4th RTR, 45th RTR, and 4 BOW RAOC - Egypt 1942 (March - December)

Discussion in 'North Africa & the Med' started by Darren Wild, Jun 30, 2019.

  1. Darren Wild

    Darren Wild New Member

    Hi all,

    I've recently found a notebook that my Grandfather had from WW2. I'm trying to understand the entries and which regiments, battles and locations he would have been involved with. Some of the information is clear and I guess some searches via Google will help me get some context.

    Would anyone have some pointers for things I should focus on? In isolation the entries lack richness. I'm new to the research and so any help would be welcomed.

    For example, what does 'BOW' mean, on the line where is is posted to 4 BOW RAOC. I presume that's the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

    On Nov 1st the entry says "Recalled RAC" and I'm not sure what comes after that, it looks like "Base Depot"?

    upload_2019-6-30_19-3-3.png
     
  2. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Hi Darren,

    BOW = Base Ordnance Workshops.

    Tom
     
  3. Darren Wild

    Darren Wild New Member

    Thanks Tom,

    I presume a place where they make and repair ordnance? It looks like my Grandfather was a Fitter, so that would make sense.

    Regards

    Darren
     
  4. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Strathmore (23,428 tons) departed Clyde 11 January 1942, Convoy WS 15 to Freetown, arrived 25 January 1942 , departed 29 January to Durban arriving 17 February 1942. 3,573 troops.
    P&O SS Strathmore

    Otranto (20,026 tons) departed Durban 17 February 1942 convoy WS 15A to Aden arrived 1 March 1942 then to Suez arriving 5 March.

    If 328325 is his service number it indicates that he enlisted with the Lancers

    For full details of his service I would send off for his service records, only real place to start.
    Get a copy of military service records
     
  5. Darren Wild

    Darren Wild New Member

    Thanks Tony,

    I've just been looking at the journeys of those two ships, very interesting and thanks for confirming what I've been looking through. It's a bit confusing at first, and your notes have helped a lot. Also, thanks for the pointer on the service number. I've filled in the forms today for his Service Record, just need to get a copy of his death certificate and then I can send it off.

    Coincidentally, my father, Franks son is called Tony.

    Thanks very much.

    Darren
     

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