Hi All - New here, first post so apologies if this isn’t the right place for the thread. I am in the initial stages of writing a book about the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry during WW2. The book will follow them throughout the course of the war, but will be focused on the soldiers and their stories (similar to Band of Brothers etc.). A personal, intimate portrayal of the regiment. My question: does anyone have any family members that served with the Ox & Bucks that have any personal letters, diaries or stories that they’d be able to share with me that could potentially be added to my research and eventually, the book? It’d be great to have a more personal side and find some stories, diaries and letters that aren’t as widely published as some Officers and Soldiers in the Ox & Bucks. I’d appreciate any help or direction possible. Regards, Jak
Jak. Are you looking at a specific battalion or every battalion in the Regt for the whole of the war? Regards Frank
Hi Frank - At this stage, the all of them across the whole duration of the war. I'm trying to piece together everything and then narrow it down from there, highlighting certain battles and/or stories creating a timeline of events which form the basis of the book. Thanks, Jak
It may complicate things but the OBLI Museum and possibly the County Archives could be useful sources of unpublished personal accounts.
I've been in regular contact with SOFO and once they're reopen, I'll be visiting but thought it was worth a shot to see if there was any unpublished personal accounts that some people might not have thought about being published or not thought it was significant etc. Appreciate it.
Not an account or anything, but a document that may be of interest Casualty Service and Paybook Collection I have a couple more Service books to OBLI lads who were wounded, probably not really enough info to tell their stories, but if they tie in with actions you are covering they may be of use/interest
You'd assume the museum would have links with regimental associations, but the 'theatre' associaions, e.g. Normandy Veterans, Burma Star or even the RBL might be worth asking.
Jak. I have quite a lot of stuff on 7 Ox & Bucks LI's time in Italy but not personal photos or recollections. Regards Frank
Hi, I have just seen this most and would be interested to know if you have any information on my grandfathers time with the 7th ox and bucks. He transferred to them from the RA on 11 July 1944 and was with the regiment until he was transferred to the Queens Royal regiment on 6 January 1945.
Lee. That would place him at Gemmano for the attack on the Gothic Line in Sep 44. Start a conversation if I can be of help with detail. Regards Frank