Hi,, Wonder whether you can help. I am looking for information regarding my grandfather; William Alfred Willoughby, who was a Corporal in the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment. Service no. 4923564. It had always been an intention of mine to visit his grave at Tilly - Sur - Seilles Cemetry, which we dis last week. My grandad was killed on Sunday 30th July in 1944. My mother (who also visited) and deceased grandmother were given no detail of the circumstances of his death or where he died. Prior to visiting, I tried for many hours to get information regarding what he might have been involved with at the time of his death and where he might have died. I purchased a book "Three Assault Landings" by Lt-Col AEC Bredin, D.S.O, M.C.which indicates he was probably killed during the break out around La Croix Des Landes or Les Landes, but as I don't have which company he was in, I can assume any further than this. I wondered if anyone out there would have any further information that would help please. During my visit I experienced a great sense of pride as well sorrow and will certainly be returning in the not to distant future. Any help would be gratefully received. Russ Townsend
Hi Russ Welcome to the forum If you have not already, you need to obtain his service records, as these are the crucial first step in understanding his 'official' military life, and can be obtained from - https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#how-to-apply-for-service-personnel-records TD edited to add: For reference: WILLOUGHBY, WILLIAM ALFRED Rank:Corporal Service No:4923564 Date of Death:30/07/1944 Age:31Regiment/Serviceorsetshire Regiment 1st Bn. Grave Reference: II. H. 13. Cemetery:TILLY-SUR-SEULLES WAR CEMETERY Additional Information:Son of Alfred and Elizabeth Willoughby, of Minworth, Warwickshire; husband of Edith Lucy Willoughby, of Minworth.
Hello and welcome to the forum Russ Your best best would be to obtain the war diaries for his unit. They will tell you what was happening on the day your Grandfather was killed. They are available at the National Archives in Kew. If you cannot get there in person, there are a couple of members who can copy them for a very reasonable price; many members have used them. I am sure they will be along shortly to assist. Lesley
To start you off there another thread on here for the Battalion in June 1944 here - http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/29604-war-diary-1st-battalion-the-dorsetshire-regt-june-1944/ if you scroll down to Drew5233 he is one of the members who goes to Kew often and copies diaries etc for other members. TD
Hi Lesley No I didn't forget about Lee, it was just that Drew has commented on that thread, so I thought it would be easier for the new member until their feet are under the table and learns who is who etc, TD
Hi all, Many thanks for your immediate responses, most appreciated. I have printed the forms sent by Tricky Dicky to obtain his militiary history and viewed the copies of the Battalion Diaries provided. I also intend contacting Drew to obtain copies of the Batalion war Diaries around the date he was killed. Once again, many thanks to all. Russ
Hi trying to find the war diaries for the 1st Dorsets to see if I could find more info on how my sister in law's uncle was killed. Clicked on link above,( from Tricky Dicky) but could not get to Drew 5233. The relative in question is Cornelius Wall killed 20th June 1944 and buried in Hottot-le Bagues war cemetery near Tilly sur Seulles
Drew's ID is here: http://ww2talk.com/index.php?members/drew5233.6786/ Click: Information, scroll down, click: 'Start a Conversation'. He may be tied up for a day or two, but he's sure to respond to a private message.