Anyone require War Diaries or other files from the National Archives?

Fortunately for him yet unfortunately for my research my grandfather went home before the battalion moved across to Greece from Italy. He'd been overseas since 1940 and was near the top of the list for home leave.

That said, Greece is interesting (research-speaking) for the addition of a political apsect that was peripheral in Italy and non-existent in North Africa, Cyprus and Sierra Leone.

As to paperwork, I am tormented by the fact that one of the diaries from the field hospitals or the RIASC or the L.A.D. could contain hidden gems!

 

Out of interest I dipped into this diary on Saturday and copied the map just in case. If my images (in sections) are of a higher resolution, I would be happy to share them

 

Hello Drew,

Could I ask for a copy of the WD for 76th Field Regiment RA for 1944 and 1945?

Many thanks

Mark

 

Researching the history of 5 Battery 2nd Searchlight Regiment RA

I'm trying to trace the history of 5 Battery 2nd Searchlight Regiment during and immediately after the Battle of France. I had been going to TNA myself but it costs me about £80 in fares and takes a whole day. The TNA does offer a copying service but it is very expensive and a bit cumbersome.

Then I came across Andy's WW2Talk posts on 5/2 S/L and the Battle of Hondeghem and about other Searchlight Regiments.

So I decided to give Andy a try. I sent him a personal message asking for the War Diary I wanted. He replied promptly with a quote which was very reasonable and a fraction of what the TNA wanted. I transferred the money directly into Andy's account. The next time Andy went to TNA he photographed the WD for me and sent me a disk with the images. Minimal hassle, minimal cost and a bonus in that Andy is a real enthusiast and suggested some other sources that I would find useful.

gunnersson

 

Researching my Dad's part in the war, Andy has been a godsend as I knew nothing with regards to where to start. Andy explained the best way to go forward and sent me my Dad's regiment's war diary, quick bank transfer and it arrived a day later. Can only say if you need war diaries Andy is your man.

Best Regards and many thanks
Martin

 

Thanks Andy again for copying and forwarding 6 Gordon Highlanders War Diaries. Prompt service and very reasonable rates. I thoroughly recommend Drew for anyone seeking War Diaries, especially for anyone else in Australia wanting copies of British Army War Diaries
Maryanne

 

Good morning Drew,

Could I ask for a copy of the WD for 15th/19th Hussars for 1944 and 1945?

Very many thanks,

Mark

 

Hello Drew,

Could I ask for a copy of the WD for 15th/19th Hussars for 1944 and 1945?

Many thanks

Mark

 

I could have copied them for you today if you had sent me a message Mark - I've just got back from Kew and left early as I had run out of files to copy.

 

Bad timing! Next time you go could I ask you to copy them for me?

 

No probs

 

Thanks Drew,

I have just picked up a nice MM to the unit.

 

Thanks as always for the help Andy, 2 out of 3 files were helpful to the research!

 

Hi Andy, I wrote to you four years ago but clean forgot about it. I still found the same message thread on my pm so have messaged you this on there.....
Hi Andy, I am so sorry that I forgot to come back to this. I clean forgot about it...for nearly four years! Please can I purchase the war diary for Jan-Dec 1944 from you please? I would love the whole war collection of the 49th recce regiment depending on the price...however definitely the 1944 period. Please let me know the price and bank details for transfer please Andy?

Regards

Dai

 

Just sent you a private message.

 

Just to say thanks Andy for the War Diaries I’ve had off him over the last year or so, to do my grandfathers units, No.2 Independent Company and No1 Commando, plus a couple of my great uncles too, a POW at the fall the Singapore with the 5th Batt. Royal Norfolk Regt. and then another with 53rd Regt. Recce Corps, RAC, who sadly was KIA during Operation Market Garden. Some great reading, which I’m still going through for my research. Will definitely recommend his service and will be using him again in the near future. ATB.

 

Hi all and Merry Christmas-By way of a little update to this thread. Almost eight years after starting this thread I can now finally offer a Dropbox transfer after getting my head around the technology of how it works. So you don't have to wait as long now to get the files you want.

Cheers and I know....Feel free to point and gesticulate.

 

Can we pay with cryptocurrency?

All the drug-dealers and eastern European hit-men take it.

Joking aside, good news.

 

Hi Andy, I am researching for my elderly father in law about a relative of his; Harry BALCOMBE Service No. 4030988 KSLI.
(full name: Henry Mansell/ Manson BALCOMBE). He was reported missing in France June 1940 & by March 1941 was confirmed a PoW. He reappeared from captivity in July 1945. He lived in Birmingham & appeared in Derby once after the war to visit his step-brother Bill ROBERTS; my father said he had clearly been 'knocked about' & was covered in scars on his face. Are you still going to the TNA & can you assist please ? Sorry I haven't got more info but the above is third hand from FindMyPast I think. Thanks. Mark HEATH

 

hello Mark
firstly service records https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records. You can only get his details from the official link.


Also a thread here about 1st Battalion KSLI at Dunkirk
1st Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry
Im sure a forum member will give you more detail re is time as a POW
regards
Clive