Hi, New to this site, Looking for information wrt my dad.He was in the RE and went through Italy, had leave in Rome Sept 1944. Informed me that he built and dismantled the bridges, looked after prisoners. John
Hi After you get his service records, the appropriate war diaries will show you where he went. I did that for my Dad. He was with RA in North Africa and Italy. regards Robert
Gaffa. If he was a Royal Engineer then it is likely that he did build and dismantle bridges. Whilst in Italy, between Sep 43 and Apr 45, the Allied Engineers built 2,832 fixed span Bailey bridges: 45 miles in total if set end to end, 120 floating Bailey or Treadway bridges, 490 railway viaducts and an incredible 430 permanent bridges. Regards Frank
Thanks Frank, He didn't say that many, he did however, mention Monte Cassino, but nothing else. He went on to build the M6 motorway bridges. Regards Gaffa
The 2,832 fixed span Bailey bridges they Built in Italy you wouldnt have a list would you. Might help me a bit more on my search for my Dads history.
Congratulations…..I think you’ve set a new forum record for a “late” return/new post to your own topic. Hopefully Frank - minden1759 - will have the info you require at his fingertips. Steve
Gaffa, I take it that you haven't considered getting his Service Record. It is not free of charge but at least you will know where he went and when, provided that they are intact. It might be seen as expensive and complicated but really, everything else is a guess and you will get it from the original source, the people who paid him. The record will no doubt be in Army Jargon and need transcribing but that can be done on here by members who do it for a hobby. The application method may have recently changed, so I will leave this to those who know better as to which route to take. Then you can decide for yourself what to do next. Good luck in your endeavours.
OP has already obtained his service records although they have not been posted. 8th Army orders Gaffa, rather than researching nearly 3,000 bridges, the majority of which your father is unlikely to have been anywhere near, consider getting the war diaries (as post #3) for the relevant units for the relevant time periods, you will then be able to investigate the bridges he was possibly involved with. This approach may prove far more constructive.
Took a look at 8th Army orders previously. Decided not to respond. Not RA. Looks like a Yoke Target. Good luck to you all.
Waiting on Gary T [He is looking at one file for me, which should say they had leave Aug 1945 This will prove I am his SON because its not on birth Certicate]. Havent had any info how he is doing, Thats why I have been asking all the questions from you guys. Also been searching the Dead from his 3 Coys. Only the posting out/in also Y, X2/X4 lists mentioned, medals awarded, dates missing etc to Coys. Yes Cost me £30. Army Jargon they are total Crap, nothing there. Also traced his 5 Medals as my sister and I had never seen them [they were Never issued. I have asked for them].
Sorry Gaffa, I meant that RA is my speciality. I find RE difficult to follow at times. My title is Uncle Target an RA Target Designation. A Yoke Target is a much higher Target Designation. This is out of my league. Cant help you any further I'm afraid. I must leave it to others. Good luck with your research.