Military History

So here’s what I have learned from my Dad’s military record.

He enlisted on June 19 1941, he was nineteen.

He was posted to No 1 Battalion Woolwich. ROAC (Royal Army Ordinance Corps), training I think as an instrument mechanic.

By 19/11/1941 he was part of the 4^th Ant Aircraft Division Workshop. Then on February 18 1942 he became part of the 66th Heavy Ant Aircraft Regiment, Workshop Division. Embarking with them for India 16 March 1942 and disembarking 11 May of the same year.   About five months later he was unwell enough to be admitted to a hospital.  The next date in his record is when he re-joins the 66^th July 7, 1943 until, 16 September 1943 when he is back in hospital again.

The next date in the record is 23 April 1944 when he was on the “Y” List. As I understand it that just means he was ‘unemployed’ On October 28^th 1944 his record has him at the “Mob Holiday Centre”

This probably means that he was shipped back to the UK as he was ’permanently attached to 100(5) OCTU. RAC.  The Officer Cadet Training School, Royal Artillery Company (I think).

He was again admitted to a hospital, possibly Connaught, 16 April 1945. Then Transferred to Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital, which he was discharged from 15 July 1945. Then, 17 July 1945 he was posted to a Static Workshop, number 5 Group.

But he was back in hospital again 14 August 1945. Staying on the ‘Y’ list on September 4^th.  Ten again in hospital, Battle EM Hospital, Reading where he was discharged 29 September 1945. I think he had a bit of leave between then and October 8th when he was posted to a REME Static Workshop. The next day he was back on a ‘Y’ List again.

The next entry say that he was ‘admonished’, and forfeit five days  pay for going AWOL. From 23 Sept and 10 October. Naughty boy.

November 14^th, and he was posted to the 20^th Anti-Aircraft workshop company. The posted to the 15^th Anti-aircraft Workshop Company REME 26 February 1946.

He remained there until he was again on the ‘Y‘list prior to his request for release’ from the army 12 September 1946.

He must have had some leave earlier as my sister was born in July 1946.

Finally gaining his release from active service on December 3^rd 1946.

Interestingly he was not finally released from a reserve list until 22 December 1950. Which was after he, my Mum and sister had emigrated to New Zealand, and a few weeks after I was born.