56th Heavy Regiment RA. WW2 Pathway

Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by bamboo43, Sep 14, 2014.

  1. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi All,

    I have been asked to help out a work colleague in relation to their grandfather's service in WW2. He eventually found himself with the 56th Heavy Regiment RA (that of Spike Milligan fame) by the time they landed in Algiers in early 1943.

    I know that they became part of the 1st Army at this stage. Can anyone give me a run down of their service after this time, post N. Africa I believe they went on to Italy and ended up as part of the BAOR by the end of the war.

    I wondered which battles/actions they were involved in?

    Many thanks as always.

    Steve
     
  2. Rob Dickers

    Rob Dickers 10th MEDIUM REGT RA

    Hi Steve
    Re: 56th Heavy Regt RA
    I do have their Regimental History book printed Holland 1946.
    PM Sent
    Best
    Rob
     
  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Thanks Rob, I will reply via pm.
     
  4. Good afternoon

    I too am looking for information regarding my father's uncle who was a member of the 56th heavy regiment RA in 1943. I know he was killed in action and I have the location of his grave, I would just love to be able to provide my dad with additional information, as he holds his uncles medals and is keen to know his story
    Thank you
    Jenny
     
  5. hutt

    hutt Member

    I don't have their diary for anything as late as 43 but if he was with the Regiment in 1941, does he perhaps appear in this the lists on the attached extracts from WO166 2346 A-A COMMAND HAA REGIMENTS 56 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment 1941 May- Dec?
     

    Attached Files:

    Jennifer Moran likes this.
  6. Thank you so much for replying, but I don’t see him. His details:

    Gunner Leonard Edwards, 938717
    • Batt - 56 Heavy Regiment
    • Unit - Royal Artillery
    • Section -
    • Date of Birth -
    • Died - 07/12/1943
    • Age -
     
  7. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Here is Leonard's concentration document from the CWGC. He was re-buried at Ancona on the 5th January 1945.

    Con.JPG
     
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  8. Thank you so much, that’s incredible. I am going to see if I can find his service record, I am hooked! Once again, thank you
     
  9. hutt

    hutt Member

    My mistake
    Its 56 Heavy Regiment not 56 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment. They were in Burma in 1943....Note to self...
    Read M O R E S L O W L Y
     
    Jennifer Moran likes this.
  10. No problem, I really appreciate you trying to help
     
  11. Trackfrower

    Trackfrower Member

    That of Spike Milligan fame?
     
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  12. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    The only place you’ll find his service record is by making an application to MOD via this link -

    Get a copy of military service records

    You won’t need a copy death certificate as he was killed in service. Just attach a copy of the CWGC record.

    Good Luck.

    Steve
     
  13. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Indeed so.
     
    Jennifer Moran likes this.
  14. I can’t thank you all enough xxxx
     
  15. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Does anyone know when they landed in Italy?
     
  16. Historic Steve

    Historic Steve Researching 21 Army Group/BAOR post VE day

    56th Heavy Regiment RA were under command 1st Canadian Army Group RCA at the end of WW2, on 10 May 45 recorded in Beverwijk-NL north-west of Amsterdam, on the 18 Jun 45 they came under command 9th Army Group Royal Artillery and stationed in Bocholt until disbandment 31 Mar 46

    Hope this helps
    https://britisharmyingermany.com
     
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  17. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Thanks HS, my interest in the 56th was back in 2014 when I was researching for a work colleague. I concluded this a few months later. However, I think that Jennifer will be pleased to see your input.
     
  18. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    These are the movements of 56 Hvy Regt RA.

    upload_2020-2-12_16-44-58.png

    An AGRA is an Army Group Royal Artillery. It was a grouping of artillery units controlled by an Army - in the case of 1 AGRA, the Eighth Army in Italy.

    This, for example, is the make up of 6 AGRA.

    upload_2020-2-12_16-48-2.png

    Regards

    Frank
     
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  19. Historic Steve

    Historic Steve Researching 21 Army Group/BAOR post VE day

    Having an interest in British Army units post VE Day within 21st Army Group before they arrived in Germany have found details from Canadian War Dairies available on line at ref T-15445 – Image 358 – heritage.canadiana.ca

    56th Heavy Regiment RA came under command 1st Canadian Army Group RCA on 23 Apr 45 at 1500 hours – going forward will show the locations before arrival in Germany with 9th Army Group RA on 18 Jun 45

    Hope this helps and many thanks for research guidance from forum members
     
    Jennifer Moran likes this.
  20. Max Neild

    Max Neild New Member

    I'd be very interested in any information/books that could supply some detail to the action at Djebel Jaffa. My Grandpa told us wonderful stories about his time with the 56th RAH 18 battery, and how he held off some Tigers with large guns "firing over the sights". Search as I do I can find nothing to corroborate it. He was supposedly put forward for the MC for this action but the 'quota' had been used up :)
     

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