3 RTR B Squadron

Now seriously, the eyes, nose and mouth seem similar, there are moments I look at them and think they're the same, then later, they look completely different!

 

Do you think it would be of benefit to you Frank if you were to draw each of the photos to try to understand the characteristics of what you see when drawing your subject, and it may become clearer in your mind if they they are one of the same people. She

 

Good idea, might just do it...now where's me pencil? In the meantime, here's another pic of 'Charlie' and his earlobe, a screenshot from the Schwarmstedt film, and here he does look like Charlie. I think.

 

Ear ! Charlie's ear I think you nailed it this time, ears to you Frank (sorry). post the drawings when you finished them. She

 

Frank, I had a reply from friends in Poperinge They made contact with people in the road area but the Six family were not known, sorry
Regards A

 

Thanks anyway, I guess the family must have moved away. I can still try to get in touch with Willy Wicke. Cheers!

 

Yes Frank, maybe your best path. Good luck I’m sure something will turn up.

 

You could also try the Poperinghe 'State Archive' Facebook page - you will need to Message them. They helped me trace a relative of the family my late father was billeted with in January 1945.

 

Inconclusive, I'm afraid...


(No, seriously, I will try it, honest!)

 

I did actually post a message on their page, I came across a post asking for info regarding Charlie and my grandfather, dated 10 May 2019 (which also appeared here: https://westhoekverbeeldt.be/ontdek...ND2Bfd6URzr6HYm59yzDWtLMcL0H2WGp97QcY3NeWPpg4), and replied. I'll get in touch with them again, see if they can put me through to Willy. Unless my grandfather owed them money.

 

OK, I'm in touch with someone who knows Willy, and who will act as go-between, Willy doesn't have internet. This person also mentioned that he had some photos of other tankies who were billeted in Poperinge, in Reningelststeenweg. Their names are Albert Riggs, Edwin Bligh (both KIA in April 1945) and Stanley Varty, KIA 01 April 1945. Do these names ring any bells? I know that other regiments were billeted in Poperinge round about the same time. Hopefully, he'll send the photos soon, and I'll post them.

Just looked in Forces War Records page, and all three appear kia, royal tank regiment.

 

I don’t recognise those names . Dad probably only mentioned survivors and people he may have met up with post war.Len Breretons daughter has just joined 3rd RTR website , her Dad remembers my Dad and seems to have crewed with him!! He would have been in Poperinge converting to Comets.

 

Let's see if anyone out there recognises them. I should have a look at the 3RTR website myself. Cheers!

 

Frank good idea, Len Brereton could be the last link able to articulate on people and places 44/47
He crewed with my Dad probably right up to demob in 1947.

 

Forgot to ask, that would be the 3RTR facebook page, wouldn't it? So many people have suggested joining, what with one thing and another, haven't got around to it yet, slap on wrist.
From your post, Len is still brassing 'em up out there?

 

Cass loved this shot, Len was Dads driver, probably 6Troop, B Sqn.
Len the left Dad on the right,1945, yes Len seems to be as bright as a button, I’m hoping his daughter Cass will provide some more photos to the 3rd RTR page, it’s pretty lively with some great banter . I recently had a mail from Ken Tout who is mid 90’s now saying 3rd RTR were the best which is some accolade!
Search it on Facebook and you will see some familiar names, Stephen Pannell, Andy Fisher, these guys know absolutely loads of detail!

 

I've come across 2 facebook 3RTR sites, this one: 3rd Royal Tank Regiment

and this one: 3RD ROYAL TANK REGIMENT

Which one is it? (before I start pestering all and sundry in the wrong one..)

 

Cheers, all done, pending approval!

 

Excellent stuff!!