Hi, I have been researching the military exploits of my uncle Fred. Not really an uncle but known as such by myself and cousins. He arrived in Italy in early January 1944 and was taken on strength of the 1st Recce and taken prisoner 8-2-44 when his unit was overrun near the Factory in the Anzio salient. My questions involve 80th Recce. He spent some time at No25 (Preston) Technical Training Group where he qualified as a Driver/Mechanic Class 2. Does anyone have information about this outfit. According to its war diaries 80th Recce was based at Middleton Towers Camp. Can anyone confirm that this was the holiday camp built in 1939 near Morecambe, Lancs ? And finally he was drafted from 80th Recce in draft RWXYW . Is it possible to find out how this draft made its way to Italy? Regards, Graham E D
Hello Graham, According to Report on Army Camps: Survival, Stage 2 of the English Heritage Project Middleton Camp was at grid reference SD 412580. This was the site of Middleton Tower Holiday Camp, opened in 1939 and closed in 1994. As for drafts, lots of people have asked this but records of these codes seem to have long been lost. See Draft Recognition Codes Richard
CL1's post elsewhere copied to here: I am sure other members might be able to help but you need to apply for his service records - although it looks like you may already have them? you require the below Date of birth Death cert £30 Get a copy of military service records Searching with 80th Recce: RECCE - Lt Walker Note the last post states: So any active service would not be with 80th Recce. There are two other threads, found when searching with 80 Recce: Reconnaissance Corps WW2 and 13118381 Frank De ANGELI, 56 Recce, (78 Division - BattleAxe) There are 368 threads with a 'tag' Recce, so plenty to read, though better once you know which formation he served in on active service. Several people here are true experts on the Recce Corps, they may appear here to help.
Hi Richard, I have been googleing those two questions to death with no result. Thanks a million for your input. Regards, Graham
