I am conducting research into the men on the two King’s School Worcester war memorials The intention is to produce a commemorative book. I am looking to find details of how men were killed and if possible obtain a photograph of the individual. Could anyone help with the following casualty? Pte Henry Gardiner WILLIAMS was killed on 9th September 1943 and is buried in the Salerno War Cemetery. Can anyone tell me what was going on at the time? https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2604229/harry-gardiner-williams/ PRIVATE HARRY GARDINER WILLIAMS Service Number: 11403017 Regiment & Unit: 2nd Bn. Hampshire Regiment Date of Death: 09 September 1943 Age 26 years old Buried or commemorated at SALERNO WAR CEMETERY Grave Reference: IV. C. 15. Location: Italy Additional Info: Son of William Henry and Jessie Williams, of Magor, Monmouthshire. Personal Inscription: "ABIDE WITH ME"
Hi Mark, I had a look at the CWGC on line details for Pte. Williams and they threw up another name of a Major D. D. Crofts of the 2nd Hampshire's who perished the same day. I Googled him and came up with this memoir from the BBC People's War Project. Hopefully this might give you some info on what happened to Henry: BBC - WW2 People's War - Donald Delves' War, Part 3: Italy, Salerno - The Bay of Hell
Hi Mark, it may be wise to obtain a copy of the war diaries of the 2nd Battalion of the Hampshire's, or the diaries of the 128 Infantry Brigade. I don't have a copy of either. I do have a copy's of The Regimental History of The Royal Hampshire Regiment Volume Three, by David Scott Daniell & The Story of 46 Division 1939 - 1945.. If needed, I'm willing to send on any info you require? The maps would be of more use to yourself regarding your commemorative book? If Gary Tankard reads this thread,he may well be able to produce the diaries? Frank de Planta may well be able to provide you with a photo of the headstone of Private H. G. Williams when he next visits the above Cemetery? Regards, Stu.
The 46th Division history can be read (in part) online. Transcribed on this pdf. Salerno Landings start on page 39/47 http://daimler-fighting-vehicles.co.uk/The Story of the 46th Infantry Division Part 1.pdf
Nothing like scanning all of the original in colour. Not a easy thing to do due to its size! I've seen a copy going for about £40.00. Lets hope that Mark gets the diaries? Regards, Stu.
I don't have the WDs for 2nd Hampshire's only the 5th. I will be in Salerno next week if you want a picture of the headstone.
Nice one Gary, i would have taken it myself, but i did not know that Frank was going to Salerno this year. I thought he had kicked it into touch. Presuming its Frank that you are going with? I want to do the study.. It being the last one to do. Regards, Stu.
Thank you everyone for your replies. They have been most helpful in building a picture of what happened to Williams regards Mark
Hi Mark I am also researching Harry Gardiner WILLIAMS as part of a project to detail the lives of all men listed on Magor War Memorial. It would be great to get in touch.
