Essex Regt, Green Howards 7th Bn, 8th Bn Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by Dennybaby, Mar 4, 2022.

  1. Dennybaby

    Dennybaby Member

    Hi, just managed to get hold of my great uncle’s service record. Any help with deciphering this will be much appreciated. I am particularly interested in his journey from leaving Warley up to his death at Termoli, Italy 5 October 1943.
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  2. Dennybaby

    Dennybaby Member

    There is also this I received.
     

    Attached Files:

  3. sjw8

    sjw8 Well-Known Member

    Hi Dennybaby

    I'll endeavour to decipher the 2 documents you posted, although some of the entries are quite difficult to read.

    First document -
    19/11/42 - he was deemed to have enlisted (i.e. called up) and posted to the G.S.C. (General Service Corps) on 05/11/42, but service deferred until 19/11/42, when he reported to Warley.
    30/12/42 - transferred from G.S.C. to the Essex Regiment, when he posted to No.1 I.T.C. (Infantry Training Centre).
    17/03/43 - he qualified as a Driver I.C. (Internal Combustion) w.e.f. 09/03/43.
    06/04/43 - he was then permanently attached to the 8th Bn. Suffolk Regiment (although appears to be still badged Essex Regiment).

    All the above entries were made by No.1 I.T.C.

    14-15/07/43 - he officially embarks for the Middle East where he was TOS (Taken on Strength) with M.E.F. (Middle East Forces) as an unposted reinforcement (X(iv)a list), arriving on 28/07/43. (Note - there was often a delay in embarking and actual sailing, so possibly on convoy KMF20 which left UK on 19/07/43 and arrived Algiers on 28/07/43).
    10/08/43 - attached to 155 T.C. (Transit Camp). Note - 155 T.C. was at Tripoli.
    12/08/43 - 2 days later he is posted from the X(iv)a list to the X(iv)B list and sent as a reinforcement for "H" Force at Tripoli.
    20/08/43 - transferred to The Green Howards and posted to the 7th Bn.
    29/08/43 - M.E.F. redesignated as B.N.A.F (British North Africa Forces).
    27/09/43 - transferred to the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and posted to the 8th Bn.

    Second document -
    This is effectively a summary of the first document, except -
    1. it indicates that whist training at No.1 I.T.C. he was under 51 P.T.W (Primary Training Wing).
    2. he was on Draft RNYKZ when travelling to join the M.E.F. Draft codes are a random set of letters to ensure you and your kit were on the correct ship/train etc - like a plane ticket & baggage ticket on you luggage - so that you and your kit (hopefully) get to your destination.

    Note - 7th Bn. The Green Howards were part of 69 Brigade, under the 50th (Northumbrian) Division and took part in the invasion of Sicily and Italy. 8th Bn. Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders (A&SH) were part of 36 Brigade, which was part of 78 (Battleaxe) Division, also took part in the invasion of Sicily and, subsequently, Italy. It is therefore possible that your great uncle was transferred from the Green Howards to the A&SH as a battle reinforcement to replace a battle casualty.

    I am sure that other forum members will be able to provide more information about the 2 Divisions & Brigades campaigns for the period 20/08/43 to 05/10/43 (when was KIA).

    Hope this helps
    Steve W

    Note - Edited for clarification re transit dates to the M.E.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2022
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  4. Dennybaby

    Dennybaby Member

    Hi Steve, this is absolutely incredible! Thankyou so much for your time and knowledge.
    I obtained the war diaries on the A&SH and understand that he was part of operation Devon and have managed to find on Google maps where exactly he lost his life along with major Anderson the same day. It was at some farmhouse buildings near the brickworks shown on uploaded map.

    10/08/43 - attached to 155 T.C. (Transit Camp). Note - 155 T.C. was at Tripoli.

    I was trying to decipher the TC lastnight thinking it meant he travelled by ship from Bizerte, Tunisia to Corsica, Sardinia but after looking at your thread today I’m completely wrong! Lol
     

    Attached Files:

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  5. sjw8

    sjw8 Well-Known Member

    Dennybaby
    You're welcome.
    Steve W
     
  6. Dennybaby

    Dennybaby Member

    May I ask how you know he may have been on KMF 20 ? And where it would have sailed from in the uk?

    (Note - there was often a delay in embarking and actual sailing, so possibly on convoy KMF20 which left UK on 19/07/43 and arrived Algiers on 28/07/43).
     
  7. sjw8

    sjw8 Well-Known Member

    Dennybaby

    Please see attached link -
    Arnold Hague convoy database - KMF convoys

    This is from the very useful Arnold Hague Convoy Database, within the Convoyweb archive.

    To determine which possible convoy, I looked for a departure date between 14/15 and 21 July 1943 (a week) and an destination arrival date of 28 July 1943, and KMF20 was the one that much fitted into the timeline.

    Hope that helps.
     
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  8. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Last edited: Mar 5, 2022

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