Find Out Which Regiment My Grandfather was In.

Sorry it is the same letter as I struggle to get my crappy phone to take one clear image

 

This one is of Dad with Edward (Ted) Ralphs in Rome. Ted was from London. During the war groups of men were allowed to go to Rome where they were received (en mass) by the Pope. Dad and Ted Ralphs did just that. The Pope went along the line and asked whether they were 'of the faith'. Ted Ralphs was a Catholic but Dad was C of E. He asked where Dad was from and he said 'Langley Park' to which the Pope replied 'Yes, we have a seminary near there (Ushaw College). Dad was amazed. Each received a blessing and kissed the Pope's ring (No crude jokes please!). Dad and Ted were really keen to get back to Rome and decided that when they went back to the Regiment they should tell everyone how awful it was in the hope that there would be fewer volunteers. PS: I should perhaps add that Dad was always known as Jack.

 

Steve. Have you thought of applying to the Army Personnel Centre, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX
0845 600 9663 for a copy of your Grandad's service record? It's quite a slow process, but it will give you quite a lot of info. Here's a link Get in touch | The British Army (mod.uk)

 

Kevin. Here's one for you from the 145RAC War Diary.

 

Steve. On 5 March 1943, HM The King inspected 145RAC at Langholm prior to their embarkation on 16 March. They left King George V dock in Glasgow on the 16th and arrived in Algiers on 23 March. On 24 March they moved to Bougi, and then on 25 March they finally arrived in Bone. The ship they sailed on was the SS Ormonde .
When moving to Italy, they boarded the SS Christian Huygens on 30 April 1944 and departed 1 May, arriving in Naples on 3 May. The regiment then moved to a transit camp at Casoria. Photos of both ships are attached.

 

Steve. Here is a photo of 'C' Squadron 145 RAC taken in March 1943 by a professional photographer, H Wilmot of Carlisle. It (the original) appeared for sale on ebay some years ago and I snapped it up. You will notice that one of the officers in the front row is holding a model elephant. This reflects the fact that they were also known as the 'Hindustans'. If you look at the backcloth in the photo posted of a reunion in Newcastle, you will see elephants on there.

 

Steve. And here is a photo (with names) of some of the Sgts of 145RAC. I don't know who 'Jock' is - presumably a scotsman.

 

I can see him on there, thank you.

 

I wish I had asked him his tank's name