4979824 Corporal W A HOLYOAK, 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters: Wounded, Italy

Hello members,

A few months ago a very kind member managed to find some excellent information on a warrant officer of the Sherwood Foresters, who was wounded in Italy. I have, of course, kept a record of the information, in his research file. Unfortunately I cannot remember who gave me information.

I was wondering if that member has any information on another member of Sherwood Foresters. I own his General Service Medal (GSM) clasp Palestine/ Africa (1st Army)/ Italy Star group of six. His GSM is named 4979824 SGT W Holyoak Foresters. He was wounded in Italy on 7th December 1944 4979824 Cpl W A Holyoak 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters. There was another Holyoak serving with the 2nd Battalion at the time, but his army number and initial are different, so not the same same man, probably related though.

Any information on Holyoak would be great to have, even an approximate enlistment date. Currently I don't even know his first names. If anyone has the war diary for the period, I would really appreciate seeing that.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Dave

 

I should add that GSM is for post war Palestine, so he must have recovered from his wounds

 

I thought members may like to know that The Museum of the Mercian Regiment can provide information on a Sherwood Foresters soldier. It costs £20 and is supposed to take up to six weeks. Mine came back on the next working day. Very impressed. Here is the information they sent:-
Surname: HOLYOAK

First name: Wilfred Alan

Army Number: 4979824

Rank: Sergeant

Battalion:2nd

Lived at: Coventry, Warwicks

Notes:

Born 7.6.1919


Army Book 358 (Book 14) (4979020 - 4979999) forwarded to Regimental Museum Archives from Hayes Redcords office shows:-

Enlisted on 15.3.1940

discharged to Z Reserve 28.5.1946


Holds 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War and Defence medals, GSM clasp Palestine

 

Hi Dave,

Here is the 2 Sherwood Foresters WD for 7th December 1944.

Regards,
Gary.

 

That's great Gary,
Thanks very much

 

Bit of background -

 

Thank you Chris