Hi - I hope I've not posted this in the wrong place, if so, I'm really sorry and hope someone can direct me to the correct one. I am trying to find as much information as possible about my Grandfather. My Nan is still alive but her memory isn't quite as good as it was but she is going to bring me what she can, photo's, medals, etc., but if there is further info out there, I would so love to learn more. My Grandfather served with the Wiltshire Yeomanry regiment during WW2 as a tank driver I believe. I know that he was involved with the battle of El Alamein. I also know that due to an incident with his tank he was a prisoner of war in Italy, I have no idea how many others were involved. He received five medals during WW2, inc., Africa Star, 1939 - 45 star and the defence medal, I am not sure of the others but should be seeing them soon. His name was Albert Ayres and anything I can find out about his time during the war would be so much appreciated, thank you!
Worth having a look at this book. ROYAL WILTSThe History of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1920-1945 - Naval & Military Press That's a reprint. I have the original upstairs. I'll have a look in a mo for mention of him. There's quite alot in ther eabout their involvment at Alamein.
Thank you, that's really great. I don't believe he was in Iraq as from previous info I have looked at I did mention it to my Nan as I had even further interest as my husband served their twice. But she doesn't seem to think he did, that's not 100% though but it may narrow down who he was with as I can't find that anywhere.
Was his initials EA Ayres. There is 555974 Trooper EA Ayres listed in B Squadron as being Embodied on 3rd Septemeber 1939 also listed as embarking for Palestine , February 1940.
Only bit I can find about men being taken prisoner in Italy in the book is luckily posted on another thread. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-cemeteries-war-memorial-research/19221-war-memorial-bowood-house.html http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachments/war-cemeteries-war-memorial-research/16525d1242036416-war-memorial-bowood-house-rwilts-jpg
Crikes, got a bit of a lump in my throat! Do you know where I could read anymore of this and who else were involved, etc., I presume then they were the only ones taken prisoner from the regiment? I know my Nan has a few pics of him and others during the war.
Here's the diary ref's at the National Archives WO 169/231 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1939 Sept.- 1940 Dec. WO 169/1406 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1941 Jan.- Dec. WO 169/4501 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1942 Jan.- Dec. WO 169/9340 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1943 Jan.-Dec. WO 169/15973 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1944 Feb.- Apr. WO 170/839 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1944 Jan, May WO 166/16621 Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry 1945 Jan.-Dec.
You can either visit the National Archives in person to view/copy them or click the link below in my signature
Dont know about all prisoners from Royal Wilts but that book I mentioned listed 2 men died as POW 556434 L/Sgt Luff 03/11/1942 CWGC - Casualty Details 7949648 Tpr R Long. 16/01/1943 CWGC - Casualty Details Andy would there be any paperwork regarding his time as POW ?
I "think" and use the term loosely my Nan may have a copy of something from his time as a POW as my Mum had to get it translated. Hopefully she still has it, it may be of help to others too. Do you know if those of the two tanks the only ones from WYR to be POW's? I just don't know if I am to take it that in one of those tanks it was my Grandad?
I'd have to read throught the the most of the book again to see if it mentions any other POWs. It will be worth sending off for his Records from MOD. As your Nan is still alive it'll be free if the application is in her name. All explained here. Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | Service Records | Making a Request for Information held on the Personnel Records of Deceased Service Personnel
PoW Questionaire, but they can be thin on details. Like everything though at Kew - You never know until you look.
There used to be a great little room on the Yoyos in the Swindon Museum years ago. It's not there now. Looking here it says the Regimental Archives are in Chippenham & a small archive in Swindon address in that link. Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry Collection A small, private regimental collection covering all aspects of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry since its formation in 1794. The regimental archive is held by Wiltshire and Swindon Archives Wiltshire and Swindon History CentreCocklebury Road Chippenham SN15 3QN Email: archives@wiltshire.gov.uk Tel: 01249 705500 Address: Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry Collection A (RWY) Sqn Royal Yeomanry, Yeomanry House, Church Place, Swindon, SN1 5EH Tel: 01793 523865 Curator: Captain Christopher Elliot
Thanks, I'm going to get my Grandad's records on behalf of my Nan. Hoping there is something from my Grandad's time as a POW, I am sure there is due to the translation help my Mum needed, don't think it was much though. I've searched for months and can't find anything that touches on any of the WYR being POW.
The records will take best part of a year to arrive from MOD so fill in forms & post off with supporting documents ASAP. Good luck with rest of research.
Thank you. OMG. That long? What kind of supporting documents will be needed? Shame there is nothing I can do to speed it up with a husband in the military.
Kez you can also "google" for the Battles around the Lago Trasemeno in Italy they were in 9th Armoured Brigade along with the Warwicks yeo - 3rd Hussars - 7th Hussars and 14/20 th Hussars Cheers
