Hello, I’ve been trying to decipher my Uncle Francis’s Service records on behalf of his 2 surviving sisters, who are my Mum, and her sister who just turned “100” in Aug!….Lucky to have received her “letter from the Queen” Francis was KIA Sept 9 1944 in Helchteren, Belgium. I’ve attached what I have interpreted from the records, and I was hoping someone more familiar with these records could verify my understanding. I’ve included 2 pages from the records, Army Form B200b and Particulars of Service. Would appreciate any assistance. Regards, Ray
Excerpt from the War Dairy, 1st Hereford Reg, June 13th, '44: MTS sailed from SOUTHEND. LCIs sailed from NEWHAVEN. what is "MTS" and "LCI" ?.....and is there any way to determine which of those groups my uncle may have been in. He was a "Gunner" Regards, Ray
LCI is Landing Craft Infantry. Can’t help re MTS but forum member Hugh MacLean may be able to assist. Steve
Thanks Steve! Much appreciated. My guess is the MTS carried the heavy equipment….tanks, cannons etc. If my uncle was a “gunner”, perhaps he would travel with the equipment…or maybe not. Anyway I’ll check with Hugh as suggested. Ray
I just wanted to give this a bump….a request for help with deciphering my Uncles Service Records. I’m new to this, but gave it go and my interpretation is included. If anyone familiar with these can help, would be much appreciated, Ray.
Hi, You’ve got most of the chronology right. My reading is that he volunteered for service in Royal Artillery in Feb 1942 and was immediately posted back to W Reserve - member of the army but retained in civilian life as deemed more important to the war effort there - in his case likely to continue his education. He spent a week with 25th Medium & Heavy Training Regiment in early April 1942 - possibly over the Easter school/college vacation? It may have been to assess his suitability for officer training? He returns to W reserve - likely to complete exams in the summer - and is then recalled in mid September 1942 and is posted almost immediately to a pre OCTU RA unit. In January 1943 he is posted to an RAC OCTU unit. My understanding is that OCTU course was about 16 weeks but he is there for 6 months until commission granted July 1943. His service record then becomes the self completed Form199 - your second document. He spends 4 months with 24 Lancers before going in an OCTU infantry conversion course before posting to KSLI. Interesting service - RA to “Cavalry” and on to infantry. Steve
Thank you Steve, I couldn’t have asked for more! That pretty much sums up my research. This plus a copy of the war dairy, pretty much sums up my research, his sisters will be pleased. As my 100 yr old aunt said…..”make haste dear….I am 100 after all” Regards, Ray.
