Black Cat regiment WW2

[bugle boy]

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)

[Jane Masri]

Thanks for posting that bugle boy.  As you said, an expensive book    Will check the library!

Jane

[bugle boy]

hi jane I intend to check my library as well. if no joy, I will maybe search the web for a used copy.

[Jane Masri]

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 

[dawnsh]

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

[bugle boy]

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

[Jane Masri]

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

[Palladium]

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.

[Skoyen89]

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.