War Diary, 2/7 Queen's Royal Regiment, Anzio

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by dave500, Jan 15, 2011.

  1. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Jeff they did a spell in Essex in May 1942. They returned to Suffolk in June and left for Liverpool to deploy overseas in August to Iraq. Sounds like a quick marriage before going off to war again.
     
  2. jjrc1991

    jjrc1991 Junior Member

    Hi Drew,

    Thanks for that. I expected something similar - just not that quick!

    Jeff
     
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  3. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Jeff.

    Drat, I was in Coriano Ridge cemetery only this morning.

    I could have got you a photo if he is buried there.

    FdeP
     
  4. jjrc1991

    jjrc1991 Junior Member

    Not to worry. He's in Bari War Cemetery. But thanks for the thought.
     
  5. dave500

    dave500 Senior Member

    Seventy-five years ago today, 21 February 1944, the men of 2/7 Queens reached the beleaguered 2nd Battalion of the 157th Infantry Regiment, at the Caves.

    1800 - "Bn moved out to relieve 2/157.

    1930 - "'D' and 'C' Coys deployed to left and right respectively, area 851302 to secure wadi crossing at 853308.

    2030 - "Crossing secure, 'B' and 'A' Coys begin to pass through, Air raid in progress.

    2040 - "Whole load of Anti-Personnel bombs dropped on crossing. Fairly heavy casualties suffered, mainly amongst portering party who were bringing up the rear of the column, but including 'A' Coy Commander, (Lt Heald) killed and 'D' Coy Commander, (Major Domoney) wounded.

    "'D' and 'A' Coys push on and reach HQ of 2/157, situated at 857311 in caves, after overcoming some opposition. 4 PWs taken identifications: - 3 and 5 Coys 1027 PG Reinforcement Bn. 'B' Coy pass through tunnel to take up their positions in area 857303. 'A' Coy retained in HQ area for defence of the large number of caves entrances."

    War Diary, 2/7 Queen's Royal Regiment.

    The valiant soldiers of 2/7 Queens would hold the caves until the night of 23 February, when the decision was made to abandon the caves and withdraw. Only four officers and 17 enlisted men of 2/7 Queens made it back to friendly lines.


    Dave
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2019
    dbf likes this.
  6. Mark Thomas

    Mark Thomas Member

    Dear All (in particular Dave500, I think!),

    My grandfather served in the 2/7th Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment in Italy. He wrote a very short summary/story of his service before he died 8 years ago. I have have given a copy to the Surrey County Council archives, which I understand is custodian of the regiment records.

    I'd love to see a copy of the Regimental War Diary - and I see from this thread that it was shared via dropbox for a period. Is there anyone who has a copy that could help me? I'd be very happy to share the limited information that I have from my grandfather if that would be of interest.

    Thanks,

    Mark
     
  7. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    Hi Mark,

    What period are you interested in?

    Regards,
    Gary.
     
  8. Mark Thomas

    Mark Thomas Member

    From January 1945 onwards, but particularly the period 1st January 1945 - 30th March 1945.
     
  9. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    PM me.
     
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  10. Mark Thomas

    Mark Thomas Member

    Hmmm - I may have sent you a PM... but I'm not sure. I'm new and not entirely sure how to navigate a forum like this!
     
  11. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    With only 2 posts I don't think Mark can PM, I forgot what we set as the minimum post limit before a member can PM.
     
  12. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Mark.

    That is a very precise period and does not include the Apr 45 Final Offensive operations in the Argenta Gap.

    Is that deliberate?

    Regards

    Frank
     
  13. Mark Thomas

    Mark Thomas Member

    Hi Frank,

    I have my Grandfather's "service and casualty form". He is recorded as "disembarked and entered theatre of operations" on 5th January 1945. He was wounded in action on 4th March 1945. By the time he was discharged from hospital, the war had ended. He spent further time with the Regiment as a regimental cook. I'd be delighted to have as much of the diary as possible - but I gave the precise dates in case that was a rather ambitious ask.

    In January 1945, he disembarked in Ancona and appears to have caught up with the the battalion in Forli (just after the town had been taken). He was involved in exercise "slush" in February and then operation "clamber" around the "Heavy Bridge" area on the Senio on 3rd March. I assume it was this operation in which he was wounded.

    If anyone has any info, or documents, I'd be really interested.

    Thanks,

    Mark
     
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  14. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    Hi Mark,

    I assume your grandfather 1552274 Sgt. W. Thomas by any chance? Also wounded on 3rd March 1945.

    2_7_Queens_Jan_45_0023.jpg

    The 2/7 Queens WD for this period are well written, detailed and include the battalion daily orders.

    If I can get your email via PM somehow I can send them across.

    Regards,
    Gary.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2022
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  15. Mark Thomas

    Mark Thomas Member

    Actually, no he was Private Norman David Thomas - number 14736337. Can you find any reference to him? If you are able to send me the diary, I'd be very grateful.

    Thanks, Mark
     
  16. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    Ah, two newly joined Thomas's from same unit wounded on consecutive days. :) Should have noticed, sorry.

    Screenshot 2022-01-03 211448.jpg

    Looks like he stayed with 56 Div Reinforcement camp for a month before joining the unit. Was assigned to D Company.

    2_7_Queens_Feb_45_0019.jpg

    PS ~I've sent you a PM with my e-mail address.
     
  17. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    One final post. This map is from 2/5 Queens WD from March 1945 but shows the positions your grandfather was in when he was wounded. 'D' Company 2/7 Queens were in the positions shown by B Company on this map.

    2_5_Queens_Mar_45_0065.jpg
     
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  18. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Gary.

    I have walked the Senio floodbanks in that area. They are vast.

    Regards

    Frank
     
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  19. dave500

    dave500 Senior Member

    If anyone still needs my War Diaries, just let me know and I will share the new Dropbox links.


    Dave
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2022
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  20. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    Hi Dave

    That would be great.

    All the best

    Andreas
     

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