RootsChat.Com
General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: kustomkuvvers on Friday 01 November 13 15:31 GMT (UK)
-
Hi Jane
l have been looking for information on the ww2 black cat regiment .
my father David Stansby was in this regiment, have drawn a blank in searching for information all l know is he was in italy .
he saw action he did not talk much about any of this. l have a picture of him in the barracks in italy dressed in khakis shorts and shirt.
l did see this uniform when l was in my teens and the distinctive black cat on it .
kind regards Brian Stansby
-
Hi Brian
Welcome to Rootschat ;D
You may have posted your request in the wrong place.
We have a special board for WW2, would you like me to move this there?
Dawn
-
hi yes please it was meant for member Jane masri to read.
regards Brian
-
Hi Brian,
I think my query about the Black Cat regiment was over on the WWII board but some time ago. I did manage to trace the regiments movements by doing Google searches. I'll go & check out my original posting & maybe 'meet' you over on the WWII board if Dawn moves your posting,
Jane
-
hi Jane new to this but have been googling this regiment for any info and today found yours on this forum.
regards Brian
-
I waved my magic wand and here you are ;D
-
Wow Dawn, that was painless ;D
Jane
-
Here's my original post http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=586798.msg4384071#msg4384071
Brian, I know I made some notes on thei movements so I'll dig them out & let you know what I find.
Maybe our father's knew each other ;)
Jane
-
Brian, if you Google, '56th division WWII', you'll get a lot of information!
Jane
-
In case anyone is interested here is a book you may find interesting.it is kind of expensive.but you could check your local libary.
Black Cats at War: Story of the 56th (London) Division, T.A., 1939-45 [Hardcover]
David Williams (Author)
-
Thanks for posting that bugle boy. As you said, an expensive book :( Will check the library!
Jane
-
hi jane I intend to check my library as well. :) if no joy, I will maybe search the web for a used copy.
-
Even a used copy fetches a high price Bugle boy, in excess of $100 :(
I did a search on SELMS catalogue & there are two libraries in the UK that have a copy, Herts & Bucks. https://richmond.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/CHGENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ/55654461?ISGLB=1 Maybe your local library can borrow a copy for you?
As the book seems to have a connection to the Imperial War Museum, I tried to find a copy there but they don't seem to have an online index to their reference books so that might need a phone call!
Jane
Ahh, I see you're in BC, Canada so my idea is not going to work :(
-
The British Library has a copy.
I'm visiting tomorrow and can have a look for you.
BTW, don't ask me to take pictures as they don't allow cameras and photocopies of some items is prohibited.
Dawn
-
thanks jane,I bet it would be an interesting book to read,and a wealth of information.had an uncle who was transferred from the royal ulster rifles to the london irish rifles in 1942 and went all the way the way through Tunisia to Sicily and then to Europe with LIRs,he was wounded in Tunisia in a battle for Hill 286.I think that was the first major battle for the LIRs,they took heavy casualties in those early days.
like I say be a great book to get hold off.B/B
-
Thanks for the offer Dawn but it's something I just want to read so it'll have to wait for my next UK visit.
By the way, where's your avatar?
Jane
-
My father was in the 'Black Cat' - The London Regiment. A bit odd as he was from Westmorland! His ability to drive and ride a motorcycle may have had something to do with it? I have some pictures from his time in WW2.
-
The Black Cats were originally a London Territorial Army Division but by the time of North Africa and Italy the Regiments in it did not all come from a London base. Second, the County Regiments were often receiving drafts of reinforcements from other Regiments and places. As an example, in Italy there was a shortage of infantry men due to the casualty rate and so men were transferred from the artillery as there was less need for anti-aircraft guns.