Identify uniform / location request

[scottsinclair]

Hi Guys
My grandfather, whom I never met, was in the army during WW2. He was from Lochgilphead in Argyll, Scotland.

I've recently been sent a picture of him in uniform. I note the stamp bottom right says "Cairo" suggesting he served there...I'd love to figure out the regiment though if this is possible based on the uniform?

[MaxD]

Mission impossible I'm afraid. His side hat would have a badge on the left side as we look at it but it can't be seen and his uniform has no distinguishing marks at all.  Do you have any medals/newspaper reports/letters??

MaxD

[purlin]

Might it have been 6 Infantry Division?  Just guessing really,  been looking at the following web site https://www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk/docs-middle-east-1930-1947-british-troops-egypt-1930-45.  which points to the troops being barracked at, Mersa Matruh Garrision;
Alexandria Sub-Area;
Cairo Sub-Area.

[MaxD]

Here's the make up of 6th Infantry Division (scroll down to WW2)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Infantry_Division_(United_Kingdom)#Order_of_battle_Second_World_War

 within which were umpteen regiments and corps units.  There were a number of other equally enormous divisions in North Africa.  Brave try but I'm not sure that guesswork would get anywhere!

MaxD

[ShaunJ]

The thing to do is to get a copy of his army file from MoD https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

[purlin]

Point taken Max.

[scottsinclair]

Will do, but is there likely "success" in finding his file since I have no regiment information? I read these requests can take up to a year, too (hopefully not)

The thing to do is to get a copy of his army file from MoD https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records/apply-for-someone-elses-records

[MaxD]

Check out the form required on the link ShaunJ posted.  You do need his full name and date of birth OR service number (plus death cert and £30), you don't need his regiment.  It does take a little time though although I think a year is a bit OTT.

MaxD