Private Thomas Fairbrother - 4612616 - The Taking of Bremen

[Fairbrother]

Good Morning - this is my first post on The Manchsters.
I'm researching my great grandfather on behalf of my grandad.

He was killed in Bremen on 26/04/1945 - this is the day that Bremen surrendered at 10:30am.
So I believe he may have died during the night whilst fighting.

I am going to the National Archives this Saturday in hope of finding more information, war diaries, military records and any other information.

We know nothing about where he went during his time in the war, so hopefully I will be able to find out some information and use this forum post to post my findings.

[Robert Bonner]

Welcome to the Forum. 
Your grandfather served with 7th Battalion the Manchester Regiment who were the Divisional Support Battalion of the 52nd (Lowland) Division. Before you do anything else you should try to obtain a copy of the divisional history - Mountain and Flood by George Blake and published in 1950.  This fully describes the activities of the battalion throughout the war with particular reference to the capture of Bremen and is packed with maps and photographs.

Unfortunately long out of print but you should be able to borrow a copy through the inter-library lending system.

[Fairbrother]

Thanks for the information! That's great! I'll look for this book.
I did find out what Battalion he was in and the Division - just no further stories on this.

[charlie]

You can apply for his service record here:

https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

Welcome to the forum.
Charlie

[Fairbrother]

Thanks for the link Charlie.
After my visit to National Archives, I will most likely order this. Thanks.
Had a look online for the book. £21. Is also available at a library in Yorkshire. See if I can get it delivered to a local library.

[themonsstar]

Welcome to the site

Have you been to the National Archives before and do you have a readers ticket?

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/visit/before-you-visit.htm


Best of luck with your rsesarch and enjoy Kew its a great dayout, here are the War Diaries you would need to order for the 7th Battalion.

WO 166 - War Office: Home Forces: War Diaries, Second World War
To see the WD you would need to order WO166/4454 and so on

WO 166/4454
Description:   
INFANTRY: 7 Manchester Regiment.
Date:   1939 Aug.- 1941 May

WO 166/4455
Description:   
INFANTRY: 7 Manchester Regiment.
Date:   1941 June - Dec.

WO 166/8804
Description:   
7 Manchester Regiment
Date:   1942 Jan.-Dec.

WO 166/12618
Description:   
7 Manchester Regiment
Date:   1943 Jan.-Dec.

WO 171 - War Office: Allied Expeditionary Force, North West Europe (British Element): War Diaries, Second World War

WO 171/1339
Description:   
7 Manchester Regiment
Date:   1944 Jan.- Dec.

WO 171/5238
Description:   
7 Manchester Regiment
Date:   1945 Jan.-July

WO 171/5239
Description:   
7 Manchester Regiment
Date:   1945 Aug.-Dec.


Roy

[Sally Moir]

Hello.  Do please let me know how you got on, as I want those diaries too!

My dad was Capt Murdo Moir in the 7th and I am researching as have a few old photos from around Bremen.

[themonsstar]

Hi Sally

Do not be shy and post the pics you have from his service.


Roy

[Sally Moir]

Will try!  Do I post them on this page? ...  and how?

[Sally Moir]

Starting with an easy one.  Think I can upload....

[Sally Moir]

1945 August 16. Wonder if these tie in to war diaries?

[Sally Moir]

More photos

[Sally Moir]

Only one from April 1945 that survives. Also one from June

[Sally Moir]

More of dad (Capt Murdo Moir)'s photos

[Sally Moir]

Last two for now.  Have some more showing bridges damaged. Could load if interested?