I'm trying to research some military history of my family, I don't really no a lot, I have a few photos but that's it. I'm trying to gather some info to surprise my Nan. Unfortunately I do not have any records I know names and dates of birth/death that all the info I have, except one photo of Nans brother George H Browning who is standing next to a sign that says 113/114 FLD. BTY. ROYAL ARTILLERY 44. So I'm completely stuck at where to look. Can anybody help?
113/114 Bty were part of 33 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery in 3 Infantry Division. That ties in nicely with the photos as the 3 Div sign is the red triangle on black triangle that you can see on the memorial and his arm in the full length photo. The 44 was a code number for the regiment usually carried on their vehicles. 3 Div assaulted SWORD beach on D-Day, so they're quite well known. If you Google "113/114 Bty" (with the quotes) you should get a hit on a transcription of 33 Fd Regt's war diary for their time in Holland later in the campaign. It will be quite technical but may give you a flavour for what they were doing. Some regiments published their own histories, but I don't know if 33 Fd Regt did. You will also be advised to apply for his service records from the MOD as these will give his 'career' history - he may have been in a different unit earlier in the war.
Just seen your post, my grandad also served in 33rd Field Regiment, have you seen this below picture of the regiment in action?
Yes I have seen this pic before, it's brilliant. I managed to find some more photos of my great uncle.
If anyone managed to find any War Diary details for 33 Field Regiment then I would greatly appreciate details of any entries for 29 November 1944 in order to try and trace a casualty - see.... Assistance with Tracing Casualty from 2 Royal Ulster Rifles 29 November 1944? I've found some summary details at 33 Field Regiment for January 1945 onwards but rather bizarrely I am trying to track down the owner of a pair of trousers and accompanying items belonging to an injured man found in the attic of a house in Blitterswijck that was used as an Observation Post for 113/114 Battery of 33 Field Regiment on 30 November 1944 in support of 2 RUR when it was shelled from across the river - see: 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles in WW2: 1st December 1944 - Second attack on Wanssum 9th British Infantry Brigade During World War 2: November 1944 - 29 November 1944 entry in War Diary The FOO of 113/114 Battery of 33 Field Regiment at the time was Captain Henry Shearer Taylor who received an MC for his actions (see below) and have so far I narrowed it down to a signaller from 33 Field Regiment or member of a small 2 RUR team located at the forward observation post at this time. It has now become a bit of an obsession so if anyone has any details from 33 Field Regiment (or 9 Field Ambulance) from around this time it would be greatly appreciated.... Quis Separabit
By way of update, I have now been supplied with a copy of a Journal relating to 33 Field Regiment's actions between D-Day and VE Day by Martina's Desk which has been uploaded to the website for general viewing and posterity at the bottom of the home page at: 9th British Infantry Brigade During World War 2 The site was originally created to host the 9th British Infantry Brigade Headquarters War Diary but at some stage I will try and get around to adding content for all of the associated units including: 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion, King's Own Scottish Borderers 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles Other units associated with the group on D-Day included: East Riding Yeomanry 33 Field Regiment No 3 Platoon, 253 Field Company 101 Anti Tank Battery 9 Field Ambulance Detachment 106 Bridging Company RASC Detachment 172 Infantry Brigade Company RASC so would welcome any potential content, photos, personal accounts etc that might be added.... Quis Separabit