With much-appreciated help from the members at WWII Forums we determined that my uncle was a member of the WWII Canadian Grenadier Guard. I have recently found the attached photo, taken in 1945. If anyone can help with further ID it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bill
Do you have your Dad’s regimental number? To get information on your Uncle. If deceased you will need proof of death and your relationship. You may be able to get a skeletal record, if deceased less than 20 years. It is taking some time to get historical records, as living Veteran records have priority. Second World War: 1939-1945 - Library and Archives Canada Canadian Grenadiers. The Canadian Grenadier Guards - Canada.ca Regimental Diary excerpt 22nd Canadian Armoured Regiment (Canadian Grenadier Guards) War Diary, 17-21 August 1944 HyperWar: The Victory Campaign [Chapter 22] TheCanadian Grenadier Guards began their active service in NW Europe in July 1944 as part of the 4th Armoured Brigade. If you get your Uncle’s records it really is incomplete unless you read about what his unit was doing and the condditions under which they did it. It is why added some other links.
The beret emblem (and shoulder pad obviously) indeed hints at Canadian Grenadier Guards. Seems he was a Corporal at the time according to the double chevron on his sleeve, and he was apparently (though I am by no means an expert and could very well be mistaken) awarded the following Campaign Medals (Ribbon bar right to left): - Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (Overseas) - France & Germany Star - Defence Medal - 1939-1945 Star (according to British campaign medals - Wikipedia) That's about all I can distinguish from this picture.
Those ribbons tell us: 1. He volunteered for service; 2. served in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland and Germany between 6 June 1944 and 8 May 1945; 3. completed non-operational service (headquarters, training bases, airfields) in Britain for a period of (at least) 6 months, between 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945; 4. completed (at least) 6 months of operational service, between 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. This is entirely consistent with the operational history of the Canadian Grenadier Guards, 22nd Armored Regiment, 4th Canadian Armored Brigade: 4th Canadian Division - Wikipedia
