2/102 Field Regiment in Burma

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by Joe's daughter, Jan 25, 2019.

  1. My Dad, Joe Hawley service number 937335, was a Bombadier Royal Artillery.
    He was an Acting Sergeant with this regiment of the 82nd (West Africa) Division. He was in the Gold Coast 3/11/44 to 23/2/45 and then in Burma 24/2/45 to 30/1/46. He was demobbed 14/4/46.

    Can anyone tell me more about this regiment, or point me at further information. Thanks.
     
  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Hi Joe's daughter

    Do you have his service records? - I ask as most people dont have them, and research can be started but going to the wrong units etc as the subject has been transferred etc when thought to have stayed in one unit.

    If you have his service records please post them as it will make it easier for members to help answer your questions

    If you dont have them then the only place they can be found in within the MOD and the link to the forms is Request records of deceased service personnel

    TD
     
  3. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    The 2nd/102nd refers to 2nd Light Battery, WAA of 102nd Light Regiment, WAA. Below is a brief summary of the regiment's service. To find more detail, regarding the 82nd (West African) Division and the service of its units, I would suggest getting your hands on the following book:

    Haywood, Colonel A. and Clarke, Brig. F.A. The History of the West African Frontier Force. Aldershot: Gale and Polden, 1964.

    A reprint of this book can be obtained from Naval and Military Press at a reasonable price. Here is the link:

    HISTORY OF THE WEST AFRICAN FRONTIER FORCE - Naval & Military Press

    2nd Light Regiment, WAA

    HQ, 1st, 2nd, 4th Light Batteries

    Raised

    1 April 1944


    The regiment served under command of 82nd (West Africa) Division from 1 July 1944 until 31 August 1945. It was retitled 102nd Light Regiment, WAA on 25 April 1944. It was located in West Africa until 28 May 1944, at sea until 10 July 1944, in India until 8 November 1944, and then in Burma.
     
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  4. Yes, I have his service record from the MOD. He was called up on his 21st birthday in 1939. Relevant bits are:
    "8/9/44 ceased to be attached to 10 Royal Artillery Training Regiment
    11/10/44 Posted to Depot Royal Artillery
    3/11/44 Posted to School Artillery West Africa
    4/6/45 Posted to Training Reinforcement Camp
    14/7/45 Posted to 2/102 Light Regiment
    24/8/45 Promoted Acting Sargeant
    1/9/45 Posted to 2/102 Field Regiment
    14/4/46 Released to Army Reserve
    Overseas Service: Gold Coast West Africa 3/11/44 to 23/2/45, and India [I know it was Burma] 24/2/45 to 30/1/46"

    JD
     
  5. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Thats great - sometimes posters think they have read the service record but in fact have missed vital changes and this can lead to wrong paths being followed

    Maybe something here for starters:
    Light Regiments: 102 Regt. | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 172/6653
    Description:
    Light Regiments: 102 Regt.
    Date: 1944 July - Dec.
    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)

    TD
     
  6. Thank you for the book recommendation. I notice from the blurb that it mentions the 81st Division, does it cover the 82nd division too?
    I am purchasing the book anyway as it is the only one I have come across about the West Africans. I know Dad had a lot of respect for them. He refused to claim his medals after the war because of the what he felt was the poor way the African troops were treated.

    JD
     
  7. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Theres a few files at TNA for 81st West African at TNA -
    Search results: 81 west african division | The National Archives

    Probably the same for 82nd - looks like you might have some reading to do

    TD

    For example:
    Reference: WO 172/9551
    Description:
    81 West African Division: R.A.
    Date: 1945 Jan.- Dec.
    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)
     
  8. Thanks, TD. I have requested a price for a copy from the NA. Otherwise it means atrip to London, which I couldn't do for the next several months.

    JD
     
  9. Thanks again TD. 72 set of papers relating to 82nd West Africa Division! Looks like a trip to London after all...

    Regards JD
     
  10. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  11. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Seems like you will need to be selective :huh::unsure:

    TD
     
  12. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    Yes it does.
     
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  13. YoungNick

    YoungNick New Member

    Hello,

    I believe my Grandfather was the BQMS of No 1 Battery, 102 Light Regiment, West African Artillery, Royal West African Frontier Force, part of the 82nd Division.

    When I was a child he told me stories of how he was called up into the Royal Artillery, trained in the Orkney Islands and then shipped to Africa to raise a regiment. They then went to fight in Burma via India.

    He was seriously injured in Burma and was lucky to survive. I'd like to see if there is any reference to him anywhere. His name was Ralph William Nicholas.

    I've applied to the MOD for his records, but if anyone has any other sources I would appreciate any advice.

    Many thanks


    Nick
     
  14. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    UK, World War II Royal Artillery Tracer Cards, 1939-1948
    Name: Ralph William Nicholas
    Enlistment Date: 12 Sep 1940
    Discharge Date: 25 Mar 1946
    Regiment: Royal Artillery
    Military Unit: 22 Trg Regt RA (Medium & Hvy)
    Service Number: 1077959
    61820_003374_0093-01586.jpg

    I assume this is him
    Ralph William Nicholas
    Spouse: Helena Leach
    Father: Ralph William Nicholas
    Mother: Eleanor Louisa Wingate
    Birth: 12 Aug 1910 London, London, England
    Death: 31 Mar 1986 Wandsworth, Surrey, England
    Residence: 1939 London, London, England

    TD
     
  15. YoungNick

    YoungNick New Member

    It is indeed! Many thanks.

    The paragraph and section in Kings Regulations refers to discharge having been found medically unfit, which follows, given the injuries he sustained.

    What do the numbers 4/44, 139/45, etc mean? Are they a day count in each year?

    Also what X hist and Y hist? Shorthand for em- and disembarkation?
     

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