My father Edward Donnelly (1920-2006) enlisted with the Royal Engineers (as a volunteer as he was from Belfast, so no conscription) on 15th March 1943 ... he was at Fullwood Barracks (Preston) in April 1943 with 2b platoon, 4PTC, C Company ... and was demobbed at York on 12th April 1947. I know from old photos that he was in Algiers in May/June 1944; Greece from Nov 1944 to early 1946; Austria May/June 1946; Italy (Bologna 1946 ... "19th Coy RE ... Venice Jan1947, and Lonigo Jan/Feb 1947). Otehr han that, I know very little and don't really know where to start researching ... if anyone can help me put all this into context, I'd be very grateful!
DR Dan your best plan is to contact Glasgow for his Service record - someone will be up with the address soon as he served in what was 1st Army in Algiers then 8th army until Greece then Austrian Occupation etc… Cheers
Dan, here's how to get a copy of his service record. https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records Once you know exact units and dates then you can explore histories, war diaries, etc. Lee
Hi Dr. Dan. As everyone has already said, you really should get his service records. However....... According to document at http://www.orbat.com/site/uk_orbats/files/6/RE%20World%20War%20II.pdf the only RE unit in Preston was No. 4 Training Battalion RE (Formed Sep 1939 at Colchester. Moved to Yorkshire 1940 and Preston 1942. Disbanded 1943.) The only major formation that I can find that has been to both Greece and Austria is 46th Infantry Div. The only RE unit, post war, stationed in Bologna and Lonigo, I can find numbered "19" is 19 Squadron RE, have a look at http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk/royal-engineers/squadrons/19-squadron.html Once you have his service records, let me know which unit he was with in Greece and I may be able to help you some more. Gus
My husband and I have been trying to find information regarding my father in law, we have his number and that he was in the 21st field sqn M.E.F. He was badly injured, lost his legs in 1943.in N.Africa. We have the telegrams with his number on it but according to records it doesnt show up. We are at a loss what to do next, my husband would love to know more were do we start. Help
Hi Yvonne? You could probably do with applying for a copy of his service records too from the MoD first. The MoD charge £30 for a copy and they will list his units and when he was with them amongst other things. Link below: http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html Cheers Andy
