family research

Have to butt in here - though i tried not to interfere - but some clarification is due as mis conceptions can arise - and taken as Gospel far too readily...

When Alanbrooke took over as GIGS in the December of '41 - things changed - and one of the first was the avoidance of "square pegs in round holes" syndrome and thus the General Service Corps took over the initial introduction to the Army of all those called up to serve

This was a period of six weeks during which the newcomers were taught how to march - dress - fire a rifle - bren gun - throw a grenade correctly - become fit - and most important - tested to see where they would fit in best for maximum benefit for both the Army and the soldier.....it seemed to work much better as for example Enoch Powell was taken out of the Cookhouse and sent to the Intelligence Crops to finish up as a Brigadier
other were sent to the Armour - Infantry - Artillery - Pioneers et al

Their training at whatever took place - AFTER they left the GSC- and my training as a Tank Wireless operator took a further nine months before posting overseas to a regiment where further training was taken to fit into a crew and troop - others took much less time

Cheers

 

t

 

T

 

Just to confirm that my Dad's service records back up what Tom states. Much of this information is contained in an accessible form in George Forty's "British Army Handbook 1939 - 1945" which I'd recommend as a primer to anyone starting any sort of family research relating to the British Army.

My Father was enlisted in the General Service Corps (18 PTC) with number 1453**** on 18/2/43. The next entry dated 3/3/43 confirms a transfer to 3 Signals Training Centre with effect from 1/4/1943. He went on to join 11 Air Formation Signals on 23/6/1943.

As Tom says, the army had realised that it was often not utilising men to the best advantage of the service and although there was some choice, most ended up where they were sent. With very few exceptions, most did the job they were given to the best of their abilities. It could perhaps be said that they all learned some basic skills in the army - How to drink, smoke, lose money at cards and spin a good yarn.

Dad's basic training at Chesterfield was with the Sherwood Forresters and his draft was sent to Italy. He met his old Sergeant-Major by chance after the war and learned that most of those he joined up with now lie at Anzio. There was a lot of chance and luck involved.

My maternal Grandfather was at Anzio, as an 'elderly' RSM (He was 38). It was a bloody horrible place to be. There is no doubt that men from various units were transferred in and out but none of them were at that point, regardless of where they had served or might in the future, under command of 8th Army.

...All D-Day Dodgers though....

 

Teresa
of course a Tank wireless operator was inside the Tank and a busy lad he was as well

being deputy Tank Commander when the Commander was killed - responsible for all communications with the rest of the Crew - Troop - Squadron and Regiment - ensuring that there was enough ammunition for the day's fighting -loading the main gun and machine gun as well as the smoke bomb thrower and at the end of the day to assist the Driver to maintain the 40 Ton Churchill Tank - stock the fuel and ammunition - do a two hour guard - eat and possibly sleep......

The Enoch Powell tale was NOT funny but indicative of what went before Alanbrooke took over as head of the Army - Enoch TAUGHT Latin and Greek at Cambridge....but the Army employed him to peel potatoes -then became one of the Intelligence Team for Monty at El Alamein
Cheers

 

T

 

D

 

r

 

R

 

Rich just to explain that even further because my dad was in the 8th army as an outsider and not knowing all history of the army i thought they he was in it all through the war and because it was being questioned like that it really did bring up my defensive streak, its not something my dad put in my head he just told me he was in north africa 8th army with Montgomery who i know he absolutely had tremendous respect for always talking about Monty would not have done that or this he really really liked him

Teresa

Move on please, stop going on about it.
No apology I see yet to Tom

Lesley

 

Lesley

I acutally had moved on and tom and i having interesting talks. Rich bought the subject up again and i really dont understand you keep coming into it.

 

Teresa

We are NOT having interesting talks as I, merely out of politeness, answered your question about Tank crew wireless operators - Lesley has every right to interject as she is a long standing member of this forum....

 

And i listened out of politeness as you and lesley dont have that ability i am leaving this site i tried but i cant deal with that level of arrogance.

 

Teresa
If you remember I was the first member to welcome you to the forum and offer advice.
I have every right to post my opinions but in a polite way, unlike you.
The best thing for me is to stop posting on this thread and having these stupid tit for tat conversations, and it is time to concentrate on more important threads.
Please-why cannot you just swallow your pride and apologise to Tom.

Goodbye

Lesley

 

Quite the wanker, eh?

Or is it Wankette? Wankerette?

 

Quite the wanker, eh?

Or is it Wankette? Wankerette?

Agreed.

It could be much worse. You could be married to her. That's a terrifying thought.

 

i am leaving this site

You keep saying that, then keep coming back. Just leave already. Goodbye!!

If you want to try another forum, I suggest you might learn about paragraphs and punctuation. Most people wouldn't even bother trying to read your posts.

Good luck in finding what you seek.

 

Canuck

even more terrifying is the fact that she has admitted to having a daughter

Cheers

 

Dear All


Could we now draw a line under this thread.


I think we have to accept it has gone wrong for a number of reasons and time to close communication.


thank you

regards

Clive