I am interested in finding out any informaton regarding the Royal Corps of Signals who were stationed at Ossett, West Yorkshire during the second world war (around 1943) Any information or ideas of where I might pursue this further would be much appreciated. Many thanks.
Hi Hincy and welcome to the WW2 forum. Now everyday is a learning day on here for me....I lived until last year in the village next door called Horbury and never knew anything about Signals in Ossett. I still live about 15 minutes away (5 mins by bike). Can you post some info about RS being in Ossett? Cheers Andy
I'd be very interested in this too. I have evidence that the Royal Corps of Signals was based in Ossett too. My Grandfather was serving with them at the time (1940) Any pointers welcome. Thanks Amy
Hi Amy and welcome, Now everyday is a learning day on here for me....I lived until last year in the village next door called Horbury and never knew anything about Signals in Ossett. I still live about 15 minutes away (5 mins by bike). Can you post some info about RS being in Ossett? Cheers Andy ps I know I'm lazy
just goggled and found other people searching for royal signals at ossett. Ask Your Neighbour - Ossett - Finding People - Q141096 and another website states that the 3rd Depot Battalion, Royal Signals, Ossett, Yorks. were stationed there in 8 AUG 1941. A Jefferies Genealogy - Frank William Jefferies also on the bbc peoples war website; http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/61/a3251161.shtml the relivant extract here is: "Another aspect of the war was that a large number of troops - Royal Signals - were stationed in Ossett up Wesley Street at Westfield Mill (now Millfields Housing site). They used to use the Church Street recreation ground, next to the school, for P.T. and Sport. I remember going up Wesley Street to look at the 'Barracks'. There was a Sentry Box at each entry." this confirming the fact they were stationed at a place called Westfield Mill, note the change of name to Millfields, most likely why it didnt show up on the map. again on the bbc peoples war website confirms that it was a place for training. BBC - WW2 People's War - My War Before becoming a Japanese POW - Part 1 "I had to report to Ossett , Yorkshire on August 1st 1940 to join the Royal Corps of Signals . I was part of a 43 man training group and for 4 weeks we did army basic training - such as marching , physical training , rifle drill etc ". all the best scott
Doh blonde moment. I think I know where that is (westfield mill) or should I say was. I lived on Westfield Rd and the place I'm think of was knocked down last year and is now a having houses built on it. I'll research somemore tomorrow. Cheers Andy
They were based at Westfield Mill. I think it was for training and new recruits. Dear Amy, I was stationed in the Westfield Mill during christmas - New Year 1945/46. in the Royal Signals., At my time is was called a 'Mob Centre' , MOB meaning Mobilisation. We had finished training at Scarborough and were sent to Ossett to await our overseas postings. I was off to Egypt and Palestine. The people of Ossett were very kind to us there and I corresponded with a Mrs smith, a lady who served at one of the local service canteens, lost touch later years. I trust this answer's your question. My hobby is WW2 Aoircraft and Aircrew Research, so if you ever want to know the fate of a particular airman, I will do my best to answer your query. Regards, Arthur
My Dad was an instructor during the war - a science teacher in civilian life. He was stationed at Ossett and I have posted some photos from his album on Flikr. He was Frank Backhouse, other people named include Sgt D Thackwray, Capt J Rose, Sgt J May, Sgt F G Hepburn, Major Faithful. Link to Flikr Frank Backhouse - a set on Flickr