Evening all My father served in 3 RA for pretty much the whole of the war, 'touring' the middle east and Italy, up-to Trieste in late '45, and then back to a tough year in Cairo until being de-mobbed in late '46. He ended as a sergeant, specialising in artillery observation. He went on to be a chartered surveyor and then town planner, and now lives in Nottingham aged a relatively healthy 88! I've decided to visit Italy this summer to trace his steps, particularly to Cassino. He has given me his 'memoirs' of the war, but there is some detail lacking. I'd be interested if anyone knows of any official histories of the regiment or if there are any users on here either directly connected or through relatives / friends, to the regiment. Many thanks Tony
Welcome to the Forum Tony Does he have his service records? Please post any info you have im sure forum members will be interested and possibly be able to add more. regards Clive
Hello Tony and welcome to the forum. The unit has quite a few war diaries if you can get to the National Archives. They should give you a day to day account of where your father was and what he was doing. WO 166/16886 3 Regt. 1945 July - Nov. WO 169/1444 3 Fd. Regt. 1941 Mar.- Nov. WO 169/1445 3 Fd. Regt. Det. 1941 May- June WO 169/4574 3 Fd. Regt. 1942 Jan.- Dec. WO 169/9469 3 Fd. Regt. 1943 Jan.- Dec. WO 170/923 Field Regiments: 3 Fd. Regt 1944 Jan.- July WO 170/924 Field Regiments: 3 Fd. Regt 1944 Aug.- Oct. WO 170/925 Field Regiments: 3 Fd. Regt 1944 Nov. WO 170/926 Field Regiments: 3 Fd. Regt 1944 Dec. WO 170/4726 Field Regiments: 3 Regt. 1945 Jan.- Mar. WO 170/4727 Field Regiments: 3 Regt. 1945 Apr.- June, Dec. WO 170/7913 Field Regiments: 3 Regt. 1946 Jan.-June WO 172/7534 Field Regiments: 3 Regt. 1945 Oct.- Dec. WO 172/10139 3 Fd. Regt. 1946 Jan.- June Regards Andy
Evening all My father served in 3 RA for pretty much the whole of the war, 'touring' the middle east and Italy, up-to Trieste in late '45, and then back to a tough year in Cairo until being de-mobbed in late '46. He ended as a sergeant, specialising in artillery observation. He went on to be a chartered surveyor and then town planner, and now lives in Nottingham aged a relatively healthy 88! I've decided to visit Italy this summer to trace his steps, particularly to Cassino. He has given me his 'memoirs' of the war, but there is some detail lacking. I'd be interested if anyone knows of any official histories of the regiment or if there are any users on here either directly connected or through relatives / friends, to the regiment. Many thanks Tony Hi Tony I am in contact with another Veteran from the 3rd Field Artillery, John Mallen, and over the the last year have picked up some information for him which you are welcome to have. John was captured in North Africa in early June 1942 so only made it to Italy as a POW. What was your Fathers name ? I am hoping to see John again in the next week or two so can ask him if he remembers your Father although he says he now only remembers the faces rather than the names as he is 92. I will PM you to exchange information. Kind regards Chris
Tony. My father Lewis Ralph Ward served in the 3rd Field Reg R.A. and ended up as a W/ Sergeant . His journey began in India,to Iraq,North Africa, Alamein,then on to Sicily,to Monte Cassino and ended in Assisi at the Hotel Windsor Savoie at a Celebration dinner to mark the end of the war. Would you be so kind as to ask your father if he remembers my Dad as sadly he has now passed away. Any memories of of their war time experiences would be a bonus as it is a period of my late father life that remains a mystery. Thank you in anticipation. R Ward (son)
Bunkle69. That would place your father at Cassino in May 44 in support of 8 Ind Div in the Liri valley during Op DIADEM. Regards FdeP
Tony B44 Would you kindly ask your father if he has any recollection of my father Lewis Ralph Ward as he served with the 3rd R.A during WW11 and according to his papers followed the same journey as your father. Thank you. R Ward (son)
Unfortunately Tony B44 hasn't been on the forum since July 2011. You could try sending him a PM -Private message; if he has registered to receive e-mail notifications he will see your message. Lesley