutenant H.D. WARD, 2/Lieutenant KELSO, 2/Lieutenant DAVISON, 2/Lieutenant MARKS, 2/Lieutenant A.D. AVELING (R.A.M.C.), R.S.M. HAGGERTY, Lieutenant GREGORY (DWR) had been evacuated to R.A.P. and 2/Lieutenant J.A.G. WILLIAMS had been killed at LIEN.

    AANDALSNES April 30 Battalion embarked.

    AT SEA May 4 In addition to those mentioned above the following Officers were missing or otherwise casualties:-
    Captain C.B. CARR and Captain GREGORY admitted to hospital.
    Captain P. ARKWRIGHT missing.
    2/Lieutenant M.C. WILLIS missing.
    R.Q.M.S. G. PARKIN missing.
    Lieutenant MITCHELL sick.


    Total casualties:-
    Officers -
    killed and missing 10
    wounded and sick 4

    Other Ranks -
    Killed 6
    Wounded 21
    Missing 180


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  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    No. 1 INDEPENDENT COMPANY

    [Extract from War Diary]

    1940

    FINNEID May 11 One British Officer wounded (no name given).

    FINNEID May 14 One British solider Killed.

    FINNEID May 15 Rear guard action and heavy mustering fire but only 1 Other Rank Killed.

    STEIN May 18 During engagement here 1 Other Rank was killed and 1 Officer and 2 Other Ranks wounded by mortar fire.
    MO 1 Other Rank wounded

    ROGNAN May 25 -

    ROGNAN May 29 -

    HOPEN May 30 Company embarked in H.M.S. VINDICTIVE and were taken to SCAPA FLOW.


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  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    No. 2 INDEPENDENT COMPANY

    [Extract from War Diary]


    1940

    BODO May 22 Company H.Q. bombed. 2 Other Ranks killed. 8 Other Ranks wounded.

    POTHUS May 25 "Straffed" by German plane: 1 Other Rank wounded.

    POTHUS May 26 2 sections cut off in this engagement - "a number killed and missing". Later in another brush Lance-Corporal WINTLE (5th WELCH) killed and 4 Other Ranks wounded.

    BODO May 30 Company embarked.

    BODO May 31 Company landed near Harstad.

    LIST OF CASUALTIES ATTACHED.

    No. 2 Independent Company.

    NOMINAL ROLL OF CASUALTIES AT BODO - 22 MAY 1940

    Killed - 22 May 1940
    4035114 Acting Corporal VINCENT, D.G.W.
    2068257 Sapper THOMAS, L.

    Wounded - 22 May 1940
    4076248 Private HALL, T. (2 MONS)
    3959708 Private THOMAS, A.J.
    3960992 Lance-Corporal EVANS, J.
    839459 Lance-Corporal ROBERTS, R.G.
    2757039 Lance-Corporal McGILL, D.
    2073288 Sapper JONES, H.
    6461894 Sapper MAYO, J.W.
    150788 Fusilier MORRIS, W.

    All evacuated to BODO Hospital, 22 May 1940

    NOMINAL ROLL OF CASUALTIES AT POTHUS.

    Killed in Action - 26 May 1940
    2/Lieutenant LLEWELYN, G.W.V, 53RD DIVISION ROYAL ENGINEERS
    1183553 Sergeant BALDWIN, C.W., 2nd MONS. REGIMENT
    3964212 Lance-Corporal WINTLE, J.H., 5th Battalion WELSH REGIMENT
    4013530 Sergeant JONES, R.W., 4th Battalion R.W.F.
    4178299 Fusilier ROBERTS, E.J., 4th Battalion R.W.F.
    4191932 Lance-Corporal MICHAEL, A., 6th Battalion R.W.F.

    Died of Wounds - 26 May 1940
    4105644 Private BATH, W.M.B., 1st HEREFORDS

    Missing, believed Killed - 26 May 1940
    2/Lieutenant FITTON, J., 6th R.W.F.
    2/Lieutenant DAVIES, T.H., 7th R.W.F.
    2202727 C.Q.M.S. LAVENDER, I.W., 4th R.W.F.
    4193819 Lance-Corporal VEREKER, N., 7th R.W.F.

    Wounded, believed taken Prisoner - 26 May 1940
    4032418 Private BAKER, E., 4th Battalion K.S.L.I.

