Help finding out about my great uncle, Dorset regiment ww2

Hi all,
I replied to the ww2 twitter feed the other day and he told me to give this ago, so here goes -
I am trying to find out information about my great uncle Tom Streeting.
I would like to know if anyone has any more info on what I already know. So far from family I have been able to find out he landed on Gold beach on D-day with the 1st Dorsets and ended the war with the 4th Dorsets, between june 44 and may 45 I am told he took part in the Normandy campaign, Arnhem and some part in the Bulge before finally crossing the Rhine into Germany.
His army number was 14630960
If anyone has/knows anymore about him I would be very grateful.
I would love to be able to place him at these battles.

Thanks in advance.


Matt

 

Hi Matt

There's some unit war diaries at the National Archives you could consider checking. I've listed them below. The first two maybe quite thick hence why the 12 month period is split into two. The last two I already have so drop me a PM if you are interested in obtaining any of them. I suspect the second 1 Dorset file will be of no use to you looking at the dates you've posted.

WO 171/1284 1 Dorsetshire Regiment 1944 Jan.- July
WO 171/1285 1 Dorsetshire Regiment 1944 Aug.- Dec.

WO 171/1286 4 Dorsetshire Regiment 1944 Jan.- Dec.
WO 171/5174 4 Dorsetshire Regiment 1945 Jan.- Nov.

Cheers
Andy

 

Not yet no I haven't, I was able to get a bit more info from his family since that post (knowing the battles he was in) and was able to purchase a few books to read. If I could afford to spend the average cost of records then I would but currently things don't allow this. The last thing I would want to do was ask for some then not be able to pay.

 

I have looked at the MoD site about getting records but as not a next of kin I am not really sure what info I need to ask for or would get back.
Would I be able to get service records from just being able to supply his name and army number.

 

No it was within the last 10 years, gutted I never realised about his war until he had died.

 

That looks like the only way I feel. I don't have much contact with them but I may be seeing them in July for a family party. Would I not get far applying for his records with what I know now.

 

Thanks that's what I thought.

 

You need the NoK approval to get the important bit - The Units and when he was with them.

 

Hello Matt,

From the information in your first message, your Great Uncle if serving with the 1st Bn Dorsetshire Regiment would have landed in the first wave on Gold Beach on D-Day.

With complete geographical abandon, the 1st Dorsets were brigaded with the 1st Bn Hampshire Regiment and 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment, in the 231st Infantry Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division.

The 50 Div was the most exerienced and battle hardened British Infantry Division and by 30 November 1944 a lot of its 'old hands' were due to be returned to the UK under the Army 'PYTHON', 'LILOP' and 'LIAP' schemes; link:

http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/24746-python-lilop-leave/

-and given that most Infantry Divisions were short of troops, although the old hands of 50 Div were sent home to form a training cadre (this included the 1st Dorsets), those with shorter service were transferred to other Divisions. If I were a betting man I would bet that your Great Uncle was transferred from 1st to the 4th Dorsets (of 130th Infantry Brigade, 43rd Wessex Division) on or around the 1 December 1944.

To be certain though, you should if possible get hold of his FULL service records; as suggested by Owen and Andy.

Best,

Steve.

 

Cheers Steve,
from what I understand he would have been one of those with shorter service as he had only been with them from 44, Before that he was with the Wilts but had an illness and while recovering they were sent to Italy so he was transferred to the Dorsets.
I have messaged Andy and am waiting on a reply about getting a copy the 4th Dorsets files.
Hopefully I will be able to get enough info that when I see his family later this year I will be able to ask for their help with his records.

 

Hello Matt,

Given his service number, it is unlikely that he would have seen active service before the second half of 1943; earliest. So, D-Day with the 1st Dorsets fits.

There is a battalion history that you may find interesting; 'Three Assualt Landings - The Story of the 1st Bn The Dorsetshire Regiment in Sicily, Italy and NW Europe' (Lt-Col. Bredin). It is a good read...

Best,

Steve.

 

Thanks Steve,
I have got the Three Assault Landings and also From Normandy to the Weser about the 4th (plan to read them in holiday this year)
I have messaged Andy and asked for the 4th records.
Now I am building up the info on him hoping that it will help persuade them to get involved.

 

PM send

 

Evening Matt,

The 50 Div is my interest, family service in two world wars being the catalyst, so I only have a very general appreciation of the 43rd (Wessex) Division's war.

I hope you enjoy your reading during your holiday, but make notes/bookmark those things you don't understand or want to remember and follow them up; on this forum if it suits. Nobody will talk down to you, only help. With three assualt landings, its well written and in, what I feel, is an empathetic/charismatic way. My advice; take it nice and slow, really understand the detail, study the maps and file your understanding somewhere in the grey matter (that's my main disadvantage) - it will pay dividends. Enjoy the voyage of discovery.

Hope to see you on this forum going forward...

Best,

Steve.