I have a photo taken during WW2 of my uncle who I know was serving in North Africa and Italy. Written on the back of the photo is his name Frederick Gleave and that it was taken in Africa. I'm not sure what some of the abbreviations are but it says Dr F Gleave 281508, D Platoon, General Transport, then what looks like 'boy' or 'Coy' RHSC and lastly CMF. I believe the CMF stands for Central Mediterranean Force. I am interested for my family history but all I know is that he was a motorcycle despatch rider and driver, I presume the Dr before his name means Driver? If at all possible I would like to know exactly where he served and any other interesting information anyone could give me. Any help appreciated.
It probably reads Dvr - which is the normal abbreviation for Driver, but without viewing what you have its difficult to say If you wish to know more about his time in the Army then you really need to apply for his service records which are available from the MOD using the forms linked here - Request records of deceased service personnel Did he survive the war? TD Forgot to add your RHSC is probably RASC Royal Army Service Corps - Wikipedia
Coy is likely 'Company' and RHSC might well be RASC (Royal Army Service Corps), but as TD says above, the service records are the only reliable route.
His number, 281508, means that he enlisted with the Royal Army Service Corps. Assuming that he survived the war you will need a death certificate in order to send off for his records, what was his date of birth, death and location?
Thank you all for the information. Yes, he did survive the war only to come back and have a major motorbike accident which he survived too eventually. Died in 1987.
