1st Bn Highland Light Infantry. February 1945

I'm researching Eric Hall 14651984 Highland Light Infantry (city of Glasgow) 1st Battalion. Eric died on 24th February 1945 aged 20 and is buried at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany. Does anyone have the War Diary for around those days to understand the storey behind his death?

 

From Findagrave.

 

I would suggest you use the site search engine and also contact member ‘Stolpi’ who has done an impressive amount of highly detailed work on that area and time of WW2

TD

 

Thank you TD - War Diary has been sent

 

I'm researching Eric Hall 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry who died 24th February 1945 diring fighting in Reichswald Forest. Would appreciate any assistance with War Diaries for the period or other information.
Alan

 

Alan,

This is his CWGC link: https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2031875/eric-hall/

He joined up after mid-1942, into the General Service Corps (GSC). This was an all-arms unit that did initial training and assessment, it replaced the regimental and corps system. It may not be accurate that his posting was to the HLI, partly he was English from near Birmingham; you went where the Army needed you.

(Edited slightly after new thread created).

 

Hope these pages from the 53rd Div history by Barclay help.

 

Owen,
Really appreciate your time in helping me on this, perfect, thank you.
Alan

 

Alan,

You have a previous thread on Eric Hall in 2019, with cemetery photos and Stolpi posted he'd sent you the War Diary.

I was about to look for threads on the 1st HLI and the 2019 thread came up.

1st Highland Light Infantry was with 53rd Welsh Div (71st Bde) in NWE campaign 44/45 (from an old thread and post by Stolpi).

 

I had the War diary extract from Stopli for the date which is very brief saying that over 50 wounded and 13 missing that evening. Owen has provided me with details of the encounter which has helped immensely. Cheers Alan