12th battalion The Kings Regiment (Liverpool)

[ScouseBoy]

You may like to take  a trip  to Eden Camp  about twenty miles from York.   

[NickSP]

I am new to this forum but would just like to say thanks to Christine who is doing this research for me and also to you that have replied with possible suggestions as to what might have happened.

The lack of evidence (so far) of enemy action between the 10th and 28th January 1941 on that part of the North east coast makes the whole thing a mystery. Maybe he died in a Road Traffic Accident or even as a result of friendly fire? Hopefully the regimental diaries will hold the answer.

Thanks again to all of you for your help and input.
Nick Phythian, Macclesfield, Cheshire.

[ScouseBoy]

Relatives of mine lived on the south Coast of England in 1940.    My Auntie and her four year old son  were walking along the promenade  one day  when a german fighter tried to kill them with machine gun fire.     That is why I think that the most likely explanation for this service man to be killed in action.

Have you tried reading the local papers about the time of the incident?

[NickSP]

No I have only researched on line.

I intended to go uo to the local libraries at some point but Christine who lives in the area has very kindly been helping me out here. Or I think she will be when the snow stops!

[ScouseBoy]

One of the Libraries or County Archives department may have microfiche of the war time local papers.

[c-side]

Hi Nick,

Welcome to rootschat 

I'll leave you to chat for yourself now that you've joined our ranks but would just say that I looked at the local paper for Blyth/Ashington (Ashington being their postal address) at the library last week but found nothing.  I think he was posted further north and I'd need to look at the local papers for those areas.

I had planned to do this last Wednesday at the archives but it started snowing so I came home early - I think you all know the rest.  8" deep in the garden and still coming down!

Christine

[Pete Keane]

Hi Christine / Nick

Funny how coincidental life can be.

I've been reading this thread, and then up pops the Mayor from Blyth on a different forum I use, talking about your very battery!

If you're not already in contact, can I suggest you pm him - that sort of support can be very useful for groups such as yours, and it is quite clear from his comments that he is 100% supportive.

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-grave-photographs/30254-blyth-northumberland.html

Still cant help with your Kingsman though!

Cheers

Pete

[c-side]

Interesting link, Pete, thanks.

It concerns me when someone who obviously has an interest in the subject is asking in 2010 what is going to be done with the buildings when we've been open to the public since July 2009!  I will pass the link on to our publicity man.

He is going to have to tell the mayor of Blyth Town that he's got his batteries mixed up, though (can you tell a politician that he's wrong?  ).  The battery which is run by Blyth Valley Heritage is Roberts Battery, a few miles south.  Blyth Battery is run by Blyth Battery Volunteers in conjunction with Northumberland County Council and English Heritage.

Christine

[ScouseBoy]

You stick to your Guns.