Hi Thanks for having me, found this page whilst trying to research my grandad ( technically great uncle), his role in the war and more information about his unit. I have really enjoyed reading through the forum so far and learning lots in general already. I will save the post about my grandad for another section, I just wish I had been able to ask him more when he was alive but I was too young to know better unfortunately. I'm sure many of us on here are in the same boat. Thanks Martin 1480803 Walter Charles Smith 116/26 L. A. A rgt
Welcome Martin I would add our advice is to apply for his service records Get a copy of military service records Date of birth,death cert and £30 required Once you have them you can get copies of the war diaries. please star a thread here Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy. Add his name,photos and any other detail about him you are willing to share Regards Clive
Hello Martin Not sure he was in the 116th LAA they were UK based till 21/6/44 Looks like the info you posted he was in the 26th LAA where have you taken the info you have posted from?
I have a document saying he was Injured in Italy on 29.11.43 and was in the 116/26 l. a. a rgmt have I misunderstood it? I will try and attach it for you to see
That would be 116 battery of 26th LAA Regiment (rather than 116th Regiment) - some more info here 26 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA(TA) - The Royal Artillery 1939-45 (ra39-45.co.uk)
I've popped a reply on the other thread to keep it all together - these things aren't always clear but if like a lot of us on here you spend too much time looking at these things its becomes second nature (probably pushing out information thats much more useful on a day to day basis)
Martin. 26 LAA Regt RA were the integral Light Anti-Aircraft defence for 8 Indian Division from 6 Aug 43-6 Jan 45. It that time, they went where ever the Division went in order to give them the protection that they needed. They left in Jan 45 largely because the air threat was almost non-existent - the Germans were desperately short of fuel and spare parts and Russia was the priority. That therefore places your grandfather on the Sangro on 29 Nov 43 where 8 Indian Division were involved in an operation alongside 2 NZ Division. Very importantly, from my perspective, it also places him at the Fourth Battle of Cassino where 8 Indian Division were one of the two Divisions tasked with assaulting across the River Rapido on the night of 11-12 May 44 in an attempt to break into the Liri Valley and secure Route 6. Route 6 was the road to Rome. One More River - a short history of 8 Indian Division is available somewhere on the internet if you look. If you cannot find it, I have an electronic copy which you are welcome to have. Just get me through www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk Regards Frank
