3 RTR B Squadron

Hi Frank. Good to see you again.
For the uninitiated - me - how do I access these film clips? Is it simply a case of Registration and hey presto?

Steve P.

 

Steve - the links in Frank’s posts should take you straight to the IWM clips. Best. John

 

Hi, just clicking on them should open the links... if, for any reason they don't, just search here:

IWM Film

 

No joy: must be a function of my steam powered iPad. I'll try on a PC later.

 

There is a list of links to "all" IWM NWE films in New Resource - Index to IWM A70-films (i.e. NW-Europe)

 

It worked, I just ordered it!!

 

Thanks, good to know!

I saw these on the site, unfortunately, still not digitalised:

COMET TANKS OF 29TH ARMOURED BRIGADE IN ACTION, GRAVELINES, FRANCE (PART 1) [Allocated Title]

COMET TANKS OF 29TH ARMOURED BRIGADE IN ACTION, GRAVELINES, FRANCE (PART 2) [Allocated Title]

Could be of 3RTR or 23H, or both... there are some photos about somewhere.

 

Bingo! Many thanks Frank and I hope you enjoy the book. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of it.

 

Really looking forward to reading it... am having it delivered to my parent's place (Brexit making delivery here quite expensive and slow) and I'll be seeing them in March, so I'll let you know then!

I think I'll take the opportunity then and get a request in for my grandfather's service record... still the matter of his demotion to clear up!

 

Hi all, came across this photo while watching one of Mr Fletcher's tank chats on the M4A4 (this is a screen capture). I've tried searching for the original via google, IWM, etc, no luck so far..
Has anyone seen it before? Looks like it's outside an army base somewhere, perhaps just post-war?

 

I'll answer my own question!! I received a reply from Mr Holt at Bovington, who has this to say about the photo:
The tank was a gate guard at Merrion Camp, Castlemartin and the photograph was taken in October 1952. The atmosphere at Castlemartin does tend to destroy most vehicles left exposed to the elements pretty quickly so the tank was no doubt either scrapped or sent to the ranges long ago.
The reason for my original enquiry was that I thought the tankie on the left had a "passing resemblance" to my grandfather (see still from Schwarmstedt film below) - we all know what my ID-ing skills are worth!! - alas, not to be!

 

Hi, just finished the book........ blimey......that was some research you put into that! While reading it I realised just how focused we tend to get when looking back on events without seeing the bigger picture. As you mentioned in the book, the regimental war diaries seem to concentrate on just the regiment concerned, often not mentioning other regiments, etc, participating along with them. It certainly was a period that was generally ignored and deserves more attention, and I particularly liked the final part that analyses the motivations fuelling both sides' attitudes during those final weeks.
In all, an extremely well-written, enlightening account of the period, highly recommended!! So, if anyone out there still hasn't got a copy, buy one now! It really puts the period in perspective.

 

Thanks for your kind words Frank and glad you enjoyed the book. I wrote the epilogue as I felt it was important to add depth to the purely factual and the reasons and motivations for why the Germans fought on particularly interested me.

Thank you for the plug! Always happy to see a review on Amazon if you can be bothered.

Best wishes

 

Unfortunately, Amazon says I don't meet their criteria so as to be able to write a review...perhaps because I bought the book direct from Helion...I tried!!

 

Hello- my Grandfather was Ellershaw - RTR killed on 8th April 1945 - just start ing this journey of discovery with my Dad. We have visited his grave in Hanover today. My dad was just 2 when his dad was killed - all he knows was by a sniper. I would love to connect with anyone who can tell us more.

 

My grandfather was Ellershaw (Charles Harold) died 8th April 1945 in Hanover - RTR - starting this journey of discovery with my dad who was 2 when is father died. Would love to find out more. We have very little information, other than a letter and map of where he was killed.

 

My grandfather was Ellershaw HC, we have just visited his grave in Hanover - would love to find out more.

 

Take a look at page 23!

 

Photo below of Harold Charles Ellershaw. Date unknown.

 

Photo below of Ellershaw. Date unknown.