Looking for information on my grandfather, Harold Wilkinson
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulkwilkinson/4037056452Born Sep 1923 in Chorlton, Lancashire
Served in the Manchesters in WW2 in the 7th Manchesters, as part of the 52nd 'Mountain' division.
He was the driver of a Cardon-Lloyd Bren Gun Carrier we have photos of him with the vehicle, which following some more research does i ndeed have the 52nd's markings (62 in a black sq to the front right, crossed swords on a black sq to the left - we even have the vehicle number if that helps!).
We are unsure of his rank, but he is wearing the Fleur-de-Leys cap badge, 'Manchesters', 'Mountain' - (with shield) and some rank marking (unclear).
We are certain he trained in the Cairngorms and on Mont Blanc as my father recalls discussing it with him many years ago.
He was awarded the 1939-45 medal, the Defence medal, the France & Germany star and the Burma or Africa star. We have other medals but cannot be sure they belong to him.
I have a copy of Mountain & Flood (wonderful book), which details the exploits of the 52nd in WW2 but find no reference to service in India/Africa and was wondering if he served there prior to joining the 52nd in the mid to late 40's
Married Kathleen Rose Lovatt 12 Apr 1945
Died in March 1968 in Heald Place, Rusholme, Manchester