Hello

Morning all,

Just realised I hadn't actually introduced myself yet.

My name is Chris and I am down in sunny Plymouth, Devon. My main areas of interest for the second world war are 2 DCLI, 418bty/125th LAA Regt RA, the WRNS in Plymouth and women welders in Devonport dockyard.

My significant other is interested in 55 Sqn RAF, as her grandfather was an armourer with the squadron throughout the western desert, malta and Italy campaigns.

a few of you have already helped me with a few of my questions and I am truly grateful

thanks!

Chris

 

G'day and welcome to the forum.

Mark

 

Thanks gents

 

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum.

Lesley

 

Hi Lesley, thank you very much

 

Greetings

 

Hi Drew, thanks

 

welcome to the forum

regards
Clive

 

Thanks Clive

 

Good to have you aboard, Chris.

The last time I was in Devon it was under canvas and it was more soggy than sunny...

 

ha ha, well the sun has been shining today at least

Thanks Charley

 

Welcome Chris,

Good memories of Devon when I was there in Easter 2011. Did a big drive getting my RAAF Headstone photo's Easter Monday. (big by English Standards) Oxford University to Pembroke Dock to Llantwit Major (where my GGrandfather lived) doing four cemeteries along the way then down to Plymouth in time to do Ford Park and Plymouth (Efford) Cemeteries.

 

Hi Spidge, thanks; that's certainly an epic trip!!

When in Plymouth I presume you visited Mount Batten? 461 and 10 Sqn RAAF were based there during the war with flying boats (I think Sunderlands, although i'm sure I heard that Walrus's were also based there) and indeed before them a certain Aircraftsman Shaw in the 1930's... AKA Lawrence of Arabia.

 

Hi Chris. Welcome aboard. I had a great Aunt who was a Wren and lived down your way.

 

Hi Incredibledisc, thanks. My paternal grandmother was a wren - all I have is a photo of her in uniform, but no date, or service number etc. would love to see her service record one day.

 

The RAAF crews were in England in 1939 to take their order of Sunderlands back to Australia. When war was declared our Prime Minister gave the Sunderlands and crew to Britain and so 10Sqn RAAF became the longest serving Australian squadron in Europe.

 

that's really interesting to learn - you learn something new every day If I come across anything on them in the local area I will let you know.

 

Hello and welcome Chris.

You are in a good location for researching WW2 and naval stories generally.

 

Thanks Ritsonvaljos,

I must admit i do like my Naval history; my great grandfather was a chief petty officer in the first war, my grandmother was a wren, my father was a royal marine and to be honest i just love the sea ha ha.

thanks
Chris