    Missing - 26 May 1940
    3961042 Private BERRIMEN, C., 3rd Battalion MONMOUTHS.
    4105659 Private CAPES, R.E., 3rd Battalion MONMOUTHS.
    4193263 Corporal GODSELL, E., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4193131 Fusilier ALLEN, R.E., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4195399 Fusilier DAVIS, E., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4191020 Fusilier PHILLIPS, T.C., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4193225 Fusilier MORRIS, J.R., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4193976 Fusilier DAVIES, V.D., 7th Battalion R.W.F.
    4178647 Fusilier SMITH, W., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    1500713 Fusilier DUNCAN, M.S., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    UNDATED 4193813 Fusilier BLACK, G.L., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    1500908 Fusilier McLELLAND, E., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    4192400 Fusilier WALKER, W.H., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    4192911 Fusilier TRAYLOR, G.L., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    3958507 Private EVANS, C., 4th Battalion WELCH REGIMENT
    4033903 Private ALLEN, C.E., 4th Battalion WELCH REGIMENT
    3964629 Private PREECE, C.E., 4th Battalion WELCH REGIMENT


    NOMINAL ROLL OF CASUALTIES AT MJONES

    Missing at MJONES - 29 May 1940
    4193840 Fusilier LOVELL, J., 6th Battalion R.W.F.
    4191722 Fusilier RICKETTS, T.H., 7th Battalion R.W.F.

    Wounded
    4035317 Private DOWNES, J.E., 4th Battalion K.S.L.I.
    433987 Private WILLIAMS, L.B. 4th Battalion K.S.L.I.
    4079098 Private SIMMONDS, J., 2nd MONS. REGIMENT

    Evacuated to Hospital at FAUSKE
    23 May 1940
    4187067 Corporal HUGHES, N., 6th Battalion R.W.F (Acute Arthritis)

    26 May 1940
    1500958 Fusilier NIMMON, J.L., 6th Battalion R.W.F. (Physical Exhaustion)

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    dbf, Jul 1, 2015
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  11. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Diane,

    Thanks for posting Scots Guards information.

    Re "MO - May 17 Battalion retiring north towards Mo had a considerable number of casualties. Lieutenant RAMSAY and Lord GARNOCK wounded."

    That reminded me that as a child I must have read a letter from Major Lord Garnock, addressed to my mother's uncle about his son Gdsn 2695279 Frank Devlin, Left Flank Company, 1st Scots Guards, hundreds of times. He was wounded and captured at Mo I Rana 16/17th May 1940.

    I remember Lord Garnock apologised for both the delay in writing his letter - dated late July 1940 - and for using a typewriter but he had suffered a broken arm in the action at Mo. His address was Sunningdale, Berkshire. Sadly the letter was lost in my parents house move 20 years ago - along with my Dad's AB64!

    Best Wishes

    Steve
     
    Tullybrone, Jul 2, 2015
    #11
  12. Npteggchaser

    Npteggchaser Member

    Hi there. I was wondering if you have any other information on the battle below or where I could view more, as that is my grandfathers [Thomas Hall of Cwmbran] dog tag numbers, and its the first bit of new information that I've seen about him in years. I know he was with TA in the 30's with the South Wales Borderers, [was the 2nd Mons within that regiment or vice versa?]. We didn't know that he was in Norway at all, so thats great news indeed, as I'm trying to piece together his wartime service record. After being with the SWA, he then volunteered for the Commandos and we believe he was in pin prick raids on the French coast, then in the North African landings in Operation Torch with 1 Commando, plus then India and the Burma campaign inclusive of the Battle of Kangaw. Another thing, is the Independent Companies a forerunner of the Commandos too? Hopefully you can shed some light on it. Thanks in advance.

    All the Best

    Darren Little [Grandson]

    "No. 2 Independent Company.

    NOMINAL ROLL OF CASUALTIES AT BODO - 22 MAY 1940

    4076248 Private HALL, T. (2 MONS)"
     
    Npteggchaser, Sep 21, 2015
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  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hi Darren

    For a general overview of the campaign in Norway, see this link
    http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/UK-NWE-Norway/

    4076248 falls within the Army Number block allocation for Monmouthshire Regiment 4070001 - 4103000
    http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/4837-army-number-block-allocations/

    .

