James Patrick Casey

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by JamesCasey, Dec 11, 2015.

  1. JamesCasey

    JamesCasey Member

    Hello,

    My Grandfather James Patrick Casey (B. 1925) served in Egypt during WW2, I am aware that I can apply for records but I was wondering if anybody had any information. We don't know who has any possible medals. Me and my Dad don't know much about his Dad during WW2 as he wasn't told about it that much growing up. My dad says he was a corporal but I think this is unlikely because he was only born in 1925. Also regiment details would help.

    In fact, any information would be appreciated.

    Regards,
    James
     
  2. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello James,

    Being born in 1925 your grandfather wouldn't have served for much of WWII, possibly a couple of years at most and there wasn't any fighting in the Western Desert/Tunisia after the first half of 1943. So, likely he was stationed in Egypt only (not involved in any of the earlier fighting there).

    Is there a reason why you have listed the topic in DLI, Northumbrian, 50th?

    Best,

    Steve.
     
  3. JamesCasey

    JamesCasey Member

    Steve,

    the reason I have listen these is because he was born in either Chester le street or Birtley, which are both in the surrounding area.
    I think it is more likely he was only stationed there too.

    Regards,
    James
     
  4. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Steve

    Don't knock being born in 1925 - some of us truly missed the African Battles but were in time for Sicily and Italy and the Greek fiasco you will note that these

    campaigns lasted MUCH longer than the much vaunted France / Germany campaign as well as NOT being released until mid 1947….

    Cheers
     
  5. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Hi James

    Anything you research before obtaining his service records is a gamble.

    The very best place to start is with your relations service records, it is his military personnel file and is the crucial starting point for searching anyones WW2 military history and service. Check out the link - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#how-to-apply-for-service-personnel-records it is a £30 fee but money very well spent as it starts you off on the right track and will tell you where he went, when and with which units. From this you can then fill in the details via access to the various War Diaries for each unit.

    TD
     
  6. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    As if, Tom... I don't think James' grandfather would have seen any fighting in the Western Desert though. Doesn't mean he didn't see it elsewhere later like you!

    Hope you are keeping well; or as well as possible anyway!!

    Best regards,

    Steve.
     
    JamesCasey likes this.
  7. JamesCasey

    JamesCasey Member

    Steve,

    Do you have a guess for which regiment/divison he served in while stationed if he was from the areas in the above posts.

    Regards,
    James
     
  8. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello James,

    It's mainly a Durham Light Infantry recruitment area, but not exclusively. For example, one of my great grandfathers lived in Teams but served in WWI with the 4th Bn [Royal] Northumberland Fusilers. Newcastle, although then in Northumberland, was in the 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry recruitment area.

    Regular soldiers would typically go to the 1st or 2nd Battalions. TA soldiers to the TA battalions, but some of these were redesignated to searchlight or AA duties, etc., rather than infantry duties.

    Of the TA Infantry battalions:

    Chester Le Street was then in the 8th Bn recruitment area and when duplicated, both the 8th and the 11th Bns. The latter was not in the 50th (Northumbrian) Division though.

    Gateshead, including Felling, was then in the 9th Bn recruitment area and when duplicated, both the 9th and the 12 Bns. The latter was not in the 50th (Northumbrian) Division though and was also redesignated as 1st Bn Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch, rather than Durham Light Infantry in very early 1940).

    Birtley is located inbetween Chester Le Street and Gateshead, and I'm not sure which of the two aforementioned recruitment areas it fell into.

    Although TA soldiers usually served with the Battalion closest to home, anomalies arise on occasion if a soldier worked away from home or his girlfriend lived in a different town. These are unusual but I have seen them.

    Best,

    Steve.
     
    JamesCasey likes this.
  9. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

  10. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Never guess anything, it's pointless & will lead you in the wrong direction.
     

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