Dear all, I'm writing a biography of the above figure, who served in the 5th 'Recconnaissance Regiment from 2 September 1943 to the end of the war. I have his war record, his file from the National Archives and I've read through the usual literature (Doherty, Taylor, Prince). I've also listened to his and others' interviews in the Imperial War Museum. However... I'm still looking for two things: I think Bill served in No 2 Squardon of 5th Recce, but can anyone confirm this? Has anyone seen seen comments concerning or relating to Bill from other members of the Regiment? Many thanks in advance. Dr. Richard Baxell
Welcome, as an officer he likely to be mentioned by name in the regimental diaries, there are some available on Ancestry but a quick look seems that they go up to August 43, would be worth a more in depth study. Otherwise they are available from Search results: "5 recce" | The National Archives He is mentioned here Notices | All Notices | The Gazette May also be some info here Reconnaissance Journal You should also bear in mind that transfers between squadrons could occur so a reference on one date doesn't necessarily mean he stayed there. A search on the forum with that number produces this does anyone out there know anything of these three? Good luck.
Richard, An online search with: "5th Recce Regiment" site:ww2talk.com found a few threads here. Three more using: "5 Recce Regiment" site:ww2talk.com Many more using: "5 Recce" site:ww2talk.com The Service No. cited only appears here on the thread Tony has cited. Too many matches for his name, even when thinned down. You asked: An online search had no matches, I tried William / Bill / W.G.
Richard. You might want to try the War Diaries. The Adjutant was required to submit a Monthly Return of Officers. The list often included which role they performed. Regards Frank
Yes, that's a great suggestion. I wasn't aware that the National Archives were granting access to the diaries, so many thanks.
They are, but not online. If you can visit yourself that's fine, but otherwise there are folks around here who offer a copying service - much cheaper that TNA.
Richard. You would do better to get hold of Gary Tankard on this site. He goes all the time so knows his way around the place. His charges are very, very reasonable too. Unlike the thieves at the National Archives. Regards Frank
