Hi all, Thank you for letting me join your forum My name is Steve and I am doing some research on my Grandfather who fought in World War II with the BEF in 1940 and in Italy in 1944 Regards, Steve
Welcome aboard Steve. Good luck going forward, there are members here who have a good knowledge of both areas you mention.
Steve. 2 N STAFFS were at Anzio and got really badly battered on the terrible night of 7-8 Feb 44. Do you know if he was in that fight or did he arrive after it as a battlefield replacement? There is a memorial to 2 N STAFFS at Anzio. Regards Frank
2nd North Staffs were part of 2nd Infantry Brigade part of British 1st Infantry Division. The Division consisted of three Infantry Brigades each supported by an Artillery Regiment. 2NS fought in the BEF in France in 1940. Following evacuation they trained in East Anglia. 2nd North Staffs were supported 67th Field Regt. From its formation in 1941/42 446 Battery supported 2NS. 2IB consisted of the 1st Loyals,2nd North Staffs and 6th Gordons In March 1943 They went to North Africa fighting in Tunisia around Medjez el Bab followed by Italy in January 1944 where they took part in the Anzio Battles. After which they went to Rome, then Florence where 2IB formed the Garrison until advancing North up the Arrow Route to the Gothic Line from whence they were posted to Palestine, Regarding Florence, the first people to swim across cross the River Arno was a Sergeant Pioneer of 2NS and an officer from 238 Field Engineer Company the Officer got the MC and the Sergeant the MM (if my memory is correct). There are a few people on here who can help you. I will watch your progress with interest.
Hi all, Thank you for your reply's and your interest His name was Horace Bates and he was a W.O II (C.S.M) and was captured on the 8/2/44, he ended up a prisoner of war in Stalag XIB Fallingbostel until may 1945. I do not know what company he was attached to with the North Staffs Steve
So he was captured at Anzio when the Germans tried to eliminate the Beach head. The British 1st Division had advanced to form a salient with the enemy on three sides. The Germans virtually cut them off. There are a few tour guides on here who will no doubt be in touch having studied this in detail. A good book is Desperate Valour Triumph at Anzio by Flint Whitlock it details individual American and British actions often with names. I will have a quick look in case your CSM relative is in there. Someone might have their War Diary being a CSM he might appear in it although it is difficult to find names of those other than Officers who appear by name in the monthly returns. There are also specialists in POW's who might help you. Good luck!
No British names in the book Desperate Valour regarding 2NS although the actions they fought are mentioned. I am sure you will get more details from other members about 2 NS but personal names are unlikely. The POW researchers might be able to come up with names on POW lists or advise you where to go to find them. Whatever you do dont give up, you will be surprised what can turn up over time.
Hi Steve, I have the 2 North Staffs War Diaries for this period. Contact me and I'll sort something out. He is on the missing list but only men from D Company are directly identified by company affiliation - and he isn't on that. I have a close interest in the battalion - my family are from Whittington the village just down the road from the barracks and where the Regimental Museum still is I was there just last week. Regards, Gary.
Uncle Target, Yes that is where he was captured. Thank you for taking the time to look him up for me in that book ,I'll keep my eyes peeled for a copy. The only books I have on the subject are Anzio 1944 (Osprey) , Anzio (Lloyd Clark) and Anzio (Battleground Europe) Regards Steve
Thanks Gary, Really appreciate that, I have not been up to the Regimental Museum for a few years now and I've only been a couple of times I think the last time was for an Anzio exhibition and reunion but I can not remember when that was. I keep meaning to take a trip up there again which I must do as I only live in Brum which is not a million miles from there. When I was at the reunion I had some correspondence off one of the veterans that served with my Grandfather who remembered him. i I remember many years ago my Grandmother showing me a photo of my Grandfather which I think was taken at Whittington barracks with his company or regiment and I want a trip there to see if they have a copy they can do for me. I did not get the chance to meet my Grandfather as he died in 1946 no doubt due to being a pow Regards Steve
Welcome Steve. My other half's grandfather was killed in the action where your grandfather was taken prisoner (he was in the carrier platoon, though). I've received lots of generous and expert help from Forum members on the subject, and I'm sure you will, too. Cheers, Pat