2655341 John French HOWBRIDGE, Coldstream Guards attached 2nd SAS

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by Simonspitfire, Nov 13, 2012.

  1. Simonspitfire

    Simonspitfire Junior Member

    I am currently trying to research the war career of Pte John French Howbridge No 2655341 who fought with the AAC and 2nd SAS. He was born in Pocklington in 1914.
    I have his medals and two certificates of service. One is from the SAS depicting the wings and winged dagger beret badge and shows he served between 1943-45,the other is for the Liberation of Norway 8th May 1945.
    Before joining 2nd SAS he served with the Coldstream Guards. During his service with the SAS he was attached to the MT section of HQ Squadron and fought in North Africa and Europe. Any suggestions on further reading/research that can be undertaken to enhance his story would be most welcome. I have already contacted the SAS Association who gave me these details.
    Many thanks.
     
  2. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Simon s
    Try " Winged Dagger " by a Squadron leader of 2nd SAS at that time -

    Major Roy Farran -DSO - 3 x MC's.... should be able to get it through your local library

    Cheers
     
  3. Simonspitfire

    Simonspitfire Junior Member

    Now that was quick! Many thanks Tom - will do.
     
  4. Simonspitfire

    Simonspitfire Junior Member

    Can anyone tell me if its possible to read this diary at the IWM Document Section?
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    A quick look found these files (I suspect there is more) at the National Archives:

    WO 218/176 2 SAS Regt: report of operations in Italy from Taranto to Termoli 1943 Sept-Oct

    WO 218/179 2 SAS Regt: report on operations against enemy lines of communication in Italy between Arcona and Pescarra 1943 Oct-Nov

    WO 218/197 2 SAS Jeep Squadronn: reports on operations in France 1944 July-Sept

    WO 218/199 2 SAS Regt: operations reports 1944 July-1945 Apr

    WO 218/206 2 SAS Regt: operations log 1944 Sept-1945 Apr

    WO 218/209 2 SAS Regt post operational investigations on Operations Loyton and Pistol 1944 Dec

    WO 218/216 2 SAS Regt: operations log 1945 Mar-Aug

    WO 218/222 Murder of parachutists in North East France Aug-Oct 1944: report prepared for 2 SAS Regt 1945 Nov


    Cheers
    Andy
     
  6. Simonspitfire

    Simonspitfire Junior Member

    Very many thanks to Drew 5233 and BaldEagle for your suggestions and help I will chase up these suggestions and NA records
     
  7. Dana1234

    Dana1234 New Member

    I know this is very old post, but John french howbridge is my grandad and I was wondering if anyone had any information about him and his time in the SAS that you could provide me with. Thanks :)
     
  8. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Dana1234,

    Try contacting the opening post author via 'Conversations'. SimonSpitfire was last here in July 2020; he is a senior citizen so patience may be required. He only posted a few times, mainly on this thread.
     

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