A Squadron, 8 Kings Royal Irish Hussars. June 1944

Discussion in 'RAC & RTR' started by Detsandsqibs, Jun 13, 2020.

  1. Detsandsqibs

    Detsandsqibs Member

    I am trying to confirm in which A Sqn Troop (8KRIH) Cpl Alan Howard served immediately and during Villers Bocage/ Brigade Box around 12-15 June 1944.
    He certainly served with Bill Bellamy in 3 Troop from around 19 June, and Bellamy’s book indicates that Cpl Howard was a survivor from 3 Troop’s action on 12 June. However, I have some personal records, and a photo taken just before departure for Normandy that indicate he was in 4 Troop. I have other Troop photos, also from May 1944, which seem to be at odds with some of the war diary details of who was in, and who was leading each Troop!
    I know it is a bit of fine detail but any help or info anyone can offer would be hugely appreciated.
     
  2. 8thDesertrat

    8thDesertrat Durham Desert Rat!!

    Hi, it's been a long time since I've been on here, but I interested in your post about Cpl Howard. My Grandfather was 3 Troop A Squadron Sgt JGW Clough. I'm afraid I can't help with your request other than I have some notes on the third tank in 3 Troop was Airgead Sios and Alan Howard, along with Tpr Smith, 'don't talk pith Smith' were in it.
    Your mention of the photo has my upmost interest as if it was taken in Bognor Regis, which I suspect, it would have my late Grandfather on it. If so I would be incredibly grateful if I could have a look at it as we only have 3 photos from this period as my Gran burned almost everything in a her anger and despair at the news of his death.
    I will continue to look through my research to see if I can help with your questions about Alan Howard.
    My kindest regards
    Derek Clough
     
  3. KevinT

    KevinT Senior Member

    Hi Derek,

    In the notes you have confirmation of the name of the tank? The reason I ask is that I have a couple of photos of a Grant name AIGREAD SIOS II belonging to 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars I also have a Vickers Light Mk VIB listed as AIRGEAD SIOS II from 4/7th Dragoon Guards and wonder which was the correct spelling of the name.
    Do you know what Tank type is was your Grandfather was in?

    Cheers

    Kevin
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Detsandsqibs

    Detsandsqibs Member

    Hello Derek. My name is Mark Howard. Alan Howard was my father. I have a small number of ‘Troop’ photos from Bognor 1944 including one supposedly of 4 Troop which includes my father. My dad had identified many of the individuals in each photo but alas, none were of your grandfather. He could be on the photos of course but not identified by my dad. I would be more than happy to share the pictures and I will try to forward them to you shortly. However, I do have a photo of all A Sqn which my dad later annotated with as many names as he could recall, including a John Clough (sixth from right, second row from the bottom). I hope the attachment has sufficient resolution.
    I think your grandfather may have had similar service to my dad. He joined 8H in early 1942 as part of the rebuilding of the regiment after Operation Crusader. He was initially in a Grant tank in B Sqn, in the only B Sqn tank still operating after 27 May 1942 and was one of the lucky ones who survived Gazala. He got back to Alamein in the chaotic retreat of June 1942, and was back in action for Alamein and the subsequent pursuit of the Axis, upto Benghazi when the regiment was withdrawn and sent to Cyprus for 6 months.
    I would be very interested in seeing the ‘report’ of the action on 12 June 1944 and any mention of my dad if at all possible. Please let me know if there is anything you think I might be able to help you with.
    Kind regards
    Mark Howard
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Oct 30, 2022
  5. Detsandsqibs

    Detsandsqibs Member

    Hello Derek
    I’ve attached most of the ‘Troop’ pictures. I have names of perhaps half of those pictured (your grandfather isn’t named). Although my Dad annotated the photos with his recollection of Troop numbers I am not certain that they are accurate, or at least do not reflect the organisation a few weeks later in Normandy.
    I would be happy to discuss anything more directly if you are interested in so doing.
    Kind regards
    Mark Howard
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Detsandsqibs

    Detsandsqibs Member

    Hello Derek (again!)
    This picture is marked NCOs. Hopefully your Grandfather maybe on here.
    Kind regards
    Mark Howard
     

    Attached Files:

    BrianHall1963 likes this.

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