Hello to all, first I have to say what a great site this is, and I feel humble to be able to read all the veterans first hand accounts of WW2. My dad was always modest in his recollections of his service during 1939-45, and I am ashamed to see I did not ask enough whilst he was alive (Died 1991). My mother died three years ago, and with the help of his papers (Service Book, Release Book) and a small note book he left, I have put together a potted history of his service life. If you open the added attachment (pdf, file). any errors pointed out would be more than welcome.
Hello and welcome Frank. It appears you know a lot about your fathers army history already. Unfortunately, like a lot of us, I never asked my dad about the war but with the help of the veterans and other members on this forum I have managed to piece together my dads army history. I am sure there will be other members along soon to give you more information about your dads regiments. Lesley
Welcome to the forum Frank. That's one hell of a potted history you've put together there - a great tribute to Chris. There are a lot of members of this forum currently interested in the 5th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment and some may drop by to say 'hello'. If you want their details you can get them via the 'Search' function or I would be pleased to assist. You are right about the East Yorks having two battalions involved in the D-Day landings, only bettered by the the Durham Light Infantry; being the 6th, 8th and 9th Bn's Durham Light Infantry, 151st Infantry Brigade, also 50th (Northumbrian) Division. If the 4th Bn East Yorks, 150th Infantry Brigade, 50 Div, had not been overrun at Gazala, then the East Yorks Regiment may also have had three battalions involved on D-Day, but history dictates otherwise. Best, Steve.
Frank Great History of your Father's actions - but not quite complete as in June of '42 he must have taken part at the Gazala Gallop after the Crusader battles and the helter skelter retreat to El Alamein where the 50th Div were so shattered that they were given a very minor role at Wadi El Halpha- which caused the replacement of so many to bring them up to establishment ready for the main battles of Oct 23rd - so he earned his medals the hard way- then on to Normandy where at Christmas Monty decided that 'they had suffered enough " Cheers
Thank you Lesley, like most people, It is only when you realize you are not immortal that you wish you had taken more notice of parents and grandparents.
Frank Great History of your Father's actions - but not quite complete as in June of '42 he must have taken part at the Gazala Gallop after the Crusader battles and the helter skelter retreat to El Alamein where the 50th Div were so shattered that they were given a very minor role at Wadi El Halpha- which caused the replacement of so many to bring them up to establishment ready for the main battles of Oct 23rd - so he earned his medals the hard way- then on to Normandy where at Christmas Monty decided that 'they had suffered enough " Cheers thank you Tom, I will look into the Gazalla battle, to see if I can find out more.
