Grave Memorial, Service & circumstances of death: Frederick Henry COYLE 45 Recce Corps, R.A.C.

Discussion in 'Recce' started by George Dorman, Feb 3, 2019.

  1. George Dorman

    George Dorman Member

    As a new member I'm very unsure how this works so please forgive me if I am in the wrong place, I am trying to find a memorial photograph of my late uncle's grave. I understand he is buried in Madras War Cemetery, India. He is Lance Corporal FREDERICK HENRY COYLE 45th Regiment RAC and died 4 August 1944.
    I would be grateful for guidance in finding out how he died and the role he played in WW2. Thank you.
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    One of our Recce experts will be along shortly to assist

    firstly apply for his service records

    Get a copy of military service records

    Lance Corporal COYLE, FREDERICK HENRY

    Service Number 6978916

    Died 04/08/1944

    Aged 26

    45th Regt.
    Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.

    Son of John and Mary Coyle, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.


    INSCRIPTION
    BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD" REVELATION XIV.13
    Casualty
     
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  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hi
    Try contacting forum member Bucklt via his website for a headstone photo:
    Contact - asia war graves

    You can apply for copy service records via this link:
    Request records of deceased service personnel


    Good luck with your research.

    Casualty
    Lance Corporal COYLE, FREDERICK HENRY
    Service Number 6978916
    Died 04/08/1944
    Aged 26
    45th Regt. Reconnaissance Corps, R.A.C.
    Son of John and Mary Coyle, of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
    INSCRIPTION: BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD" REVELATION XIV.13
    Buried at MADRAS WAR CEMETERY, CHENNAI
    Location: India
    Cemetery/memorial reference: 1. J. 13.
     
  4. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Possibly died of illness?
    GBM_WO417_080_0090coyle.jpg

    Kyle
     
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  5. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    From Ancestry family trees

    Frederick Henry Coyle
    1917–1944
    BIRTH 20 AUG 1917 • Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland
    DEATH 04 AUG 1944 • Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
    [​IMG]

    TD
     
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  6. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

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  7. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Coyle F H.jpg

    Cheers
    Paul
     
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  8. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Highly likely to have been a Chindit on Operation Thursday. 45 Recce were with 16th Brigade commanded by Brigadier Bernard Fergusson and had marched into Burma in February 1944 fighting as Infantry. They suffered two main actions against the Japanese, one in March and one in mid-April. It is possible that Frederick was wounded or fell ill to disease and was flown back to India, where he sadly passed away. The war diaries are on the forum as pointed out by forum memberTony56 in post no. 6 above.
     
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  9. George Dorman

    George Dorman Member

    To all who replied thank you so much. I now intend with this advice to explore the links but already I know more today than I ever knew because of this website. Many Thanks
     
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  10. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

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  11. George Dorman

    George Dorman Member

    Is this an actual photo of Fred or is it a generic soldier photo? I have never seen a photo of my late uncle.
     
  12. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    The picture is used on at least 2 x family trees created by 'relatives' on Ancestry, I would assume it is a picture of him, although I cannot personally guarantee that.

    Perhaps if you join Ancestry and then contact them through its internal messaging system ..................................

    TD

    The general details for him are:

    Frederick Henry Coyle
    Birth: 20 Aug 1917 - Belfast, Antrim, Northern Ireland
    Death: 04 Aug 1944 (4 Aug 1944) - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
    F: John Coyle
    M: Mary (Minnie) Magill

    One of the peole who have a created one of the trees uses the surname Magill, so I assume them to be a relative of Fredericks mother

    [​IMG]
    This is a photo on the profile of Fredricks father John from the same tree - I don not know which one is John, I would assume the one sitting is - I post this as source evidence to the authenticity of the other photo as you may recognise this one
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
  13. George Dorman

    George Dorman Member

    TD. This is wonderful. You are right that is my grandfather and Fred. I’m so indebted to you. Many thanks. George
     
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  14. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    As a point of interest his service number indicates that he enlisted with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. His service records will show when he transferred.

    He died in a flying accident:
    Coyle burial.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
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  15. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    In the same burial register are the following:

    Geoffrey Stephen Cumberland: RAFVR 1623541
    Sgt/ 146 Sqdn RAF Yelahanka
    Cause of death: Flying accident, multiple burns
    Died: 10.8.1944
    Buried: 11.8.44
    Casualty

    Keith Jack Knodler: RAAF 420211
    Temp/WO RAAF
    30 Sqdn RAF
    Cause of death: Flying accident
    Died: 15.8.1944
    Buried: 16.8.1944
    Casualty

    Obviously not saying it was the same accident - but perhaps highly likely. Edit: No - see #16 below.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
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  16. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    As a point of interest the cap badge looks to me neither Reconnaissance Corps nor Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers?
    Coyle badge.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
  17. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  18. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Last edited: Feb 4, 2019
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  19. alieneyes

    alieneyes Senior Member

    It seems that W/O Knodler, having read of a USAAF airman reaching 700 mph in a Thunderbolt, was attempting to beat the "record"

    View digital copy
     

    Attached Files:

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  20. George Dorman

    George Dorman Member

    I can't believe the information I am receiving. I need now to get cracking on further research. my mother passed away 18 months ago and knew nothing of what I now know happened to her brother. She would have been 17 when he died. If only I had been on the ball while she was alive.
    Thanks to all.
    George
     

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