Having dipped in and out of this site I thought I'd turn to it in the hope that someone could help me. I've been going through a number of gallantry award citations from the Sicily campaign and have had a few problems in identifying some of the recommending officers. I've attached an image of two signatures from the recommendation for an Immediate Military Cross for Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) (172451) John Michael Jennings of 132nd (Welsh) Field Regiment, RA (TA) and if anyone could help me identify them I'd be most grateful.
Happened to come across your old post whilst reading Algiers to Austria by Cyril Ray, the history of the 78th Division. The Commander Royal Artillery during Sicily was Brig. M. W. Denham (12.6.43 to 21.2.44),and the Commander of 132 Field Regiment was Lt.-Col. J.T.G Palmer. As the award was immediate it would seem likely that these are the signatures?
John Michael Jennings was my father, so any information regarding his service during WW2 would be greatly appreciated. I am currently waiting for a copy of the war diaries that would cover his service. He eventually made the rank of Major.
Shirts. 132 Fd Regt RA supported 36 Infantry Brigade in 78 Infantry Division. One of the three Battalions of the Brigade was 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment. This was the battalion that he was supporting as a Captain Forward Observation Officer. The role of an FOO is to call in and control fire from the guns. His Battery Commander would have worked very closely with CO 1 East Surreys and the Battery FOOs would have worked closely with the 1 East Surrey Riflle Company Commanders. The FOO tended to stay with the infantry or man an Observation Post overlooking the enemy. It was very dangerous work. 78 Infantry Division were at the Third and Fourth Battle of Cassino in Mar and May 44. They were also a key player in the Final Offensive in Apr 45 when they broke into the Argenta Gap. If you would like me to post your father’s MC citation, I will happily do so. Regards Frank
Many thanks for that Frank.... Unfortunately my mother hated my father talking about his war experiences, and sadly now he has passed away, that is never going to happen. So I am slowly trying to piece together his timelines during that period. I have already applied for his service records from Glasgow at the beginning of July, but as yet they haven't even cashed my cheque. I believe at the end of the war, he was put in charge of a prison camp in Austria holding german officers. It is like trying to piece together a giant jigsaw, but without the benfit of a completed picture..... Once again, many thanks...
Shirts. If you have consider seeng some of the locations that he passed through on the Italian mainland, do get in touch. Regards Frank
