Hi, I'm trying to trace more accurately my Dad's steps between 1940-46. He was in the 187th Field Ambulance RAMC. I have photo's that he ttok from his time there, and I evan have a Christmas Menu from Nijmegan 1944 signed by all the lads. I also have quite a lot of photo's that he took when Winstan Churchill visited them in Iceland uring 1942. Does anyone else have a similar interest here or can direct me to where I might find some more detailed information, particularly of the Normandy campaign. Thanks
Some more info on the 49th West Riding Division here, with links to a couple of books: 49th West Riding Division Normandy 1944 - The Polar Bears Any chance you could post some of your photos?
Hi David and welcome. Please post your photos here as we would be very interested to see them. I went to Belgium a couple of weeks ago to see the 65th Liberation commemorations for the 49th Polar Bears Division in the area of Rijkevorsel. There was a Veteran there from that Division (he is the Gent wearing the Sash in the centre of the photo) who served in a Field Ambulance unit, but I don't know which one. I'll e-mail my contact in Belgium to try and find out if he was in your Dad's unit. Have you applied for you Dad's service record or looked at the war diaries for his unit? Regards - Robert
Thanks Robert for your prompt reply. As you can guess, I'm new to this. How can I apply for my Dad's service record and get access to the war diaries? Regards David
Dear David, My dad was also in the 187th Field Ambulance RAMC. His name was John Tiplady and he was originally from County Durham. I know that he spent some time in Iceland before landing in Normandy on 12th June 1944. I have the same Christmas menu - black and white with an illustration of Nijmegen Bridge on the front and 24 signatures inside. If you find out anything, I would be pleased to hear from you. Regards, Robert
David Welcome to the forum, if you require a copy of the book Paul suggests, try the tank museum, they had copies at a cut price, if not pester your local libaray. Oldman
I have just seen these posts regarding 187th Field Ambulance. This unit was part of the 70th Brigade Group which is the subject of a Memorial History Website at www.newmp.org.uk/70brigade The point has been reached in loading material where I have started to document and upload the unit's War Diaries and Manpower returns to the Website. This will take some time (I have only just finished documenting the Brigade HQ and all three Infantry Battalions so am now starting on the supporting units) but I would be delighted to hear from relatives of those who served in this unit - do please get in touch at 70brigade@newmp.org.uk As researchers will know, it is illegal to upload images of the War Diaries, as they are copyright to The National Archives - these have to be transcribed and that is a slow process. The aim is to give families the opportunity to share information and learn more about the work done by the Brigade. Iceland has been mentioned in these posts and I have now made several trips there, including visiting nearly all the Brigade locations. I look forward to hearing from those interested in 187 Field Ambulance - a most neglected unit in history terms - we are trying to put that right! John L Dixon 70th Infantry Brigade Researcher North East War Memorials Project
Hi John I had a quick look at your website, very interesting. I wondered if you came across in your research in Iceland where the 69th Field Artillery were stationed? My Grandfather served with them so interested if you had this information. Thanks
Hi, I'm back on the forum after such a long time. I've been sorting through so many things including my Dad's stuff. He was 187 RAMC during ww2. I've got so many photographs as he was a keen photographer. From Iceland and Churchill's visit and photographs in Normandy and Holland. I've got the signed menu from Nijmegen Bridge Christmas 1944 and his first uniform flash with the bear facing downwards. Anybody interested? David Lamb
Very interested in anything related to their initial battles in Normandy up to the end of July 1944. Thanks.
Hi All MY father was a company commander with the Hallamshire battalion near Tessel Wood and was hit in his spine while leaving an 'O' Group. What medical units would have handled him? RAP are they Hallam men? He hated being hoisted up from the dock on a stretcher and swung over onto the ship. He arrived at a hospital (had been a mental hospital) possibly in Hampshire. Where they let him sit which resulted in him getting bed sours. So he was moved briefly to a London before moving on to wonderful Stoke Mandeville where he joined a ward (2X) full of paraplegic patients who teased the nurse. What medical units would have treated and evacuated him ?
Has anyone got the June 1944 War Diary of 146 Field Ambulance or details of adjacent CCS, ADS & 16 FIELD DRESSING STATION? Also looking for a photo of a LST carrying stretcher casualties. Thank you
Hi, The IWM has a series of photographs which show evacuation by LST from Normandy - it's from August 1944 but I imagine the process was similar in June. https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/...0&media-records=records-with-media&style=list Regards Tom
June 44 - How were casualties evacuated by HST from Gold beach area? Dad remembers being lifted through the air on his stretcher. So where was that and did they sail to Southampton? Thank you Bill
