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ScouseBoy,

The United States government is still awarding medals for World War II service that went overlooked, and the number of stories of absurd military policies is legion.  My own parents provide numerous examples.

After the Normandy invasion, both were transferred to France.  My father, who had been classified 4-F (unfit for duty due to his heart condition) prior to Pearl Harbour, was considered a non-combatant.  So in France, he was assigned to follow the retreating Germans and map the roads and bridges that had not been destroyed and those that could be used to deliver ammunition to the advancing front lines ... on BICYCLE!  And since he was a non-combatant, he was not issued any firearms, even though he often found himself behind enemy lines!

"The Army Way", he called it.   

BJ Bulldog,

That is not only of interest, but it's timing couldn't have been more perfect!!!

Just two days ago I received a reply from the Haynes Motor Museum stating that, as far as they knew, NONE of the buildings from the Marston Magna depot were still standing.  I was disappointed to say the least, and had all but given up the idea of visiting the Yeovil/Sparkford area on my visit to the UK next month.

Your post has changed my mind!  The museum spokesperson did say that the Village pub that my father undoubtedly set foot in at least once is still standing.  Do you know if the manor house where he would have been billeted is also still there?  If so, then I have good reason to visit and photograph the area and will definitely add it to my travel itinerary!  I would also be interested in acquiring a copy of the book you referenced.

Hope to hear from you again soon.  If you wish to email me privately, my email address is len_pellman [at] yahoo.com.

As PDF copies of these previously obscure records become more readily available, it is becoming abundantly clear that a Ranulph (with several variant spellings) FitzAlan, did in fact exist and was a son of a William FitzAlan.  The flanching of his arms strongly suggests an illegitimate descent, but the remaining question is whether is more than one William FitzAlan whose son he could have been.

I believe we'll uncover enough information in the next few years to make a definitive determination and settle the matter for even the most persistent skeptics.

Strathbrook, spelling was not an exact science during the Middle Ages, so most names have multiple spelling variations.  Arundel and Arundell appear to have been used interchangeably for the Earls of that ilk.

However, I have also seen references to Arundells (usually with two l's) of Lanherne in Cornwall.  I know little about them, but found this link that gives some interesting information:

http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1386-1421/member/arundell-john-i-1366-1435