24th Lancers A Squadron

My grandfather was a tank commander on a sherman firefly tank with 24th lancers going in on Gold beach d day +1 corperal Ronald Roper (7897123) , does anyone have info or pictures please

Stephen

 

Have you sent away for his service records? Get a copy of military service records You will see from other requests for information on servicemen that this is really the only place to start. Once you have them folks around here will be only too pleased to help you uncover his history. Good luck

 

You could also use the site search facility as we have members who specialise in the unit you are interested in

TD

RAC & RTR

 

24th Lancers Regimental Nominal Roll and Postings August 1944


Seek and you will find - service records really are the important first step
TD

 

Yes I have sent off for them still waiting after 5 months

 

Nice one Tricky.

 

You should have had them by now - try giving them a call and chase the records up, normally they are taking 6 - 8 weeks

TD

 

After alot of research found my grandfather was In A squadron but have limited information anybody have any information please

 

Greetings-I'd chase them up-They only take 4 to 8 weeks.

 

Sorry

 

View attachment 238112

 

The link in #12, above, does not work.

 

What research suggests/confirms A Squadron in 24L ?

 

Stephen

This is getting interesting! Can you read the name on the front of the Firefly? (Note: I think I know what it might be but I need you to tell me...there is method in this madness as I hope we will find out...).

That tank is definitely showing the triangle of an A Squadron and it has a yellow 'feel' about it....which means it could be 24th Lancers. So far so good...however, according to the Nominal Roll (effective about D Day) he was a Driver/Mechanic in C Squadron....




The Firefly Troop in C Squadron was led by Bertram Garai...(if Roper was in a Firefly at that time.....).



.....but Bertram's tank was KO soon after D Day and, as you will see in None had Lances, Bertram was hospitalised. That then raises several possibilities:
1. Roper was made Commander of the replacement tank....but that means your photo is of a different tank....
2. Roper was transferred to A Squadron where he became part of a Firefly crew because of his experience gained while with Bertram's Troop
3. And other almost endless possibilities......but at least we have made a start.....

 

Stephen,

Have you any more photos? Any of lorries?

Regards

Tom

 

Sorry I don't have any pictures of lorries

 

That’s OK - it was just a long shot. Good luck with your research.

Regards

Tom