I have in my collection a 'Regular Army Certificate of Service' relating to a soldier of the South Wales Borderers. In the service section it states that he was with the 'Field Force France' from 10th Apr 1940 to 11th Jun 1940. A total of 63 days. As far as I'm aware the Regiment was not there as a Unit so why was he there? Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks Conor
Just a thought only Conor - Could the reference to France be a mistake i.e. maybe it should refer to Rupertforce in Norway? The dates seem to tally with embarkation and return of 24 Gds Bde.
Hi Conor, I'm researching my uncle at the moment who was with SWB. From what I've found they did not land in France until D Day plus one. Although I'm still researching. David
Perfectly feasible for him to have gone to France in April. Quite a few units went to France in this month to return in May and June when it all went wrong. Without checking properly on a divisional scale 12, 23, 42 and 44 Division's went to France in April. Many of the units had men attached from other units to make up their ORBAT for war. I suspect although I've not seen proof many volunteered or were posted to these units before they deployed. I have seen men from Infantry units attached to RE units that appear to be short of drivers for example as well as infantry men from one regiment in another. Does the record just say SWB or is there anything else against his name? A picture of the page would be good
It could well be on attachment or a clerical error. A number of Officers were attached from Home Defence Divisions to the BEF.
Hi, As the entries were made in 1960 at the end of his service IMHO I would go with a clerical error stating service in France rather than Norway. Steve Y
Looks like it could be a clerical error as 3/6/44 to 29/12/45 is shown as BAOR , I think this should read BLA.
Its his 'Regular Army Certificate of Service' Drew, or Red Book as its often known. He passed away in 2000 so I'm not in the position to apply for service records as I'm not a relative. I think that its possibly an error as others have suggested. Later in the book it states he was awarded his 2nd Class Certificate of Education whilst with the 2nd Battalion in 1939. Would seem likely he was still with them in 1940 when they went to Norway. Thanks everyone for your input. Regards Conor
Just for ref, You can still apply, you just don't get the medical stuff etc. You should still get the units, promotions, courses, overseas etc and the dates that go with them.
