Hello everyone, Not sure if this is the correct forum for this question. The photo attached is the only WW2 photo of my grandad that I have. I can't find his name on ancestry or in any of the paid subscription archives. I have no idea about which regiment he was in. I was told by an uncle that he was involved in the d-day landings but would love to get some more information. if anyone has any leads to get me started I would be most appreciative. David
Rather hard to tell with the regimental badge being so small. If that's a sphinx on it, then it would. be The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. It can also be the Royal Regiment of Artillery (from its shape). What nation? Could they be Canadian?
His name might be of help so that others can check their various sources of info. Have you sought his service records?
Have you tried posting this information over on our sister site, WW2T (World War 2 Talk)? It's a bit overly populated with British/Commonwealth types who could probably assist a great deal in your search. Here on WW2F there's an overabundance of Yanks and such who have little useful knowledge about the British regimental system and it's regalia. And please keep us posted on your finds.
This a great forum, thanks for your contributions. He was born in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, so that would fit with the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. His name was Leonard Thomas Redding (1907-1980). I will investigate WW2T as well.
Look at Get a copy of military service records, to obtain records, as anything provided will ultimately be guess work. Having said that, the out of focus cap badge could be that of the Royal Artillery. From the Royal Artillery Attestations on FindMyPast, I have come up with two possibilities: This chap transferred to the Royal Engineers on 5 January 1943. The second is Again, neither of these men may be your Grandfather, apply for his records. Mark
the first part of his service number was 1089, so that fits well. I will definitely go on Findmypast and get a copy of his military record. thank you for taking the time for me.
His service record is not on FindMyPast, you need to get that from the link I provided in my initial post. mark
Royal Engineers' badge was more oval shape. The one depicted has a banner than runs along the bottom of some figure. From it's general shape, that how I suggested the Royal Lincolnshire and Royal Regiment of Artillery (with the motto that goes unspoken, the grass that is never walked upon, the wheel that is never turned and the barrel that is never fired - hey, an Englishman told me that).
Sorry my punctuation is not great! I meant to say "I will definitely go on Findmypast and I will also get a copy of his military record. thank you for taking the time for me."
Thank you for taking the time for me. Can I just confirm with you the badge could be "the Royal Lincolnshire and Royal Regiment of Artillery", with the "and" being important, ie were they a part of the same thing, do you know?
The two are separate regiments of the British Army. The cap badge would be one or the other. Having said that, units of infantry regiments were at times during the second world war converted to artillery. Look at these two pages: Royal Lincolnshire Regiment - Wikipedia & Royal Artillery - Wikipedia. This is the badge of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment: and this, of the Royal Artillery
Looking closely at my grandad's photo I think the Royal Lincolnshire looks more like it. However the government military record will confirm this I guess.
I'm leaning primarily toward the Royal Lincolnshire and secondarily toward the Royal Reigment of Artillery. This is based purely on shape. The "mass" above the banner is bigger with the Royal Lincolnshire that the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Also, I could not discern an apex that suggest a crown on the emblem. Hence my bias towards the Royal Lincolnshire (formerly the 10th Regiment of Foote). I have several books on badges but referred to Ian S. Hallows' Regiments and Corps of the British Army. It's the only one at hand. The RL and RRA are two separate regiments with the former being infantry and the latter artillery. Might I suggest you contact tthe regimental museum? They may even recognize the buildings in the background. Museum is Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Old Barracks, Burton Rd., Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Tele: 0522-528440.
I have sent them an email along with the photo to see if they can shed any light. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate it. David