3653567 Private Bernard Joseph GILDEA, 6th Durham Light Infantry: KIA 21/03/1943 - 23/03/1943

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by Atnomis, Apr 3, 2011.

  1. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    Pals

    I'm trying to gain more information into my Uncle
    Casualty Details | CWGC

    BERNARD JOSEPH GILDEA I know was hit by an 88 between the dates. I would like any information please.

    Regards,

    Atnomis
     
  2. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello Atnomis,

    Your uncle is shown as KIA on the 22 March 1943 in the Regimental History - Roll Of honour. There is no other personal mention of your uncle. The dates 21 to 23 March 1943 cover the 50th (Northumbrian) Division's attack on the Mareth Line at Wadi Zigzaou; The Battle Of Mareth.

    The Regimental History - The Faithful Sixth, Harry Moses, County Durham Books - covers the action at pages 216 to 233.

    If you would like further information about the 6DLI's involvement in the battle, please let me know?!?

    NB. Jim (handle 'Verrieres') is our resident DLI expert and may have more information. I am sure he will be along sometime soon.

    Best,

    Steve.
     
  3. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    As Steve has stated 6th DLI were involved in the Battle Of Mareth I have no information regarding BERNARD JOSEPH GILDEA at this time other than he was formerly with the The Prince of Wales Volunteers. He is commemorated on the MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL (Thanks to Ramacal) of which an image is attached. The 6th DLI lost 16 officers and 189 other ranks killed wounded or missing during the stated period
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Atnomis
    you might be wondering why he is commemorated at Medjez el Bab- when he was killed at Wadi-Zig Zag -many miles away - thing is he has no known grave and the choice at that time was either Tripoli or Medjez - depending on which cemetery was completed first..
    Cheers
     
  5. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Atnomis
    you might be wondering why he is commemorated at Medjez el Bab- when he was killed at Wadi-Zig Zag -many miles away - thing is he has no known grave and the choice at that time was either Tripoli or Medjez - depending on which cemetery was completed first..
    Cheers


    Just to expand a little on this quite a few of the DLI lads who died during this period lie at ENFIDAVILLE WAR CEMETERY also.
     
  6. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    As Steve has stated 6th DLI were involved in the Battle Of Mareth I have no information regarding BERNARD JOSEPH GILDEA at this time other than he was formerly with the The Prince of Wales Volunteers. He is commemorated on the MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL (Thanks to Ramacal) of which an image is attached. The 6th DLI lost 16 officers and 189 other ranks killed wounded or missing during the stated period

    Thank you. Picture is fantastic

    Simon/Atnomis
     
  7. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    Hello Atnomis,

    Your uncle is shown as KIA on the 22 March 1943 in the Regimental History - Roll Of honour. There is no other personal mention of your uncle. The dates 21 to 23 March 1943 cover the 50th (Northumbrian) Division's attack on the Mareth Line at Wadi Zigzaou; The Battle Of Mareth.

    The Regimental History - The Faithful Sixth, Harry Moses, County Durham Books - covers the action at pages 216 to 233.

    If you would like further information about the 6DLI's involvement in the battle, please let me know?!?

    NB. Jim (handle 'Verrieres') is our resident DLI expert and may have more information. I am sure he will be along sometime soon.

    Best,

    Steve.

    Atnomis
    you might be wondering why he is commemorated at Medjez el Bab- when he was killed at Wadi-Zig Zag -many miles away - thing is he has no known grave and the choice at that time was either Tripoli or Medjez - depending on which cemetery was completed first..
    Cheers
    Thanks guys.Great stuff.

    Simon/Atnomis
     
  8. The Memoir Club

    The Memoir Club Jamie Turnbull

    The Memoir Club publishes Memoirs and Military History books. We have both "The Faithful Sixth" and "For Your Tomorrow" in stock if you would like to buy a copy, also "The Faithful Six" is now available on Kindle.

    If you would like to read about Harry Moses and his books please go to:
    The Memoir Club: Harry Moses
     
  9. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    Recieved his medals.

    Regards

    Simon
     
  10. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    I received his medals. Now court mounted and framed

    [​IMG]
     
  11. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Simon thank you for posting

    Regards
    Clive
     
  12. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Well done Simon, nice job there. :)
     
  13. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    Thank you. I'm in the process of Doing his brother, my Grandad. Then Grandad on Mums side. 2 Great Dads from WW1. Plus 4 other relatives in the family.
     
  14. Pte Harper

    Pte Harper Junior Member

    Hi Simon, Thats a really nice looking display you have for the medals. I have been trying to collect as much information on the battle that your uncle was killed in, because my great uncle was involved in the same battle, but with the 5bn Black Watch and was awarded a MM and mention in dispatches for the night of the 24th. He used to be in the DLI, we believe the 12th, but was transferred. This we are still trying to work out why. Anyway, its just nice to think that they could have passed each other during that period, who knows maybe they even struck up a conversion over a brew and a smoke.

    Cheers for sharing

    Gavin
     
    CL1 likes this.
  15. harkness

    harkness Well-Known Member

    1939 REGISTER TRANSCRIPTION
    Gildea Household (5 People)
    128 Lordens Road, Huyton with Roby U.D., Lancashire
    NAME - DOB - OCCUPATION
    William Gildea 09 Jun 1893 General Labourer, Heavy Work
    Bridget Gildea 02 Jun 1893 Unpaid Domestic Duties
    Sorry, this record is officially closed.
    Bridget (J A) Garvey (Gildea) 27 Nov 1921 Bags Machine Hand, Heavy Work
    Richard Gildea 18 Oct 1933 At School

    Gildea.jpg
     
  16. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    Many Thanks

    Simon
     
  17. Atnomis

    Atnomis Junior Member

    After a Long Hunt Ive found a picture of Bernard Gildea in the Last Edition Evening Express, Liverpool Friday 4th June 1943
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jul 22, 2021
    PaulE and Steve Mac like this.
  18. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Last edited: Jul 22, 2021
    Atnomis, PaulE and Steve Mac like this.

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