1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards 1939/40

All,

I am new at this so if i am asking a huge question, my apologies.

basically i am researching the 1st Battalion Coldstreams as my grandfather was mortally wounded while serving with them in mid May 1940 having been called up in 1939 as a reservist.

I am interested in anything anyone knows or can give any hints to to help build a more human picture of what occured between their departure to France and their evacuation.

I am still waiting to go to the National Archive and get the war diaries but in particular if there are any newspaper cuttings, diarists or photographs held anywhere or if anyone has any ideas where else (apart from the national archive) i could go to get information of this and the pre war (1931-36) era it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Lakey1

 

All,

I am new at this so if i am asking a huge question, my apologies.

basically i am researching the 1st Battalion Coldstreams as my grandfather was mortally wounded while serving with them in mid May 1940 having been called up in 1939 as a reservist.

I am interested in anything anyone knows or can give any hints to to help build a more human picture of what occured between their departure to France and their evacuation.

I am still waiting to go to the National Archive and get the war diaries but in particular if there are any newspaper cuttings, diarists or photographs held anywhere or if anyone has any ideas where else (apart from the national archive) i could go to get information of this and the pre war (1931-36) era it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Lakey1

Hi Lakey1,
there are more than War Diaries at T.N.A. that could be of interest to you.

WO361/71 is a file that contains enquiries into missing Personnel from the Regiment.
Mostly communications with those who got away and French Town officials. Some files in this series give accounts of various actions.

The ones I have read are for a couple of years later and contain messages sent by P.O.W.regarding those wounded or killed in action.

Brian

 

Some men who may have served with your Grandfather.
Large 1938 Photo - Warrant Officers & Sergeants 1st Bn. Coldstream Guards (Chris Balm Early Aviation & Motoring Items)

 

From Home Page 1st and 2nd Battalions - France 1940
On the outbreak of war on 3rd September, 1939, both the 1st and 2nd Battalions deployed to France with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). The period up to May 1940 was known as the ‘Phoney War’ where the BEF spent most of their time on patrolling, digging defences and waiting for the expected German assault. The defence plan relied on the ‘impregnable’ Maginot Line to the south along the French border with Germany. This line of concrete fortifications ran for ? miles and ended at the Ardennes Forest to the west which was thought to be impenetrable to armour. Therefore the French were confident that they could repulse any German assault. However, when on the 10th May the Germans invaded the Low Counties, the BEF left their prepared defences and moved forward into Belgium. As the allies moved forward, the Germans attacked through the Ardennes with tanks and headed to the Channel Coast. They were so successful that the BEF was threatened with being cut off and annihilated. After much fighting by both battalions the order was given on the 22nd May to withdraw to Dunkirk. Most of the distance (approximately 60 miles!) was covered on foot. On arrival at the beaches of Dunkirk, tens of thousands of troops of the BEF waited their turn to be evacuated from the beaches by hundreds of small boats and pleasure craft which had sailed from Britain to ferry troops from the beaches to larger ships. The 1st Battalion were evacuated on 1st June, however, the 2nd Battalion were tasked to form part of the defensive perimeter and after more fighting were evacuated on the night of 1st June. Unlike many other units, each and every Coldstreamer embarked with his rifle and full complement of kit! Between 26th May and 2nd June, nearly 350,000 men were rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk. Although this was in no way a victory it saved the British Army. Despite the fact that it had lost most of its tanks and artillery pieces, and much of its heavy equipment, 350,000 trained men with battle experience was a truly great asset on which to rebuild the army.

 

dbf,

I have got a copy of the service record, very interesting, especially regarding the tribute to him from his Lieutenant Colonel about his playing the organ in Cairo Catherdral on Easter Monday 1933 when they must have been posted out there!!

If you have any titles of books regarding the coldstreams i would be very interested to know, i just have not been able to locate any (although, Dunkirk, Retreat to victory is proving excellent as a history of the 1940 BEF Campaign).

Thanks for your help here.

Lakey1

 

Owen,

Cheers for that, would be much appreciated.

 

dbf,

Thanks for all your help here, it really is very much appreciated. Just read more of your additions to this and i cannot tell you how pleased i am.

Cheers

Lakey1

 

All,

I am new at this so if i am asking a huge question, my apologies.

basically i am researching the 1st Battalion Coldstreams as my grandfather was mortally wounded while serving with them in mid May 1940 having been called up in 1939 as a reservist.

I am interested in anything anyone knows or can give any hints to to help build a more human picture of what occured between their departure to France and their evacuation.

I am still waiting to go to the National Archive and get the war diaries but in particular if there are any newspaper cuttings, diarists or photographs held anywhere or if anyone has any ideas where else (apart from the national archive) i could go to get information of this and the pre war (1931-36) era it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Lakey1
Hi there,

I have just retired as the RSM of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. You will be able to find out everything you need, including your relatives service history by contacting:

WO2 J Flynn
RHQ Coldstream Guards
Wellington Barracks
Birdcage Walk
London
SW1E-6HQ

The team there should be able to track his details easily in the regimental archives. The more you can give them (relatives date of birth, army number, etc,) the better.

In addition, you may ask to visit the regimental library at RHQ which is exhaustive. You will find the war diaries from the 1st Battalion and letters from soldiers serving in it. There is also an excellent book called Second to None which is available from the RHQ shop. This gives a full account of the 1st Battalion during the campaign in France and Belgium in May / June 1940. Hope this helps.

Andy Johnson

 

Hello Johno and welcome to the forum (I've always wanted to call a 'badge' by his nickname )

 

Hello Andy and welcome to the forums.

 

Andy,

That is absolutly brilliant, i have a copy of his service record but letters from soldiers and a more detailed history of the situation would be fantastic.

I'll let you know what i find out.

Thanks again

Lakey1