Hello, I am looking for some help, after hours on the internet going nowhere. My son and I are looking for information on my Grandfather, his Great Grandfather and namesake. We have his soldiers release book and some medals, so know that he was in the Royal West Kent regiment (we think 8th Battalion? because of the 8 on his medals). We know that he was in El Alamein and Burma, and was wounded on the way to Kohima. We are trying to find out about: How he ended up in the RWK despite living in London, Middlesex The role of the RWK's in El Alamein Where he was treated in hospital after he was wounded? (we know he was in hospital for 9 months, and think it was in India) What the 13th Holding Battalion was? (it says Gravesend but then Guildford for dispersal unit. We would be grateful for any help, we are putting together something to give to my Dad. Thank you in hope!
Hello, CAG, I imagine the 8 is on the Africa Star, signifying service with Eighth Army (as opposed to First Army who came in from North-West Africa). That tallies with him being at Alamein. 4th and 5th Battalions of RWK fought at Alamein, both in 132 Infantry Brigade of 44 Infantry Division. 4 RWK later went to 161 Indian Infantry Brigade and fought at the Siege of Kohima. I ought to rule out 5 RWK but will have to do that later... For now, it looks like he was 4 RWK. Did he join after France 1940 (Dunkirk) as there is some info in here on the RWK in that campaign?
hi Idler, Thank you already, that is really helpful. My Grandad's book says that his last enlistment was 18.4.40, so I am presuming that was when he joined up? Carole
Welcome to the forum. Little about one of they operation at Alamein line you have here CHAPTER 9 — Operation BERESFORD | NZETC Also more info about 4th RWK you can find here Anthony Brett-James. Ball of Fire. Fifth Indian Division in the Second World War. 1951. Contents. Foreword. Acknowledgments. Look from chapter XIX because battalion was attached to 5th Indian Division after this was transferred to India. You can try to find this book also Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 1920-1950 2004: Amazon.co.uk: H. D. Chaplin: Books Do you know when he was wounded (date)?
Thank you Sol. I have ordered the Chaplin book from Amazon, thank you and I will go through the other links. Thank you for clearing up his regiment, that tallies with some of my searches where I couldn't find an 8th battalion. The only thing we know was about him getting wounded was that it was a grenade on the way to Kohima, we know he didn't get to the Governor's residence, but that was all he ever told us. We know he was hospitalised for nine months. There is no record of medical treatment in his release book, I don't know if it would have been recorded there, but there are pages missing. Carole
Hi Carole, As NOK you may apply for his service record which will give you what you need. In addition, there should be mention of him in 1 of the nominal rolls located within the Book " From Kent to Kohima" a history of the 4th Bn Royal West Kent Regiment. It was printed in 1951 & now is rather an expensive volume to purchase (looking ar GBP85 approx), you may find it in 1 of the larger libraries within the county of Kent. I hope the above is of use to you. Regards Simon
Hi Carole, I'm not sure how you are progressing with your research but assuming you have requested your Grandfathers service records, when you are in possetion of them and you hopefully get to see some more info relating to his hospitalisation please feel free to drop me a line christian.thomas (at) enterprisemouchel.com In researching my Grandfathers time in the RAMC (Medical Corps) I have picked up a very rare copy of the Army Medical Services official history which details all of the hospitals and their locations and dates. My Grandfather also served in the 5th Indian Division and a few years ago I managed to talk to a couple of veterens located in Bromsgrove (through the Burma Star Assosiation-Birmingham branch) who were both RWK and fought at Kohima. They were amazing guys and had an awful time over there...be proud! Kind Regards, Chris
4th Battalion would have been a TA Battalion, Kohima, what a marvelous achievement for any unit, Regular let alone TA. john