NW Europe - 608th Infantry Regiment, Royal Artillery

Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by Medwyn Edwards, Mar 20, 2019.

  1. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    6th Bn. The Welch Regiment (67th Searchlight Regiment) It was re-designated as the 67th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery in August 1940 and served with Home Forces until November 1944, when it converted to become the 68th Garrison Regiment. It became the 608th Infantry Regiment, Royal Artillery in February 1945, and served in North West Europe.
    Could anybody tell me where in NW Europe the 608th was based ?
     
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  2. Swiper

    Swiper Resident Sospan

    According to Lomax's history, 608 had Welch added back as its title upon conversion in 1944 and was sent to assist the 1st Czech Independent Armoured Brigade from winter through spring, before serving as part of BAOR from May to November 1945.

    So siege of Dunkirk.
     
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  3. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Thanks swiper , I think I'm getting a clearer picture now on things , he was with the 67th RA , when he was sent to NW Europe early dec 1944 , it looks like he was still with them till 17th february 1945 ,he was then transferred to the 608th , then I think I've got it right he was transferred to 21army group on 20th may 1945
    If I've got it right that is !
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2019
  4. Swiper

    Swiper Resident Sospan

    Oddly enough this is *yet another* Welsh unit that sees active service in NWE.

    War Diaries should clear this up.
     
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  5. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    I've asked about the war diaries .. hopefully will get to understand more then ..bit too confusing for me to be honest ..
     
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  6. CL1

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

    In 1938, this battalion was converted into an artillery role to become:- 6th Bn. The Welch Regiment (67th Searchlight Regiment) It was re-designated as the 67th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery in August 1940 and served with Home Forces until November 1944, when it converted to become the 68th Garrison Regiment. It became the 608th Infantry Regiment, Royal Artillery in February 1945, and served in North West Europe. It was reformed in 1947 as the 602nd Heavy Anti- Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, but disbanded in 1954.
    https://www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2017/12/53-Division-1930-38.pdf
     
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  7. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Does that mean 21 Army Group (underlined)
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Yes

    TD

    PS you already have details of the 608th War Diary in another thread - if thats what you are chasing after
     
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  9. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Thanks again ..
     
  10. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    I've enquired about getting the war diaries from a member on here for 608th , just waiting to hear back now
     
  11. Historic Steve

    Historic Steve Researching 21 Army Group/BAOR post VE day

    You will find the regiment here as command 306th Anti-Aircraft Infantry Brigade Royal Artillery from VE day to disbandment

    306th Infantry Brigade

    Hope my website helps and best of luck with your research
     
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  12. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Thank You.
     
  13. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Absolutely spot on swiper ,I came across this by pure chance ..what does it mean by infantry role and Garrison ?
     

    Attached Files:

  14. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    Infantry role means they “surrendered” their guns and were retrained as infantry albeit in the less specialised role of Garrison troops ie staying in a static position.

    I’d suggest that as the BLA advanced through Germany his Battalion “occupied” a liberated rural area or urban town or city. An “occupation” force would be needed to ensure the safety of both the advancing troops and the civilian population.

    Steve
     
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  15. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Thank you for the information , appreciate it
     
  16. Bazzaboy

    Bazzaboy Junior Member

    Been reading this thread gang. I am also after information. where served? insignia ?names etc.
    my wife's Grandfather was with 608 in Europe.
    he joined the Swansea Rifles in 1938. they became a searchlight regiment around cardiff .
    then became part of 608.
    i know his service number and that he was wounded and captured in April 45.
    any other info would be appreciated.
    i read about 608 diaries in an earlier thread? couldnt find it alas.
    Bazzaboy.

    Where would i locate this info Swiper?
    thanks in advance

    Did you get a reply on the war diaries? or where they are located?
    cheers.
     
  17. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Hi ,sorry I've just seen your post , I have the diaries for 67th garrison reg , and the 608 reg , was your wife's grandfather with the 67th Searchlight Regiment based South Wales ?
     
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  18. john Bowman

    john Bowman New Member

    I have just found this forum and thread and was amazed to read the information> My father was Christopher Bainbridge Bowman service number1556714. He was transferred to the 608 Rgt on the 12th. February 1945 from the 67 (The Welch). He told us that he was assigned to help the Czech and they were "Ferocious" fighters. I will now try and upload a copy of his report about war, he was Batman to Major William Piercy and an incident is recorded. He was married in 1942. the year he was involved in the Ashford air raid, possibly shooting down the leader of the raid, but not confirmed. I would be delighted to know more of the regiments history about the time my father was with them.
     

    Attached Files:

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  19. Medwyn Edwards

    Medwyn Edwards Well-Known Member

    Sounds like he was transferred to the 608 regiment from the 67th garrison regiment roughly same time as my father was ..
     
  20. john Bowman

    john Bowman New Member

    February 1945

    Yes he was based in South Wales defending Pembroke Docks. I think he mentioned Flat Orme also Devon.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 21, 2020
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