War Records - help with abbreviations & interpretation of service records

Hi all

Last page of him in the 13th LAA
What is a Shue mine?
Still moving up and doing lots of different roles


regards

Robert

 

Well done with the diary Robert
Fragmenting AP Mines: The Schu or Shu-Mine is a small wood box fragmentation mine. It measures six-inch by six-inch and contains a detonator and a solid charge. Another name or spelling of this mine is "Shoe Mine" or "Shoe Box " mine. The "Shoe Box" was a favorite among the Germans. Small in size and constructed primary of wood, the Schu is next to impossible to discover with a normal metal mine detector. It seldom kills instead the sinister device mutilates the unfortunate victim.


shumine

 

Hi Rob

Thanks for that and the information.
Would not like to run into one or try to defuse it or find it!!!
Seems my Dad's war experience got a bit harder while he was in Italy and he would have learnt a lot of stuff not related to AA use!
regards

Robert

 

Contrary to the statement by Rob - that the schu mine seldom kills - a friend of mine stood on one while refuelling a Panther Tank which we had aquired when "Smoky" Smith of the Canadian Seaforths was winning his V.C. at the Savio River - this thing jumped up to waist high and exploded with a few hundred ball bearings entering the lower part of his body at white heat into every organ in that area - he died in agony on the way to the CCs - nothing could be done for him - that was on November 11th 1944 - his name - Walter Pollard of "A" squadron 145th RAC - he is buried at Cesena

Cheers

 

Hi Tom

Thanks for that, not a nice way to go. I acknowledge his sacrifice.

regards

Robert

 

Hi Robert
In NZ you can request 1 file per year free, but anymore during that same year costs NZ$25. The documents they send you are copies of what they have on file - not summaries.
Cheers
Wendy

 

Hi Wendy
Pity the Poms did not do the same, I would like to have a copy of the originals, but the summary is at least something!!

regards

Robert

 

Hi all

He was then transferred to the 13th, I remember from somewhere else the 14 was transferred to France? I am glad he stayed in Italy as I think they would have had it a bit easier than those in France/Germany?
Went in as a reinforcement as lots of the 13th were being sent home.
Looks like they did POW escort duties- take POW's to camps? and then were in charge of looking after a camp. Then fighting ceased!!!
I wonder if Dad had a go on riding the horses they had?
I also heard that Dad transported Germans back to Germany, but no indication there? Is it possible?

regards

Robert

 

Hi all

This is the last page supplied to me. Not much to say, changed officers, moved around a bit, went to Rome and disbanded.
But it still leaves a gap in Dad's war service. Would be interesting to find out what he did then.


regards

Robert

 

Hi all

Finally, but by no means least, here he is, my Dad.
Pity the photo did not include his shoulder as it would have shown his rank and shoulder patch which would be great to see.
I am proud of what he did, pity I did not talk to him about it, or have access to these records when he was alive.

My advice to people who are reading this is, if you know of someone in your family who served, talk to them about it while you still can; if you did serve, talk to your family, or at least write it all down, before it is too late.

regards

Robert

PS Note the Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp - so would have the photo been taken in Rome or Italy, rather than back in Scotland?

 

PS Note the Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp - so would have the photo been taken in Rome or Italy, rather than back in Scotland?


Robert

Have a look back within your Dad's records for the date that he was awarded the Africa Star & Clasp. It would have been some time in 1944. From that time on any snap of him in battledress would show him wearing that ribbon.
The photo does seem to have been taken abroad, probably Italy.

Ron

 

Hi Ron

Thanks for confirming that!

regards

Robert

PS If anyone can help with the questions I have asked before that have not been answered, then please do so.

 

I have just sat and read this thread, all very interesting information.

 

Hi BFBSM

Glad you enjoyed it and hope it is of some use, that was my idea to help others as well as get some answers myself

regards

Robert

 

Hi BFBSM

Glad you enjoyed it and hope it is of some use, that was my idea to help others as well as get some answers myself

regards

Robert

It helped me with a few things in the records I have. To interesting and helpful. Thanks again!

 

Dad would have been 90 today.
Miss him and still wish I could talk to him about all of his records!