Correct surname spelling. McCartan. I have his Service Records - seems he had a cushy job as clerk of quartermaster's stores. He was at Anzio, but I'm presuming he didn't fight. He died of a heart attack back in 1982 aged 77. He used to take me down to Morecambe when I was small and I'd sit and watch him play the slot machines. He also used to spend a fair amount of time at the Broadway Hotel in Morecambe. Having read the 1st Battalion war diaries, was interesting to read about the exercises that took place in Lancashire, especially the Redwell Inn which I know very well, and perhaps that resulted in him living in the area after the war. He worked at the (Queen Victoria?) hospital in Morecambe after the war, started off as a porter, finished as a hospital director. He was a very quiet man and didn't speak much at all about his time in the Irish Guards, ( Survivors guilt perhaps? ) although he did say a couple of things about guard duty at Buck Pal which were quiet amusing if I remember correctly. So, I guess my question is, despite his 'cushy' job, would he have engaged with the enemy at all? Or, not at all. I've tried uploading the service records, but they need compressing. Cheers in advance!
Hi, Past forum experience suggests to me that it’s always best to have sight of the original service papers before passing an opinion Other than saying if he was in the Anzio beachhead it was not a “cushy number” - whatever his role in the Battalion. Steve
No, I get that. I'll try and upload a bit at a time. Sorry nightmare doing this on mobile. Think that's it
Hi, Thanks for posting service record. X list explanation here X lists (Service Records) I’ll look at service record in the morning. Steve
Ah, so withdrawn on medical grounds? I'll check date against war diaries to better understand this I guess. Thanks again
Hi, I see his B103 record shows a period in hospital in Tunisia in the early summer of 1943. As the North Africa campaign was over at that time it was likely an illness. You may be able to find the location of the hospital via this site - Hospitals WW2 - Scarlet Finders Looking at his service record I see he was cross posted for a short period from 1st to 2nd IG in April 1940 so he may not have gone to Norway with 1st IG. Are you assuming he was engaged on QM duties at Anzio on the sole basis of his pre release testimonial in Oct 1945? From my very limited knowledge of a Battalion organisation - forum member minden1759 is ex military and may have a better insight especially as he has an interest in Anzio - if he was engaged on QM duties at Anzio he would be part of B Echelon - situated slightly to the rear of the “fighting troops” (within range of German artillery) but engaged in the organisation and delivery of supplies - food, ammo etc - to the front line troops on a daily basis. It would not be a “cushy number”. I have seen accounts of B Echelon troops being heavily shelled when making “supply runs” to the front line and being unable to withdraw safely to the rear due to heavy shelling of the front line troops. Steve
Makes sense about Norway. There was always some mention about him being at Casino though not sure how much truth there is in that, or just interpretation from other family members due to his silence on the whole matter. I only referenced the position being a cushy number in peace time / outside Theatre of operations. I'm under no illusion that any 1IG's time at Anzio was in any way cushy. He died when I was 11, and I spent a lot of time with him as fortunately we lived only 2 minutes away, and when he passed I apparently changed for the worse and was no longer the happy go lucky chap I was before that. When I was 5 years old whilst playing on the playing fields on the estate we lived on, I was hit in the face from the back swing of someone playing golf (stood to close). This resulted in me having a huge hole in my cheek. My grandad ran out from his house, whipped out his handkerchief from his top pocket and shoved it in the hole in my cheek, whisked me off to hospital where I got it stitched up. He was with me throughout that. I guess what I'm trying to convey is to say thanks for providing me some clarity on his role in the 1IG. It's much appreciated.
Hi, 1st IG weren’t at any of the Monte Cassino battles Jan/June 1944. The attached online booklet link will give you an insight into it. https://assets.publishing.service.g.../attachment_data/file/30053/ww2_montecass.pdf Steve