    I could be wrong but from what you said, I'm assuming you haven't seen a copy of his service records? If that is the case they you can apply for them to get a more complete idea of with which units and in which theatres he served.
    See this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#service-records-of-deceased-service-personnel
     
    dbf, Sep 21, 2015
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  14. Npteggchaser

    Npteggchaser Member

    Thanks for the information, shall have a look through those links to see if anything else comes up. I did start trying to get a copy of his service record a few years back through my mother, but unfortunately the forms were not completed and have been mislaid, as unfortunately my mother developed Alzheimer's and regrettably passed away in Aug'14, so I will have to apply again for the forms. Would you know if I need permission though from his last surfing child, my Aunty, to access his record or can I do it as his grandson, plus, will I get the full version too. Cheers. Darren Little.
     
    Npteggchaser, Sep 25, 2015
    #14
  15. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    Strictly needs to be the nearest surviving NOK but if you don't want to bother your aunt for a signature just do it with your self shown as nearest NOK. MOD don't check too closely from my experience.

    You should get all the surviving original records in the file except his medical records - normally includes the 4 page Attestation Form including statement of service form, B103 Active service forms - can be several pages depending on length of service and postings & discipline history, Discharge Certificate and Character assessment. Could be about 10 to 15 pages.

    Good Luck

    Steve Y
     
    Tullybrone, Sep 25, 2015
    #15
  16. Npteggchaser

    Npteggchaser Member

    That's good to know, Steve, cheers. Will contact my Aunty about it first and take it from there. I also put something out on the Commando FB page about it too. Need to look at their forum as well and hopefully get some information via the Welsh Regiments museum in Brecon. Thanks again.

    ATB.

    Darren.
     
    Npteggchaser, Sep 25, 2015
    #16
  17. tnaustdal

    tnaustdal New Member

    Found a letter after my late grandfather. Started to Google and this thread came up. He never spoke of the war but there was a story he had picked up a group of resistance soldiers and driven them to where they needed to go, it was a dangerous task. The letter says "from Stårheim to Slagnes" are very local villages here, close to where we reside on the Norwegian west coast. PXL_20230422_154339107.jpg
     
    tnaustdal, Apr 22, 2023
    #17
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  18. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Please feel free to move this if there is a more suitable heading/thread,

    Scots Guardsman Arthur Mills Returns home from internment after fleeing Norway:-
    Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 August 1940

    An Epic Escape into Sweden

    Soldiers surprise for Parents
    gdsmn mills.png
    AT THE FRONT DOOR Twenty-four hours before official notification of his arrival in this country had been received by post, Arthur Mills, of the Scots Guards, yesterday presented himself at the door of his parents’ house, 9 Lark Hill Place, West Derby, Liverpool, and received the congratulations of his family on his safe return from the Norwegian campaign and internment in Sweden. Mills was one of a party of ten officers and 115 men composing the first contingent of Britishers to be repatriated from Sweden. They escaped to Sweden after the withdrawal from Norway and travelled 900 miles by road through Finland and the Arctic Circle to Petsamo. It was a hazardous and exhaustin g experience. The men had to cross mountain ranges, frozen lakes and rivers which, swollen by melting snows, were turned into raging torrents. Frequently they were over their thighs in snow. Some of the contingent were lost in the mountains for days and took four weeks to cover a distance of 150 miles into Sweden. The men suffered terrible hardships, although Norwegian and Swedish villagers did what they could to help. At one place they were given a meal while German motor-cyclist patrols were only fifty yards away. When they reached Sweden one officer was wearing frock coat with the tails cut off. It had been given him by Norwegian who wore it for his wedding. Another officer wore a butcher’s smock. In Sweden the men were issued with blue boiler suits, which they were wearing on their arrival in this country last week-end, but these had since been exchanged for service uniforms.
    NORTHERN KINDNESS
    Guardsman Mills. Guardsman Mills, who is 20 years of age, told the Echo: “I am very lucky to be home again after what I have gone through.” He spoke warmly of the kindness he and his comrades had received in Norway and Sweden. I don’t think any countries can compare with Norway and Sweden for hospitality,” he said. Most of the people knew a little English, which is taught in the schools of the two countries. Mills, who joined the Scots Guards two and a half years ago, came through the Norwegian campaign unscathed. He was originally reported as missing. His father is an ex-Service man who was twice wounded in the last war.


    Kyle
     

    Attached Files:

    Mr Jinks, Jul 25, 2023
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