Hi all. Here is a photo of my Great Uncle (Sgt, second from left). Llewellyn James died in 1984 but the family knows little of his service. Most likely taken early 1944, as he was injured on DDay, catching a piece of schrapnel between his eyes. I always knew him with a wicked scar. I will be applying to get his service records shortly. I believe he was in the Durham Light Infantry and possibly in 61st Recce Regiment. Let you know what I find out.
Hi All. Well what I have found so far is; Service Number 4393653 R.A.C. 15/3/1940 - 11/10/1943 Recce Corps 12/10/1943 - 4/4/1946 Green Howards 161st Recce Reg. Okay. Now I need some advice. What is the best way to find out exactly what Unit, Sqadron etc he was attached to and where he served? Any advice welcome. Thanks
161st (Green Howards) Reconnaissance Regiment 24th October 1943 – 12th November1943: 161st Reconnaissance Regiment 31st August 1945: Disbanded Commanding Officers Lt-Col. K. E. Savill, Lt-Col. G. J. Kidston, D.S.O., M.C., Lt-Col. W. A. Turner. The Regiment was originally 161st Regiment R.A.C., and was transferred to a reconnaissance role in October 1943. The 161st never went into action as a Regiment, but supplied reinforcements, notably a full squadron to the 43rd Regiment.
Hi Grant, You've said you'll be applying for copy of his service records - that's really the best way to find out with which units he served and when. Lee's Search Engine identifies the following War Diaries which are available from Kew, all under Home Forces series: WO 166/10666 161 Recce Sqn. 161 Regiment, Reconnaissance Corps (Green Howards) with effect from 1943 October 12 1943 Oct.-Dec. WO 166/14606 161 Reconnaissance Regiment 1944 Jan.-Dec. WO 166/16617 161 Reconnaissance Regiment 1945 Jan.-May
Hello Grant, Further to Message #3 above, 43rd (Wessex) Recce was ashore at the end of June 1944, but left out of battle. It had suffered the loss of 180 dead and 150 injured when an accoustic mine exploded under the troopship Derry Cunihy on 24 June 1944. The 43rd Recce's losses were made up by a squadron from 161st (Green Howards) Recce, which became the new 'A' squadron - and retained their Green Howards cap badges. If he was ashore on D-Day, as your first post suggest, he could well have been with 61st Recce; part of which landed on Gold Beach on 6 June 1944. Incidently, 61st Recce were with the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, which included three battalions - 6th, 8th and 9th - Durham Light Infantry. As Diane suggests at Message #4, the best way to find out his actual service is via his service records. Best, Steve.
Hi Grant, I know this is an old post but was just wondering how you got on with finding any information on Llewellyn James or his service records? He is actually my grandfather and I am also looking to find out more about his service. Regards, Matt
There is an entry in the British Army Casualty List No 1529 Dated 19 August 1944 Expeditionary Forces North West Europe Wounded Royal Armoured Corps 4393653 James Sjt L, 43 Regt Recce Corps, 6.8.44
