Hi all, Recently found a photo of my Uncle with the Tank Regt. but have not yet got his record through ... was just wondering if any experts on here would be able to distinguish which Tank Unit this is from the officers possibly? And a possible location? Personally think it may be Italy somewhere? He joined the Tanks in 1944 from his Artillery Attestation paperwork. 1474398 Tpr Arthur T. Dearing Thanks in Advance Dan
Excellent photograph Dan, and pending the arrival of the tankie experts on the forum I hope my tuppence worth may push things along a bit, though location wise it's likely stating the obvious! Middle East or Italy? Well, if it is indeed '44 I'd go with Italy above North Africa or The Levant. Biggest factors in solving it, beyond the spectacle wearing officers in front row, and the two? three? colour braided lanyard wearing officer, the decider maybe the two non RTR cap badge chaps on the front row. Third in from left (as you look at the photo) on front row is an Irish regiment cap badge (looks like a harp to me) and then fifth in from the right on the front row you have a French unit chap (I'm nigh on certain it's a flaming grenade to front of his cap). So, a Squadron HQ group photo maybe with liason and/or attached unit ranks within. Someone on the forum will crack it I think, and in the meantime I'll keep looking up the French tree (hopefully not barking up the wrong one!). And, given my eyesight now is nowhere near where it once was I will happily stand corrected on all. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Thanks for your reply Jim ... I know he was definitely in Africa and Italy but really think his Africa service was with the Artillery. So yes I'd go with Italy before AND I remember a few years ago seeing the very same building in a random photo on the net with an army unit posed the same ... but can I find it ... sods law the answer is no Haha. Yes know there is some really knowledgeable people on here tank related and hope they pick this up. 100% go with the Frenchman suggestion I did think the Irishman could've been a RASC badge??? Thanks for your input so far its really appreciated Dan
It’s a pity that the photos aren’t in colour as in the close up of your uncle l can see he is wearing a two coloured ‘Strap Tally’ on his epaulettes, this cancels out the 1st (they didn’t wear any), 2nd, 3rd & 4th RTR! The 5th wore red & light blue, 6th red & yellow, 7th red & green & 8th red & dark blue. If l was a betting man l’d say he was either 5th or 6th RTR!
Thanks S54, I know it's a B&W photo but I'd go with and Red/Yellow Strap Tally which would point to the 6th. As I say would love any Tank professionals to name the officers ... all I know about Uncle A is that his Tank Commander was killed and he himself was shot in the buttocks. Cheers Dan
