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Johnny Downes

Started by Chris Downes, January 07, 2009, 08:07:17 PM

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Chris Downes

My dear dad passed away on Tuesday 6th January 2009, He served with the Manchester's until the end of the war. He would never really speak about the obvious horrors he and his comrades faced, i wonder if anyone had any information about my dad and his mates? Many thanks.
His very proud son Chris

rafboy

Welcome to the forum Chris, sorry it is in such sad circumstances.  It is always such a big wrench to loose a parent.
When you have time to think please let us know which Battalion your father served with, someone on here will come back with whatever information can be found for you.
Take care
Cliff
Cliff P Son of 3525679 Sgt Arthur Phillips 1st Bn Manchester Regiment and RAPC

harribobs

Hi Chris

Very sorry to hear that news mate, and i'm sure i speak for everyone on the forum.

You can get a copy of your Dads service from Glasgow, it's quite a simple procedure and it should tell you where he was. We can always fill in the details to a degree as well (hopefully) and we'd be very happy to help you decipher it

the link is here:-

http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

chris
"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply
  to serve as a warning to others."

Wendi

Hi Chris, I'd like to add my sympathy for your loss and add that there is not too much generally available with regard to post 1922 service personal, and this information is still restricted, however as harribobs has advised you his service record is available to you, as his next of kin. (in fact if his wife can apply for it, it would be free of a fee)

Do you know which Battalion of the Regiment he was in?

Wendi  :)

"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it!  No matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and with your own common sense" ~ Buddha

Chris Downes

Thank you all for your kind words and help. I shall send off for my Dad's army records via the link posted. He fought at Monte Cassino, was that the 9th battalion?

Robert Bonner

Chris.
The 9th Bn were not at Cassino.
Robert
Robert

Chris Downes

Robert
Which members from the Manchester Regiment fought at Cassino? Dad was very private and non communicative over the war so we are in the dark over his service. I will make enquiries as i have his service number.

Robert Bonner

Chris.

No battalions of the Regiment fought at Cassino.  Both the 8th Ardwicks and the 9th Battalion fought in Italy but not at Cassino.  The only way that your father could have been involved in that battle is if he were attached as an individual to another unit or headquarters.   

He could of course have seen Cassino after the battle and never forgot the complete chaos and damage to the monastery and its surroundings.

Robert
Robert

Chris Downes

Thank you all for your kind words. We have found some information out and Dad served with others as well as the Manchesters so it appears he saw Cassino with possibly the Surreys.

Wendi

Good stuff Chris !  Don't forget us  ;D

Wendi  :)
"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it!  No matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and with your own common sense" ~ Buddha