Two conflicting family stories 44 Recce

Discussion in 'Recce' started by LeeSteventon, Nov 11, 2012.

  1. LeeSteventon

    LeeSteventon Junior Member

    Dear all,

    I"m trying to find the truth behind the stories of a Recce killed in action in North Africa in 1943. His name was Trooper Thomas (Tommy) Steventon, 10601536, 44th Recce Regt., 'C' Sqn. He was killed in North Africa on (according to his death certificate) 23rd April 1943 and we have found him registered at the CWGC site, as well as a photo of his grave at Enfidaville War Cemetery. However, there are two differing stories in the family about the way he was killed and I am trying to find out which is true, or even if either of them are!

    One of the stories is that he was killed when the jeep he was in drove over a land mine (the one the majority of the family understand to be what happened). However, his younger brother (my grandfather) who was in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, told a different version. He told my father that Tommy was killed by what we would today call 'friendly fire'. His version goes that Tommy was carrying ammunition in trucks to the front lines and that the Allies were laying down a barage of bombs infront of them to clear the way. Unfortunately, one of these fell short and hit the trucks, killing Tommy (and presumably others).

    I would love to be able to get to the bottom of which is right (if any).

    Any ideas on how I would go about researching this?

    Kindest Regards

    Lee :poppy::poppy::poppy:
     
  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Have you checked for more casualties from the same unit, killed on the same day in the same cemetery? That could give a small clue?

    Failing that I would suggest the regiments war diary may hold the key. They don't always have the answer but you never know unless you look:

    WO 169/8765 44 Reconnaissance Regiment (Recce Regt) 1943 Jan.- Dec.

    Good luck
    Andy
     
  3. LeeSteventon

    LeeSteventon Junior Member

    Hi Andy,

    Thanks for the tip about the other casualties killed on the same day, I'll check that out.

    It would be good to check the war diaries (I think you are able to photo those, right? You did a great job on the Duke of Wellington's Regiment ones for me!!)

    Lee
     
  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    I'll edit 44 Recce into the thread title as I know we have a couple of members with an interest in that unit.
    It'll hopefully attract their attention.
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Hi Lee-Yes I can, everything is still the same when you last ordered. See if some of the other Recce chaps can help first as someone may already have the diary.

    Happy to copy the file for you though if no one else can help, just drop me a PM.

    Cheers
    Andy
     
  6. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Welcome Lee. Great to have another Recce on board.
    As Owen has said, there are members with an interest in 44 Recce and I am sure they will be along soon to help you.

    Lesley
     
  7. idler

    idler GeneralList

    Doherty's Only the Enemy in Front says:
    After the long haul through Egypt and Libya, 44 Recce arrived at Enfidaville on 24 April, days after the town had fallen to Eighth Army.

    Assuming that they were well inside friendly territory on 23 April, the mine story looks more likely than the friendly fire.
     
  8. LeeSteventon

    LeeSteventon Junior Member

    Hi all and many thanks for your swift replies!

    Some very interesting information from idler but it would be good to hear from anyone who has the war diary for the 44th Recce Regt. around that period...
     
  9. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Hi Lee, Trooper Thomas (Tommy) Steventon was the only person killed on 23 April 1943.

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  10. LeeSteventon

    LeeSteventon Junior Member

    Hi Paul, many thanks for the info!

    Did you get that from the war diary? Is there a mention of Tommy in there?

    regards

    Lee
     
  11. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Lee I got the information from the 44 Recce ROH that I posted. Sorry I don't have the War Diary.

    Cheers
    Paul
     

Share This Page