Chiunzu pass 52nd LAA regiment

Hi all

I am researching my Grandad's involvement in WW2, Victor Edward Thomas (1605640). I know from stories he told me in the past that he was in a convoy going up the Chiunzu pass when the vehicle infront was taken out by mortar fire. After doing some research I can see this would have been late September 1943 and he was reported wounded 28 Sept 1943 so I wonder if it was in the same incident.

I can't find any more details on this incident and wondered whether anyone had any more information? it is touched on briefly half way down here 52nd (East Lancashire) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery - Wikipedia

I was able to find a lot of information about a previous wound where he was part of the 65th LAA who had to jump from a bombed ship (the Thermopylae) and lost his best mate. But I can't find anything detailed on the above.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

 

Baz.

You might want to look in the 23 Armd Bde WD for Sep 43. Get hold of Gary Tankard on this site and he will get that month for you when he next goes to the National Archives. He charges very little for a brilliant service.

The Chuinzi Pass was originally secured by the US Rangers on 9 Sep 43 as a way of anticipating the movement of German forces from Naples south to the X (BR) Corps beachhead. The views towards Naples from the Pass are superb.

Once the Germans started to withdraw and the 46 Inf Div began to clear the Molina Pass (Cava de Terreni) and push towards Nocera, the armour was able to move up too. The Molina Pass only had one road so 23 Armd Bde were directed to use SP2a out of Maiori towards the Chuinzi Pass and drop down to Angri and then Scafati. The attack was clearly a German way of delaying that 23 Armd Bde advance.

Regards

Frank

 

Baz,

Welcome aboard.

Your grandad's name and number have not appeared here before your post. The word Chinzu is no trace here and only when spelt (as above) Chuinzi does that post exist here.

Oddly no threads id'd about the regiment either, using variations on their name.

The reference site run by two members here shows very little: 52 (East Lancashire) Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) - The Royal Artillery 1939-45

Some members can access RA Tracer Cards (behind ££ wall) which will show briefly his movements whilst serving.

We always recommend applying for the subject's full service record. Yes, it may take a year to arrive - either from the MoD or National Archives (TNA). It is not available online and is the definitive record. There is nothing you can do about the wait. His record is with the TNA, but is closed till 2029. See: Name: V E Thomas . Service number: 1605640 . Date of birth: 7 July 1913 . | The National Archives

See for advice on appealing against closure: Unsuccessful application for a WWII army record

Another option is to search The National Archives (TNA) for the unit(s) can identify War Diaries, caveat – they rarely mention individuals soldiers. They do give context and details of activity. Some are available via Ancestry (££).

Their 1944 WD is on: Light Anti-Aircraft Regiments: 52 Regt. | The National Archives It has not been digitised, so you can either arrange a visit or hire a researcher, there are a few options apart from Gary Tankard.

Just in case their 1945 WD is on: Light Anti-Aircraft Regiments: 52 Regt. | The National Archives

Good luck.

 

Thanks a lot Frank and Dave.

I have obtained my grandad’s tracer record and have mapped his movements from that but I will apply for the full service record and see where I get to.

I appreciate both of your responses.

Cheers
Baz