training and initial assessment , 43rd recce.

As a specialized unit what extra training would the recce reg receive? Also when the units were initially set up was there an aptitude type test or were they posted in and assessed.

The problem i have is that Edwin Falla (Ted) left Guernsey to join up,he joined the 7th Devons .I am struggling to find information on this unit, might possibly have been a holding unit? He met my mother whilst with the Devons at Brigg in Lincolnshire.The next photos i have is him in the 43rd recce,I don't know if he was with them from their inception or joined shortly afterwards.I have been trying to get his service records but with no success(8 months and counting)

 

I have copies (here somewhere) of the intelligence tests for Recce troops. Generally they looked for more intelligent sorts, but also chaps who would not be so aggressive as to endanger their key reconnaissance role in engaging with the enemy too quickly.

If you request his Service Records from the MoD that should paint a clearer picture.

Also if you could upload the photographs that'd really help to date them etc.

 

Swiper is spot on with the Intelligence test as I remember my Dad telling me that not many Soldiers had to take an Intelligence test, but to get in the Recc you had to pass one.

Also my late Father informed me that as part of their training they were sent up to Scotland for some extra training with the Commandos regarding unarmed combat.

Regards
Tom

 

I remember my grandfather (another Recce) telling me about training in Scotland also. Not sure exactly where and when though.

 

There's this reference for a 7 Devons War Diary from 1939-1941:

WO 166/4201 INFANTRY: 7 Devonshire Regiment. 1939 Sept.- 1941 Oct.

Used Arcre - War Diary Search Engine

 

This is what my father said about joining Recce.

"You had to be smart to join the Recce. As soon as I entered the interview room they fired a maths question at me to which I immediately replied with the correct answer."

Cheers
Paul

 

Hi
I hope someone can help. I'm looking for any photos of the 43rd Recce C Squadron for my Dad. He will be ninety in January and on Sunday took part in the parade.
He was on the Derrycunnihy and survived and tells of how after rescue he had fruit thrown at him by the locals who thought he was POW (He lost everything and was waiting for new gear)
We took him on a tour of Normandy a couple of years ago and he was an expert guide, full of wonderful and moving stories. Sadly we didn't write them down and his memory is now failing a bit. I'm hoping some photos might help.
Whilst in Bayeaux we looked for his friend John Heaney's grave. Dad hoped they may have eventually found his body, but alas no. We found him on the memorial wall. It was quite a moving moment.
He tells me that selection for Recce was tough and they did indeed conduct commando training in Scotland (He can't remember where so if anyone has any info on this please) They were then based in Eastbourne prior to operations.

 

Hi jollymolly welcome to the forum. What is your fathers name?

Follow this link for photos of 43 Recce. Click on the Recce badge. The site is in Dutch.

http://www.tremele.nl/Oorlog/wo2/05regimenten/regimentenindex.htm


Cheers
Paul

 

Hello and welcome to the forum-just shout if you want any help with his units war diaries.

 

Hi Recce Mitch and Owen
Thanks.
His name is Albert Howard. He may have been known as 'Reggie' (His middle name) or 'Jim' (No idea why? but Jim has stuck ) Photo from Sunday below.

 

Thanks Drew5233

 

Jolly Molly,

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Excellent photograph of remembrance day.

A very good friend of mine was on the adjacent ship when your fathers exploded.

He was on deck and will never forget the experience.

Regards
Tom

 

hello and welcome,i hope Albert is well.my dad was in c troop as a dispatch rider.There are several links already highlighted in previous posts but i will dig them out again and will post them tomorrow when i have more time.
thanks
keith.

 

Thank you, Smudger Jnr

 

Hi Mariner1
I've just responded to you message. Dad is indeed reasonably well for his age. He's quite mobile, but marching is a bit beyond him now.

 

Hi All

I've just found out that my Dad was in 12 troop. (C Squadron) So if anyone has any pictures or anecdotes on 12 troop I'd be very grateful. Thanks

 

i know these have been posted before but due to recent posts i am posting them again.
the sinking of the derry cuhiny, the last c troop picture jan 1946 and a full unit picture from 1945.

 

Mariner,

Have you any idea of the distance the ship was from the beach, when she started her engines and triggered the mine?

Regards
Tom