Looking for info on Patton's tank troops, starting in Africa to France

My grandfather - Charles (Chuck, Charlie) Barrand (signed up in Indiana) - served in a tank under Gen Patton, was there on the invasions first day in Africa and made it all the way to France until something happened and he came home with two blown out knee caps.. spent couple months in the army hospital..
That's the entire story we know. His records - we were told - were involved in the archives fire back in the 70's (i think thats the time frame).
Looking for any and all links, stories and fellow soldiers, if any still around. Any photos you have that may show a tank and crew under Patton (to check for faces and name badges if even possible)

 

Based on the limited information above it sounds like your grandfather served in the 2nd Armored Division in either the 66th Armored or 67th Armored Regiment. There is a slim possibility that he served in the 70th Tank Battalion which was habitually attached to the 2nd AD or the 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion which was an organic unit to 2nd AD with light tanks and armored cars. These are the best unit fits for units under Patton in Africa, Sicily and France.

You could check with the 66th or 67th Armored Regimental Associations for any unit roster information that may contain his name.

There are two Charles Barrands in the NARA Enlisted database but this is the one closest to match.


SERVICE NUMBER 15103433
BARRAND CHARLES P
STATE OF RESIDENCE INDIANA
ALLEN COUNTY
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT FT BENJAMIN HARRISON INDIANA
Enlisted 1942
Born 1922

 

Yes that's him.. thanks for the tips! I'll contact those associations and see what they have!
Thanks a ton

 

I checked the roster for the 67th Armored Regiment and didn't find anyone by that name.
I don't think the 66 AR wrote a history so don't have a roster. I don't see him as a member of the 2nd Armored Association when they published the book in 1991. I'd try the nearest VA office and see if they can get some records on him. His records may be in the VA Archives in St. Louis but your regional office should be able to find out. Dave

 

I will tell you a brief story my Uncle Vern told me. He joined the army early in the war, when they didn't have the bootcamp facilities they do now. Basically they threw everyone on a ship, gave them uniforms and taught them to salute. When they got to North Africa, they were in a rear area, in tents, where they were to spend 2 weeks just acclimating to the terrible heat. It got boring pretty quickly.

Sometime around the end of the first week, they were called out in formation and it was mentioned that the following day, early in the morning, they would be doing a voluntary 2 or 3 mile hike, with nothing but web gear and canteens - no weapons, no packs, just a nice easy stroll. It was strongly recommended that everyone do this to help them acclimate, and my Uncle Vern, despite being told not to volunteer for anything, was bored, and went on the hike. The soldiers that stayed behind in the shaded tents laughed at them when they came back sweaty and wiped.

The following morning, they were called into formation again, and were told if they heard their names called off the roll, they were to step forward. My Uncle Vern was one of the ones called, and was beginning to think the previous day had been a mistake, because they called all the guys who had been on the hike. Then they were dismissed, and told to report to the mess hall for breakfast, leaving all the guys who hadn't gone on the 'voluntary hike' still in formation.

They heard a Sergeant yelling at the other recruits, and after breakfast they went out to find that the guys who stayed behind were all kitted up in full combat gear with weapons, ammo and everything else, and they were being run up and down a sand dune until they puked. My Uncle Vern and the others returned to the relatively cool shelter of the tents, the lesson clear.

BTW - He fought under Patton for a time (he was reassigned and 'loaned' to the 501st I believe) and he really liked him, which truthfully surprised me a little. He said he'd follow him anywhere, and that Patton wasn't afraid to get right down in the mud with them. he said he really had guts.

 

That's a great story, Morg. Thanks for sharing it. Reminds me of Basic Training at For Sill. :camo: