Service records research 2825 squadron RAF

I have recently obtained my grandfathers service records. He was a leading aircraftman serving in 2825 squadron. I have managed to decipher most of the records but am now trying to find out the movements/deployments for 2825 squadron during the war. I do know from the records that he was posted to North west Africa and the Middle East but no further details are given. From speaking to my grandad when he was still with us (he was always very reluctant to discuss his time in the war) I do know he was on the SS Strathalln troop ship traveling to North Africa when it was torpedoed. He spent most of the night in the sea before rescue.
If anyone could help with information on more details for 2825 squadron I would be very grateful. Thankyou.

 

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

If it is 2825 Squadron RAF Regiment google turns up a link to these documents at UK National Archives -

2825 Squadron RAF Regiment. Based at Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Moved to Algeria and... | The National Archives

I’ve also turned up this link -

Regiment Sqns 2700-2850

Scroll down the list to 2825 Squadron and will see more information is listed.

Steve

 

Thankyou. Will take a look.

 

Hi,

If you want to have sight of the document(s) held at Kew and are unable to attend in person you could request a look up and copy service offered by a couple of forum members - in no particular order - Drew5233 or PsyWar.Org (Lee).

Just click on the name and start a personal conversation for a price quote.

Good Luck

Steve

 

Hi again,

You might not be aware of this website dedicated to the sinking of SS Strathallan-

Welcome to the Strathallan story

Steve

 

Thanks for your help. I have just come across the Strathallan story after searching.

 

I have received some help with a photo of my grandfather as it appears he is in cpl uniform. His records do not show him being made a cpl only an LAC. It was suggested I post a copy of the photo & his records to ask for assistance in deciphering them further. Any help would be greatly appreciated as what I have researched online may not be correct!
I'm particularly interested in help with:
1) deciphering the entries on his records (particularly where it appears to say "discharged 33...." and the special qualifications section)
2) Could he have been made a cpl? Photo seems to show he was?
Thankyou in advance for your time.

 

Hi,

The third document shows he was appointed Acting Corporal 7th Feb 1946?

The second document is too blurred to read.

Steve

 

Thankyou Steve. That makes sense now..I couldn't make out what those entries said on the record.

 

Hi

History of RAF Regiment in WW2
http://forcespublishing.co.uk/pdfs/through_adversity.pdf

The RAF Regiment museum might be able to help.

'Bill ESPIE (RAF Regt Heritage CTR)' <billespie@btinternet.com>

The RAF Regiment War Diaries (actually called Operational Record Books (ORBs) are sadly not available online, unlike the aircraft squadrons. So you'll need trip to Kew or pay someone else to go instead.

Hope this helps

Gus

 

Trying to upload image once more to see if any clearer.

 

It’s a little clearer Michele...I think it says Discharged 33 General Hospital 3.1.1944.

The ever helpful Scarlet Finders sites gives the location as Coimbatore, India but that doesn’t tie in with other information that puts his unit in Italy?

Hospitals WW2 - Scarlet Finders

Steve

 

Steve
A quick online search has revealed an american 33rd general hospital whose staff moved overseas to north africa/oran. It does state they treated some british as well as other nationalities. This was quoted....
"33d General Hospital , Tunisia
Bizerte – 15 September 1943 > 10 May 1944"
Could it have been this hospital maybe?

 

Hi Michele,

That seems like a good fit - although I’m sure it was the norm for UK personnel to only go to UK/Commonwealth medical facilities there may well have been exceptions.

I thought it might’ve been 33 Convalescent Hospital/Depot (Post his discharge 72 GH) but couldn’t find one mentioned on the internet.

Steve

 

I have looked through the RAF structure for December 1944 and cannot find a RAF Regiment Squadron No 2825 listed as attached to a Bomber Command,Fighter Command or Coastal Command station.

Does the file read 2825,a number which is difficult to distinguish?

 

Harry,

This is from part of the link I posted above - does it answer your query?

Regiment Sqns 2700-2850

“For the invasion of Sicily, the squadron was allocated to HQ North African Tactical Air Forces. It moved over to Italy in December 1943, serving at Naples, Amendola, Altamura and Bari. In April 1944, the squadron was attached to the US 5th Army and deployed to man a section of the front line at Cassino. In June 1944 the squadron joined the Balkan Air Force as part of No 1321 Wing. Together with No 2932 Squadron it underwent commado training on the island of Vis in order for it to join Land Forces Adriatic, with whom it undertook a number of amphibious operations along the Yugoslav coast. It later moved to Split and in November 1944 it occupied Dubrovnik, remaining until January 1945. In February the squadron was part of the force which landed in Yugoslavia and captured the airfield at Prykos. Later still it moved to Klagenfurt and Schwechat in Austria converting to the Rifle role in March 1946 and disbanded in April. From December 1943 members of the squadron were awarded one BEM and five Mentions in Despatches.”

Steve

 

It does....thanks Steve.

Incidentally the common Ack Ack air defence gun carried by RAF Regiment squadron was the Bofor.

I 'm assuming from your reference that the RAF Regiment No 2825 Squadron was posted to Algeria following Operation Torch to cover captured airfields.

 

My grandfathers service records show that he was admitted to 71st general hospital on 4th May 1944 and was discharged on 25th June.
However family have in our possession a 7 day leave pass issued to him dated 3rd june to 9th june 1944.
Can anyone shed any light on this anomoly please?
Could the discharge date not be the actual date he was discharged?
Thankyou.

 

Hi,

Obviously don’t know details of his illness/injury but he could still have been under the care of the hospital but not requiring in patient treatment so was allowed 7 days leave as part of his convalescence?

Steve

 

Thankyou Steve, I did wonder if this could be the case. There are no details of his illness/Injury so don't know why he was admitted. This would be the logical explanation.