6 HAA (3rd battery) gunner Robert Barrett

Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by sophski, Aug 11, 2016.

  1. sophski

    sophski New Member

    Hello all, please be gentle first post and very limited knowledge! I'm currently doing some family history research with regards to my Grandfather Robert Henry Barrett (sometimes found spelt Barratt) who I've discovered was in the above regiment.

    His name is also features in the Saigon battalion record book (aka the prisoner list) - I've learned much from the associated website and some searches on this forum. He was a survivor and a returning PoW form was completed, if anyone knows how I can get hold of this? Or any further information about this group?

    Sadly he died in 2000, but from what I've read it was miraculous he came home- he even mentioned trading his place on one of the ships after Burma railway was completed (Kachidoki Maru?) with a comrade who was more poorly than him, which was consequently bombed by the Americans.

    Any other info/research tips would be great
     
  2. Buteman

    Buteman 336/102 LAA Regiment (7 Lincolns), RA

    Hi Sophiski,

    Here is a copy of your Grandfather's pow form. Not a great quality I'm afraid. Writing in pencil on a pink form does not give a great image. A lot of the POW's of the Japanese did not write a great deal on the form other than name, rank and home address.

    I've also got a pdf file sent to me by the author of the prisoner list of the final saigon party database and he also states in it, that there was nothing recorded other than what I found in the pow form.

    I'll send a message to a friend who has written a history of 6 HAA Regt, to contact you. He is a member of this Forum.

    BARRETT, R.H.JPG


    Regards

    Rob
     
    Last edited: Oct 13, 2017
    CL1 likes this.
  3. sophski

    sophski New Member

    Thankyou Rob, great to see a copy of it, even though it contains limited information...
     
  4. Patwalker

    Patwalker Junior Member

    Dear Sophski,
    Robert mentioned your post on the site but I am about to go away for three weeks on holiday but I shall be in contact on return. You can leave messages with me at Patwalker37srpen@aol.com and I can tell you a lot more about his career and travels with 6thHAA. I have published the only full wartime history of this Regt and his name appears in the survivors list.
    The book is called 6th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt RA and follows their whole story from BEF to release from POW camp. It is available via Waterstones or Amazon or from me direct which I will sign for no extra cost ! Lots of pictures of men and places and 358 pages long. Also complete roll of Honour (495) for the whole Regt and a list of over 730 survivors. I hope to hear from you.
    Patrick Walker
     
  5. sophski

    sophski New Member

    Hi Patrick, thanks so much for your reply, I would love a copy of the book! Am happy to wait for your return so I can get it directly from you... Will send you an email with my postal address etc
    Sophie
     
  6. Patwalker

    Patwalker Junior Member

    Dear Sophski,
    I am finally back from holiday and will try and answer any queries you may have.
    I can be contacted on Patwalker37srpen@aol.com as mentioned before.
    I have no idea where you are based but I live in the Midlands and if you were close enough could take you to see one of the gun sites where your relative may have served. Not much to see now since it is a golf course but it will make sense if you have the book.
    best wishes for now
    Patrick
     
  7. sophski

    sophski New Member

    Hi Patrick, I did send an email a couple of weeks ago, will try sending it again! Hope you had a good holiday
    Sophie
     

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