626 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers: Information

Hello everyone,

I am researching a relative who served with the RE 626 Field Squadron, he enlisted in 1939 and served in North Africa. He was KIA in Italy on the 3rd of September 1943 at the start of Operation Baytown. Does anyone know who they served with and what they were doing on the date he was killed. I have no photos and very limited information. He is buried in the Salerno War Cemetery.

 

Any use -FMP

 

From FMP

 

Thank you very much, Arthur is my relative. Any information is welcome.

 

Wow, thank you very much. I've never seen this, this has really helped.

 

Welcome aboard. There is plenty of knowledge and expertise here.

We always recommend applying for the Service Record. It is the definitive account of his service. Yes, it can take time and regularly has good and disappointing responses. A very short note (copied from Clive): you will need his date of birth and death cert available here for £7 https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/ Link for service records
Select the service - Apply for a deceased person's military record - GOV.UK

It might be worth checking if there is a local newspaper article about him. Most public libraries have access to the British Newspaper Archive when in the library, not online.

On your current information he has not appeared here before today.

Some research tips, now a four pg. PDF available on: WW2 Soldier Research - Tips and Links for New Researchers (update) Plus: How to Start a new Thread / Edit Post / Upload Image

 

There are two previous threads on 626 Field Squadron and I've just skimmed through them. Only one is of value, even if the focus is a post-war loss of a group from the unit, it started in 2009, however in 2017 Posts 41 & 52 by Stuart Avery may help, as he has a copy of the book used. See: 626 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers

Oddly the list of casualties does not include your subject! The book has a similar earlier gap too.

Stuart is a regular here and I will send him a message that you've joined (you can only use the PM or Conversation option after x5 posts).

The other thread from 2013 has a photo at the end which may help. See: finding my grandfathers records Lance Corporal Len Sewell RE

 

Thanks, I have applied for a Service Record but it will take some time to reply so mostly trying to find information to see if anyone had information. Going to search some local newspapers to try find something.

 

Many thanks, It is strange that he isn't appearing there. Could he have been assisting with another unit at his death? I unfortunately do not know what Arthur looked like so the image may have him in.

 

The next card and screen shot from FMP

 

Thanks very much, would he have changed from 6th Field Squadron to 626 Field Squadron when he arrived at Egypt?

 

[QUOTE="History_Man, postThanks very much, would he have changed from 6th Field Squadron to 626 Field Squadron when he arrived at Egypt?[/QUOTE]
That was the next card or reverse, I am only still finding my way but hope some of the lads will have knowledge to help.

This is a casualty card thanks to FMP

 

That was the next card or reverse, I am only still finding my way but hope some of the lads will have knowledge to help.

This is a casualty card thanks to FMP
[/QUOTE]
This really helps, thank you so much.

 

The Reference to 3rd Training Battalion in 1940 they where at Ripon my father went through the same training unit, reference to the book on 626 Fld Sqn covers the time they where attached to 6 Armoured Division running from late July 1944 to 1945.
Titled The Royal Engineers Sixth Armoured Division

Also 626 Fld Sqn went through many changes from 6 Fld Sqn to 6 Rocket Sqn then from 6 Rocket Sqn to 626 Fld Sqn .

 

Thanks, that is very helpful. I never knew they changed name during the war.

 

Hi David,

got your PM. Give me some more time to read the above. I will reply in time if it's of use?
Give me a prod if I forget.

I know the book is on the shelf. To be honest, I've not read all of It. It is a rare book that came with a kind of cardboard box. The book slids in the box.

Edit.

6th British Armoured Division off the top of my head.

Regards,
Stu.

 

3 Sept 1943
Squadron landed in Italy George sector MR or NR (Typing on report is not good) 4551.
2192663 Sgt Schroeder A R and Spr Woods N E Killed by tip and run air attack.

War Diary entry 626 Fld Sqn RE for Sept 1943

 

Hi, thank you so much. I never got an email through so sorry about replying late. Is George sector from a map of Italy?