Chaps Any idea what the RWK's were doing in France in this period (1939-1940). I know my grandfather was there and had to get out with the BEF via Dunkirk? I believe they were in France from the winter of 1939 but not sure what they were doing or what happened to them. As some of you know he transferred to 4 Recce on his return to the UK. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Spero
Spero, The Official History states (as of May 10th 1940): 12th (EASTERN) Division 36th Brigade 5/The Buffs 6/The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 7/The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 44th (HOME COUNTIES) Division 132nd Brigade 1/The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 4/The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 5/The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment I am going to the National Archives on Saturday with the purpose of beginning the digital imaging of The Buffs' Diaries within the BEF. If you know which RWK Battalion your grandfather was in I would happily image it. During 2010, I am switching my focus from WW1 to the BEF 1939-1940 and my starting-point is the involvement of the Kent battalions within it. Kind Regards, Steve Garnett
Chaps Thanks so much and thank you Steve for your very kind offer. I don't want to take any time away from your research so please don't worry I will try and get to the National Archives some time. This was my grandfather's service record if you can shed any light on it for me it would be greatly appreciated. Thans so much. Major Frank William Purvis P/113629 - Reconnaissance Corps Enlisted as 6970645 at London into the Rife Brigade TA - 05.09.39 Posted to 164th Officer Cadet Training Unit - 15.9.39 Discharged to a commission - 13.1.40 Appointed to an Emergency Commission as 2nd Lieutenant into the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment - 14.1.40 Joined Infantry Training Centre - 29.1.40 Embarked for BEF - 5.2.40 Joined No1 Infantry Base Depot (France) - 8.2.40 Returned UK from BEF - 3.6.40 Posted to 1st Battalion - 29.6.40 Posted to Anti-Tank Company 12th Infantry Brigade 7.9.40 Posted to 6th Battalion Black Watch and appointed Acting Captain 24.11.40 Posted to 4th Battalion Reconnaisance Corps - 8.141 Transferred to Reconnaissance Corps 14.1.41 To be temporary Captain War Substantive Lieutenant with 4th Battalion - 24.2.41 To be adjutant 4th Recc Corps - 12.2.43 Embarked for overseas - 13.3.43 Disembarked North Africa - 23.2.43 Moved from British North Africa Force to Middle East Force - 15.12.43 Moved from Middle East Force to British North Africa Force 28.2.44 Permanently attached to HQ Indian Division to be Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (Malaria) 10 Indian Division with rank of Lt Colonel - 5.12.44 Relinquished appointment of DAAG (Malaria) 10 Indian Division 15.7.45 Attached to 65 Transit Camp on Disembarkation - 23.7.45 Released - 22.1.46 Relinquished commissio and granted the honorary rank of Major - 30.06.57 Medals - 1939-45 Star, Africa Sra with 1st Army Clasp; Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Mentioned in Despatched London Gazette 23.5.46; Bronze Star 1945 service record.
Appointed to an Emergency Commission as 2nd Lieutenant into the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment - 14.1.40 Joined Infantry Training Centre - 29.1.40 Embarked for BEF - 5.2.40 Joined No1 Infantry Base Depot (France) - 8.2.40 Returned UK from BEF - 3.6.40 Posted to 1st Battalion - 29.6.40 Going by that it looks like he never got to any of the Battalions whilst in France, as he is listed as being at No 1 IBD, if anything I'd say he was in one of those ad-hoc units that were cobbled together from the IBD , such as Beauman Division, for example. We've discussed their make up on here in the last month or so.
I recently was told that my father was conscripted into the Royal West Kents and was evacuated at Dunkirk. Never having met my father, I have no idea if this is correct. Can anyone tell me if/how I can check this information? I'd need to be able to check online as I'm now retired to Spain. Many thanks.
Hello and welcome to the forum. Unless his wife (your mother) or your father (if your father is still alive only he can apply for them) is still alive you will need to spend £30 on his service records to identify which battalion he was with. I'll do a deal with you seeing as it's the week end. If you apply for his records and find out what battalion he was with I'll send you a copy of his battalions war diary for 1939-1940. Armed which these two documents you will be able to find out everything you want within reason. Here's the link to apply for his records: Army Personnel Centre - British Army Website Don't delay-there is quite a waiting list and good luck. Regards Andy
PM sent. Here is the War Diary for the unit your Grandfather was posted to in France. He should be well listed in the Officer Returns if the file contains them. WO 167/121 No.1 Infantry Base Depot Regards Andy
Owen is correct: 18th May Steps were taken to organise the available personnel into fighting units, Beauforce was formed, named after the commander of the North District, Brigadier Beauman and consisted initially of 2/6th East Surrey and 4th Buffs. The mobile companies were reorganised into two provisional battalions, Waites Rifles and Perowne's Rifles. The Infantry Base Depots provided the personnel for a further three battalions named after their initial commanders, Ray's, Davies and Meredith Rifles. Vol.5 BEF Orbat -Alan Philson No.1 Infantry Base Depot was under Rouen Base Sub Area. HQ North District. Regards Andy
It took some doing and I'm sooooooooo Going to bed now ! Your Grandfather was No.14 Platoon Commander, E Company in Newcombe's Rifles, Beauman Division. See pic below. Good Night !
Oh...I think he was awarded a Bronze Star from the United States too. The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
