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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: liverbird09 on Tuesday 04 August 15 16:05 BST (UK)
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This postcard photo has several signatures on the reverse, including my Dad's. I have no information other than Iraq 1942-43 is also on reverse.
The original photo' is in a sad state, some of the names being difficult to read but will do my best:
Norman Lemm (Wolverhampton)
Albert Hislam (Leeds)
Len Sheasby (Birmingham 21)
Bob Knowles (St. Helens)
Dick Lockwood & other (London)
Eddie Hunt.
Chadwick (Bolton)
Roy Ellen
It would be great if someone could add any information....I don't have any army record details. Many thanks.
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I'll resize, sorry. ;)
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This time maybe.
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What unit was he with?
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I have no information at all, Drew.
My Dad survived the war but died when I was young.
There may be a slim chance that someone will have an ancestor in the photo, who could possibly supply battalion or unit info. The photo has postcard details printed on the reverse, so I suppose it was given to all the men to send home, maybe.
Regards.
LB
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Could be Lines of Communications supply chain from Basra on the Gulf?
It was a supply route up to our Allies, the Russians.
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Could be Lines of Communications supply chain from Basra on the Gulf?
It was a supply route up to our Allies, the Russians.
Yes, and they could be RASC or REME. Three trucks of same design but many uses. Canvas? covered large tent on right. Might be a workshops. One truck has half hearted attempt at 'mickey mouse' camouflage. Sheepskin over jackets for cold nights.
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When my dad left the UK in November 1941, I believe the division that he sailed with was planned to be going to Basra, but en route. Plans changed. Most of them were diverted to Singapore. Luckily for my dad, he got off at Bombay, and ended up in Alexandria.
RASC and supplies was an essential part of the Army. It always has been, and always will be.
One of the reasons for our success in North Africa, was that we built up our supplies and reserves,
While at the same time attacking Rommels supply lines to the point when his tanks ran out of fuel.
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They look as though they are shivering.
It was very cold at night in the desert.
Perhaps they are about to have their early morning hot cup of NAAFI tea?
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Thank you, ScouseBoy and Regorian...all interesting observations. I feel I should know more about his time there but the relevant documents haven't survived the ups & downs of life.
He was a good singer and probably kept the boys entertained with his Mario Lanza songs.
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On other threads on "World War Two" on this forum, you will find other photos of RASC in North Africa in WW2 .... I suggest you go and scroll through some of those photos. You may find similar trucks. I believe Iraq was under Middle East Command.
It looks like the trucks were of US manufacture. General Motors products?
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Thanks for your help ScouseBoy. That's a good idea, I'll give it a go.
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My dad collected a lot of photos on his "world Tour 1939 to 1945" He had a postcard of the US Navy troopship he had sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Bombay on. There was a photo of him riding a camel near the great Pyramids. There was a photo of him on the Dead Sea.
There was a photo of a wedding reception in Alexandria after two sergents had got married to each other.
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Does the truck in the background on the right have a gantry?
S_L
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It is difficult to make it out properly, But I think the gantry looking thing is Behind or beyond the truck.
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I have no information at all, Drew.
My Dad survived the war but died when I was young.
There may be a slim chance that someone will have an ancestor in the photo, who could possibly supply battalion or unit info. The photo has postcard details printed on the reverse, so I suppose it was given to all the men to send home, maybe.
Regards.
LB
The only way you'll know for sure then, is by applying for a copy of his service records from the MoD.
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Would I get a copy of his service records, I could only supply his name dob and address?
I'm still browsing WW2 threads, you never know what you'll come across on RootsChat, it's a great resource.
Thanks
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The trucks are Ford CMP's (Canadian military pattern). I had to look up Google because I disposed of my book on British Miltary Transport in WWII. Getting ever older I am disposing of my library.
They may well have been made at Dagenham or another Ford plant.
Added: Yes, actually the one on the right may be a workshops vehicle, will have a look.
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Would I get a copy of his service records, I could only supply his name dob and address?
I'm still browsing WW2 threads, you never know what you'll come across on RootsChat, it's a great resource.
Thanks
You need name, date of birth and OR Army Number, proof of death and next of kin approval
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Thank you Drew.
Much obliged to everyone.