51st Leeds Motor Rifles RTR

Hi All,

My great uncle was supposedly a tank commander with the 51st Leeds Motor Rifles. He did North Africa, Italy etc etc.

His name was Ern Dunstan, service number is: 7960683.

The only information I have are family stories and a casualty card I found on the internet.
Unfortunately I cannot apply for his service records as I do not have the death cert as it resides with a family member that I am not in contact with.

My question is, do any records survive that would tell me what Squadron or crew he was in etc etc.
If so, where can I find these.

Thanks in advance.
Ryan.

 

Hello Ryan

Why not order another from The General Register Office?

 

It didn’t actually cross my mind but good idea!

thanks.

 

Updated

Ryan,

Welcome aboard. What were his first name(s)?

Your uncle's service number has not appeared here before your post. Nor Ernest Dunstan.

I tried an online search to identify threads for his unit and found their name can be: 51st (The Leeds Rifles) RTR or as you used: 51st Leeds Motor Rifles RTR or 51st Royal Tank Regiment. The online search I use is: "insert any variation" site:ww2talk.com

Using 51st Royal Tank Regiment found x9 threads and one on a scan id'd a book..

Post 2 in: 51st (The Leeds Rifles) RTR 1944 reveals part of their history. Note Gary Chester who appears several times has passed and his website has vanished.

Their Wiki is: 51st (Leeds Rifles) Royal Tank Regiment - Wikipedia

Post up the Casualty Card. Others here can hep interpret it.

More help via Private Message (PM) in a moment.

 

Hi,

Many thanks!

His name was Ernest.

Please see attached the casualty card.

Thanks.

 

Ryan.

In case you were not aware, 51 RTR, as part of 25 Tank Brigade, played a significant part in 1 Canadian Infantry Division’s assault on the Hitler Line - six miles north of Cassino on 23 May 44.

As a result of their tank support - they were mounted in Churchills, 1 Canadian Infantry Division were able to slice through the Hitler Line and allow 5 Canadian Armoured Division to rush through and secure the River Melfa crossings.

An impressive piece of work.

Regards

Frank