For some time now, I have been trawling through my father's war records. I'm sure he wouldn't approve as he never spoke about the war and, when asked, would often say that "it was a long time ago etc etc …" Drew has very kindly agreed to dig out some papers for me but I have traced my Father's beginnings as a traveling Sales Rep up until 1939, when he signed on to the East Surrey Regiment. From there he went was shipped into France as part of the B.E.F. and on June 1st 1940, he 'Disembarked France'. On the same day the was appointed U/L/C. Back in the U.K. he was stationed in a variety of places such as Haltwistle, Swafham, Burnham, Bedford, Henley and Filton (at least that's what I can make out from the scrawl on his service record). On September 5th 1941, he was appointed L/Sgt, then onwards to A/QMS, Col SGT and W/SGT. The last appointment was made on 13th February 1945. On the same date he was transferred to the AAC and the Glider Pilot Regiment. He was transferred from 21 E.F.T.S. on April 11th 1945 to No 18 E.F.T.S. (Course No A66a). The course lasted until May 2nd 1945. He was then posted onwards to No 3 G.T.S. He joined Course No 66A on May 2nd 1945, finished on May 23rd 1945 and was posted to (1 Wing G.P.R.) L Sqdn, Fairford. The day before he had been awarded the Army Flying Badge. This is where one set of papers runs out and another takes over; On May 31st 1945 he was posted to D Sqdn and on 20th ? 1945 to C Sqdn. The next records says "SOS on Posting to C Sqdn 2 Wing." This leads me to believes that C Sqdn 2 Wing were 'Struck of Strength' (S.O.S.) and needed replacements. I have no record of his training between 13th February 1945 and April 11th 1945 (Tilshead maybe?). I understand that he was internally posted from one E.F.T.S. course to another. If anyone knows of any links or media which might give me some more insight, I would be most grateful. I have already digested www.gliderpilotregiment.org.uk and read Claude Smith's 'History of the Glider Pilot Regiment'. I would be eternally grateful … bongosaloon
