46th Regt, Recconaisance Corps,

Discussion in 'Recce' started by Tretton 44, Aug 9, 2009.

  1. Paul_A_Bell

    Paul_A_Bell Junior Member

    Thats the exerpt from 1944
     
  2. georgedorrian

    georgedorrian Junior Member

    Hello,

    I have been trying to trace information and photos of my grandfather, Jack/John Topple, who I understand served in the 46th Reconnaisance regiment during the war. I wasn't aware of a regimental association and would be delighted if there were any references to him in this material. I recently learned he died in 1968, possibly in Germany and listed as BAOR, but I have very little information on his wartime service or post war life.
    I look forward to reading the records and would be most grateful if there was any material related to Jack.

    Thanks
    George
     
  3. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Hi George I removed your email address from plain sight as it's not a good idea to let anyone see it on an open forum.

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  4. georgedorrian

    georgedorrian Junior Member

    Paul,

    thanks. meant to include it in a private message and copied it by mistake. George
     
  5. eltaxken

    eltaxken Junior Member

    Singeager,
    RE:Post on 14/04/2011 (8-46pm) Daimler Fighting Vehicles 46th Recce Photos. (Italy)
    On the third line of photos down there is a group of 6 men standing against the side of an armoured vehicle with a triangle displayed on gun turret. The small man 2nd from right I believe to be my father Sidney Thomas Hall (5'6") I have a photo on his own, standing in exactly the same pose taken in Egypt. I now have his army records.He was a driver/mechanic and drove for his Commanding Officer perhaps that is why he seems smarter than the others. Though small, he was very fit, he boxed and did gymnastics.I cant tell you how gobsmacked and proud I felt to see that photo.It is only now that I am beginning to comprehend what he and many others went through. He began at the start and went to Afica,Italy , and Austria. He very rarely spoke about the War. I cant believe I used his medals (stars) as sheriff badges!!!!. I cant express my thanks enough for taking the time to publish all this stuff,but it is appreciated. Sincere Thanks Again
    eltaxken
     
  6. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    eltaxken welcome to the forum, maybe you would like to post the photo and any other information about your father here on the forum as I am sure others would be very interested.

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  7. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Angela -
    One or two little odd things into this quest for knowledge - it appears to be true that they were with 1st Armoured in lower Tunisia -with 8th Army at about the time of the El Hamma battle then on to Cap Bon - at which time they would have joined 46th Division of 1st Army - which had landed at Algiers and through to Tunisia - then in the September - still with 46th Div - landed at Salerno in British X corps of 5th US army - 0n to the liberation of Naples and the fierce battles in the advance to Monte Cassino and where he might have been killed at either Monte Camino or the Volturno - the date of 23rd January will tell you where he was killed

    Cheers
     
  8. singeager

    singeager Senior Member

    eltaxken

    Many thanks for the responce. This has prompted me to spend the day sorting out the information i have and to start to update the web site (long overdue due to another restoration commitments on another two cars)

    However, Look out for changes over the xmass period.

    Your not very far from me, cant offer you a ride in a Humber like the one in the photo.

    But my big daimlers very similar and will give you a feel of what it was like to crew one.
    The noise, the smell, the cramped space etc.

    Keep in touch in the new year and will be happy to sort something out.

    Do post some of his service record... they might turm up something interesting.

    Singe.
     
  9. eltaxken

    eltaxken Junior Member

    Singeager

    Ref your blog 18-12-2011, I'll certainly take you up on a ride or even just a sit inside one of your armoured vehicles. Do you attend the War and Peace type shows at Hop Farm Paddock Wood or Detling?

    As for putting my Dads stuff ie photos, service records on line, I'm limited in my PC capabilties having only getting a computer on retiring a few years back,but I'm sure my son (or a passing 6yr old) can assist,and it will be uploaded sometime.

    I've just finished reading Only the Enemy in Front,which gives a good insight into the Recce role and also Monte Cassino (Mathew Parker)which although only mentions the 46 DIV sparingly,it does give a good idea of the type of condititions ie terrible winter weather (snow and rain) mud, mountains and treacherous rivers, the Allies had to endure in Italy.

    Regards
     

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