Reconnaissance corps R.A.C

[Alfy Campbell]

Looking for any information on a Sgt James Campbell
Army no 3246947
56 regt, he was killed on 14 April 1945 Age 25
Parents Richard who was in ww1 HLI and Margaret Campbell from Allaton Lanarkshire.  I know he is remembered in honour @ Farnham war cemetery.  If any you kind specialist would like to help me paint a picture of his service leading up to him been killed.

[MaxD]

His individual service record will still be held by the Ministry of Defence and can, subject to the conditions, be applied for.:
https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

A Google search on 56 Reconnaissance Regiment brings up quite a lot of good general stuff.

One bit of information from his Commonwealth War Graves Commission entry https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2237055/campbell,-james/
is that he was originally buried with 2 other men from his regiment who died on the same day somewhere other than in the cemetery in which he now lies.

MaxD

[Alfy Campbell]

Max thank you for your quick reply, you have not been forgotten for the help in the past of both my great grandfathers in ww1 sorting out a complicated situation concerning his DCM.

[MaxD]

It is then an even greater pleasure to assist.

MaxD

[ShaunJ]

The war diary of 56 Recce records that an M8 ( a Greyhound armoured car) was blown up on 14 April 1945 with the loss of three killed.

http://ww2talk.com/index.php?media/resized-p2250797.9245/

[Alfy Campbell]

Thank you Shaun, it’s amazing what information you guys can provide.

[ShaunJ]

"the M8's characteristics were summarized by one Armoured Car Regiment as having a magnificent cross-country performance and being capable of crossing Class 9 bridges, but being found to be difficult to reverse and extremely vulnerable to damage from mines (the thin steel floor armour, only 1/8 to ¼-inch thick, having frequently to be reinforced with sandbags to provide adequate protection for the car’s crew)."
https://ww2db.com/vehicle_spec.php?q=410

[MaxD]

Good spot ShaunJ

MaxD

[Alfy Campbell]

Thank you I have another nephew of my great grandfather.  (Thomas Owen) who was killed in Burma 25 May 1944.  Cameronians.  (possibly serving with Chindits - allied special forces.  can any you guys dive into your archives for him.