Hello all, I’m new to the forum so I’m hoping this is in the right place. I’m looking for any information other that what I already have on my great uncle. (Which is posted below) I know he died in Arnhem trying to cross the river with the rest of the Dorsets and that his body was never found. If possible, I’m looking to find more info on what he did pre Arnhem. Did he arrive with the Regt in Normandy? Or arrive at a later date etc. It would also be amazing if I could see/find any photos of him during this time. If anyone could help or point me in the right direction it would greatly appreciated. The info I have so far: Private William Parr Service Number 14515121 Died 25/09/1944, Arnhem. Aged 21 4th Bn. Dorsetshire Regiment Son of Robert and Isabella Parr.
hello Pete do you have a copy of his service records link here Get a copy of military service records - GOV.UK regards Clive
Members on here also copy war diaries from the National Archives at Kew for a small fee 4 Dorsetshire Regiment | The National Archives you could request these
Hello Pete As CL1 has stated - obtaining his service record is a must UK, Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945 Name: William Parr Given Initials: W Rank: Private Death Date: 25 Sep 1944 Number: 14515121 Birth Place: Liverpool Residence: Liverpool Branch at Enlistment: Infantry Theatre of War: Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45 Regiment at Death: Dorsetshire Regiment Branch at Death: Infantry TD
Added ''4th Dorsets'' to title & moved thread from the 'Airborne' section of the forum as 4th Dorsets weren't Airborne.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I do not have his service records at the minute but definitely something I will get soon.
I havent actually Owen. Ill buy that now, definitelty worth a read. And thank you for the post Harkness, its all valuable information. Can I ask where it is you got those from? Pete.
The 4th Dorsets may not have been an Airborne unit but those members that attempted to cross the Rhine on the night of 24/25 September were allowed to become full members of the Arnhem Veterans Club. William Parr is one of those whose fate was still unknown and about whom information was being sought as the other 4 Dorset POWs were being released from captivity in 1945. Sadly it appears that nobody was able to provide information as to his fate.
I've got the battalion war diary. If I don't post up any pages within a week drop me a message to prompt me.