42nd Royal Tank Regiment

[cpercival]

hi
I have just started looking around for info regarding 42RTR.  MY father was a member of the TA at Wandsworth was a tank driver in C squadron. I have a few photos of them in the Libya
 and Warlingham.  His name was Charles Mathews and lived Balham, his brother in law was also an officer there for s short time before transferring to the RAF his name was Basil Deal. Hope this may ring a few bells.

Hi Tokay

My father too was a TA member in Wandsworth and joined C squadron.  His name was George Percival and he lived in Ouseley Road, Balham.  Number 30 where I was subsequently born.  I have a photograph of C squadron taken at Warlingham which I would be happy to share.  I also have a typed up history of the 42nd which I have copied and shared with a couple of people and would be happy to do again.  I have a couple of photos of my father with his tank and crew in the desert but don't know the names of the others and one or two other group pictures.  Happy to share if given contact details.
Clive Percival

[tokay]

Hi

thanks for reply.  He lived at 11 Veronica Rd.
He was captured in Africa and spent the rest of the war as POW finishing of in Stalag IV B from where he escaped towards the end of the war.
I have a few picture that I am willing to share and a documented account written by him, which may be of interest to some.
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[Martin99]

Hi.my grandfather was Leslie staple ford.he served in the TA in clap ham before joining the 42nd RTR in 1939 until 1945 in Africa then Europe via Normandy.unfortunately he died when I was young so I would live any information/photos that any one might have of the regiment.

[cpercival]

Hi Martin99.  I have a history of the regiment compiled from contributions of past members as well as a photograph of C squadron taken at Warlingham prior to deployment to North Africa.  Would be happy to send copies but would need a mailing address.

[Martin99]

Hi cpercival.that would be fantastic.any info and photos would be  fantastic

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[Drew5233]

Here are 42 RTR's war diary refs at the National Archives

WO 166/1415 ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS: 42 Royal Tank Regiment.1939 Sept.- 1941 Mar.
WO 169/1421 42 Royal Tank Regiment 1941 Apr.- Dec.
WO 169/4520 42 Royal Tank Regiment 1942 Jan.- Dec.
WO 169/9372 42 Royal Tank Regiment 1943 Jan.-Dec.
WO 169/15981 42 Royal Tank Regiment 1944 Jan.- Mar.
WO 171/872 42 Royal Tank Regiment 1944 Apr.- Nov.

Cheers
Andy

[cpercival]

Thanks Andy.  As these are not available on line I've requested a quote for copies to be made and sent.  I await the price with trepidation!!  Just hoping it will be cheaper than a trip to Kew.

[Drew5233]

As a rough guide TNA charge around £1.25 per page to photograph war diaries. So it will be cheaper for you to go for the day.

Cheers
Andy

[cpercival]

Thanks Andy.  I just got my quote and, as you say, it was pretty eye watering.  problem is that I haven't seen a war diary before and don't know quite what information to expect and in what detail.  My dad was captured in June 1942 so I have only asked for Jan-Jun of that year.
(
cheers

Clive