Grandson looking for Info

[spike]

Hello,
I'm not sure if I am at the right place but here it goes...
I'm of the understanding that my Grandfather Robert Kellett was part of the Machester Regiment during WW2.
I do know that he fought in North Africa and Italy and was captured in Anzio and taken back to Germany as a P.O.W. I also know that he made one escape with a buddy but was quickly captured.
My grandfather passed away several years ago, and though I tried to talk to him about the war it was difficult for him.
I am now a father and want to pass along information to my son one day.
If anyone could confirm if he was in this regiment during WW2 or can give me someinfo regarding the battles at Anzio...or any other info that would be great.
Thanks

[tisgrannie]

Hi Spike and welcome. Have moved you to WW11, hopefully someone will help you asap. Its not unusual to hear that Granddads and fathers didn't like to talk of their experiences.
My father served in WW11 and would chat after a pint occassionally on a Saturday night, before we had TV's. I wish I had asked more questions.
We have lots of info listed and a lot of experienced people on here. Hope you get some info.
best wishes
tisgrannie

[themonsstar]

3534358 Pte Kellett. PoW Camp 11a (Altengrabow) PoW Number 142616. The book "Prisoners of War British Army 1939-45 have him down as being in the Middlesex Regt. I would say its a mistake as the Middx Regt numbers start from 6,188,001-6,278,000. The Manch Regt are 3,511,001-3,589,000.


At the NA Kew,they have 140,000 Liberation Questionnaires (WO344) commpleted by PoWs they are arranged alphabetically by name.

[tisgrannie]

I knew one of our experts would come through for you!
regards
tisgrannie

[harribobs]

hi spike

and welcome to the group

WW2 isn't my field  but fighting at Anzio would have put him in either the 8th or 9th battalions

his service records have not been made public but you are able to apply for them at the MOD in Glasgow, details of how to apply are here:-
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/service_records.html

chris

[spike]

Thanks so much everyone!

[johnmcloughlin]

Dear Spike,
I don´t know whether you´ll see this, as it´s been over six years since the original query, but I´ll try anyway.
I know for a fact that your grandad was on Anzio and that he was in the 2nd/7th Middlesex. You see, my dad was in the same battalion and my research has uncovered many names and stories. One of the boys in his`B´ Company was a certain Private (later Lance Corporal) Alfred "Jim" Parker (also known as "Lofty, I´m told). Jim died in 2013, but his family sent me a 1944 diary Jim kept. In it, Jim lists over half his platoon and their fate. Next to "Kellett" was "POW". Clearly, it is your grandad. I am in touch with 95-year-old Arthur Trevallion, who probably won´t remember your grandad, as he has never mentioned the name, but he was in the same Company on Anzio, maybe even the same platoon.
I´d love to see any photos you have of your grandad and his army mates.
My research over many years means I can certainly give you quite a bit of detail about the 2nd/7th Middlesex in Italy.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
John McLoughlin  

[Wendi]

Welcome to the Forum John.

I do hope Spike sees this too!

Wendi

[rafboy]

John have you tried emailing him.  Click on Spike and you will find an address for him.
Cliff

[johnmcloughlin]

Thanks, Cliff. Have sent him a message but no reply yet. I suppose there´s a good chance he´s changed his e-mail in the intervening six years, so I won´t hold my breath.
John

[rafboy]

As you say John worth a try, hope it works.
Cliff