Hi Drew Have found this photo with the pencilled inscription, nieuwenrode 13th to 24th o? April 1940, I know Nieuwenrode is in Belgian (wiki'd), but not a lot about what they were actually doing, can you shed any light please. will also pm you (just i case I havent done this right), still awaiting Dads records, received a receipt and approximation of Oct '12, before I can expect records. Thanks
The BEF never went into Belgium until the 10th May - I've seen lots of reports by Veterans during the war that give the month as April so nothing overly unusual about that. However, the cap badge looks like a Recce badge which makes the year wrong if it is, the Recce Regts never existed until after Dunkirk.
Thanks Drew, I was under the impression that Recce hadnt formed until after Dunkirk, thru various posts also. I noticed on reverse it also said souvenier for (Mac), when you take into consideration getting photos processed wasnt a 24hr task, probably more like a week, and more probably not until they returned to UK, I dont doubt that dates are not consistent with events. Thanks again Drew
Hello Ozzie, The 53rd Recce claims to have formed on the 1 January 1941 from the 53rd Divison's brigade anti-tank companies and first used the shoulder flash 'Reconnaisance Corps' from July 1942 - this should help you date some of the photographs. The photograph at message #43 looks like a Humber MkIII or IV Armoured Car and it has Jerryicans or their UK/US equivalent, attached - this probably dates the photograph to later WWII. The British used flimsies for carrying fuel in the early war years, but these were poor containers - the seams split easily - and were replaced when possible; 'beg, steal or borrowed' perhaps. Have you ever viewed this link?: 53rd Recce Regiment - 53rd Welsh Do you recognise anyone in the photographs section? Best, Steve.
The vehicle in the photo on message #43 appears to be an International Halftrack (either M5 or M9). These were supplied to the British by the US, probably from 1943 onwards. Judging from their attire, I would say that this photo was almost certainly taken in North-west Europe 1944 -45. It might be worth checking the war diary for April 1945. Regards, Les.