Hi, I have just begun researching my Grandfather's service records for my dad. I found his Tracer Card on Ancestry (haven't applied for the service records as of yet). This is what I have deciphered from the Tracer Card so far: Enlisted 73rd Medium Regiment 5/3/40 Overseas 1/8/41 95th Anti Tank Regiment 25/12/41 105th Anti Tank Regiment 26/3/43 57th? Anti Tank Regiment 1/4/45 Depot RA 25/8/45 123 OCTU 23/11/45 Y Release 21/5/46 Is there anyway of telling from the Tracer Card which Battery he was in within the Regiment? Have I missed anything or deciphered something incorrectly? What does Depot mean? Apologies for the simple questions, I am new to this and don't really have a clue what I am doing!
Hi, Welcome to the forum. Immediately below the posting to 95 AT Regt is written A/95 Bty (Battery). I’m mot familiar with AT Battery designation (Artillery Batteries are usually numbered) but that entry may mean he was with A Battery. Whilst he was with 105 Regiment he was posted to the X2 list which suggests he was suffering from an injury/illness. The War Diary may list him in the weekly strength returns and if so that should show his Battery. In the context of this tracer card mention of Depot in 1945 means he was likely posted on the strength of the RA Depot at Woolwich. At that stage of the war it would be a clearing house for men returning from overseas. In his case he was posted on to work at an Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) pending his demobilisation in 1946. The tracer card contains a small part of a man’s record - in military shorthand - the service file contains more detail and information. Once you have the service file you can embark on more detailed research. Steve
95th Anti Tank Regiment R.A THE STORY OF THE 57TH (EAST SURREY) ANTI-TANK REGIMENT, ROYAL ARTILLERY (T.A.). PART ONE
Hi, I’ve been made aware that there are actually 4 RA Tracer Cards on Ancestry in the name Edmund Todd. Can I ask how you are sure you have selected the correct one for your grandfather? Steve
That fits with this: https://web.archive.org/web/20160331000326/http://www.ra39-45.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/atk/page52.html
Katie, please make sure that you are 100% certain you have picked the right man, what other information have you got? We generally recommend that you obtain his official service records that are ONLY available from the MOD. You do not need any military details, just full name, date of birth and death certificate. https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records
Hi, apologies for the late reply. I got waylaid with home schooling and haven't had the time to dedicate to research. Yes, I'm sure it's the correct Tracer Card and Edmund Todd as my dad had my Grandfather's Pay Book with his Army Number. Thank you for the info. I am going to order a copy of the book and I have passed the form on to my dad to apply for his service records.
Well... the National Archives, but someone here might have a copy. Drew5233 has a lot of WDs and maybe he has that regiment's. See: Anyone require War Diaries or other files from the National Archives? I actually do have a copy of the war diary for 1944 and 1945 if you want it, but I do not have any of the strength returns. Start a conversation with me (upper right) if you are interested. Cheers, Chris
Whoops, I didn't realise that the first link that Guy posted provides an answer to the 'A' battery question!
Looking at the movements he may have had a busy war. British Artillery Regiments Not many men served in North Africa, Burma and Italy. 73 Medium Regiment converted to to 95 Anti-Tank Regiment Oct 1941 and served with 8th Army. In December 1941 the 7th Armoured Brigade was sent to Burma with A battery detached from the 95th Anti tank Regiment - which is why this appears as a separate entry on the record card. 7th Armoured Brigade returned to the Middle East in March 1943 which fits with Todd's transfer to 105 Anti Tank Regiment According to this website this unit served in Iraq, Sicily and Italy as the 13th Corps Anti-Tank Regiment http://www.ra39-45.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/atk/page61.html on 4 April he was sick or injured, but returns for duty on 11 May 1944, in time for Operation Diadem the last battle for Cassino. 2 March 1945 - 1 April 1945 he was with 57th Anti tank Regiment, the 10th Corps Anti tank Regiment. (If I have read this correctly - but what was he doing at the end of the war until the next entry?) X List Middle East 10 August 1945 The war diaries do not always include the administrative paperwork and documents that mention an individual soldier may not give the battery. You will find a lot more information about Todd from his service record, which you have already been advised to request. This will include details of his training and his trade, and his movements in more detail. If you know his job you will have a good idea of what he was doing during the war years. It may have details of his discharge . It may have clues about his injury or illness. It may include a testimonial of his army service. It may include the details of his battery. Do you have his medals?
Katie. If you ever want to go to Cassino to see what your grandfather got up to in the massive Fourth Battle which he took part in, do get in touch. Regards Frank www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk
Hi Frank, It is actually a trip I would like to make with my dad, possibly next summer when the world is hopefully in a better position. Thank you, I'll be in touch. Katie
The big one isn't Monte Cassino but probably Burma. His unit arrived in Rangoon Burma on 22 February 1942. They walked into Imphal 900 miles away around 22 May. This was three months in a very hot climate, short of food and water, without mail or a change of clothes, pursued by a resolute enemy. Dunkirk lasted for about a week over 50 miles or so. A Battery 95 Anti tank Regiment were the only British Anti tank guns. The 7th Armoured Brigade were the only fully trained troops and get a good write up in the histories. They ended the retreat on foot as all vehicles were used to transport civilian refugees. He served under Bill Slim in the Forgotten Army at the toughest time of the war in the longest retreat. I am sure you would find Monte Cassino interesting, but save some pennies for a family pilgrimage to Burma and India.
A further thought about the retreat from Burma. This campaign is connected to mass suffering with a very modern connection. The Japanese encouraged Burmese to take power from the British. There ill feeling between the local Burmese and the million or so Indians who farmed the rice fields - the people now referred to as the Rohingya. Many of these fled with the British in the face of ethnic cleansing. The Indian province of Bengal was heavily dependent on cheap rice from Burma to feed its population. between two and three million people died in the Bengal famine of 1943. You grandfather was caught up in a humanitarian crisis on a huge scale. His own part was very honourable. 7th Armoured Brigade gave up its mechanical transport to deal with the humanitarian crisis this caused. He was either walking or driving refugees who could not walk further.
