Probably seems a dumb question - but which war was this regiment with. I have been asked to trace an Edward John Ryan and his dad - they joined up together. The fellow who asked me is about 55 -which would make his dad Edward pretty old when he was born if he had been in WW1. Dee
The QVR included one of the battalions sent to hold Calais in the heroic but failed stand just before Dunkirk in 1940. I believe it was an upper-crust Territorial outfit, and it acquitted itself well at Calais in a hopeless situation.
According to 'Swift and Bold' (Gale & Polden 1949), which is the WW2 regimental history of KRRC, the 7th and 8th Battalions KRRC were both the Queen Victoria Riflles. The 7th (1st Queen Victoria Rifles) was in England until May 1940. It then went to Calais as a Motor Cyclist Unit with the 2nd Battalion [KRRC], the survivors being made prisoners of war. It was then immediately reformed as a Motor Battalion and was then disbanded in May 1943 personnel going to other KRRC battalions and the Rifle Brigade. The 8th (2nd Queen Victoria Rifles) remained in England. On the eve of leaving for France in September 1944 it was disbanded and personnel sent to other KRRC battalions and other regiments. It then became a holding battalion until the end of the war. The only battle honour was 'France 1940'.
Thanks Guys, Angie I had forgotten about this site - thanks for the reminder. I noted from this site that they were at Hill 60 - Ypres - My Grandad - who I am trying to find out about from WW1 was also there. Due to the change of Monarch they were called several diferent Regiments - 1908 London Regiment, 1915 KRRC, 1922 9th London, 1937 KRRC - motor cycle and the list goes on, but at least I now have some sort of starting point. Paul & Kiwiwriter thanks for your input - I really think his Dad was in WW2 not WW1. I am going to make him find out more about his Dad and Grandfather. If I had to do it for my Granddad - he can for his - and hopefully he will get as much enjoyment as I have done - and also find out about the skeletons in the closet also Thanks heaps Dee
Croonaert... As a former Green Jacket officer I started a project to investigate the battle of Calais on behalf of the regiments involved. That was ten years ago and I have only just finished the first draft. So far the account has brought together over 130 personal accounts of those who fought in Calais or where involved. I am keen to track down any that I have missed, so if you stumble across any more information then I would love to see it. I have also been involved in taking family whose relatives fought with the QVR during the Frist World war to France, so I'm am more than happy to help if I can. Recently I also had a copy of a diary written by the father of the Chairman of my company who served as a company 2 i/c during the First World War. Regards Tom
