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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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)
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
Thanks again TD. 72 set of papers relating to 82nd West Africa Division! Looks like a trip to London after all... Regards JD
In no order of preference - I have used both and give each 5 stars [dont tell them but that was 5 out of 10 ] http://ww2talk.com/index.php?members/drew5233.6786/ http://ww2talk.com/index.php?members/psywar-org.2876/ If memory serves then there charge is about 10% to that of having the staff at Kew do the same file, but they will also do part files if its possible TD
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
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 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
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?