Hi all, To introduce myself I am Mike Long from Essex, England. I am 47 and have never been a member of the armed forces but sometimes think I might have liked to be. I have been interested in military history for as long as I can remember and have several friends who are veterans, recently left and current members of UK forces. I have gone on several battlefield tours - Ypres, Amiens, Albert, Arnhem and we used to have a cottage in Normandy near Villers Bocage (sold last year). I am particularly interested in WW2 Normandy and Arnhem but have wider interest in WW1 and more recent conflicts eg Falklands, GW1 and GW2. I am a Royal British Legion member and proud to be Parade Marshal. I can't remember the last time I missed a Remembrance Day parade! I hope to find many interesting threads here - and contribute to a few when I find my feet. I posted a new thread in the films forum re a film I found after years of searching. Some existing members who haven't looked might like www.arrse.com - uk forces rumour site. some of the stuff there cracks me up, some fascinates me and some gets me quite emotional - as they would say, 'getting a bit dusty in here'. That's enough from me I think, now I'll get stuck into the forums. Mike
Hi all, Many thanks for the warm welcome, I think I will enjoy my time here! Forgot to say in my first post I am researching Tank Landing Craft, particularly Brirish LCT3s since my uncle was killed on HMLCT488 in October 1944. The LCT - part of 9 flotilla - was one of 9 being towed to Far East in a merchant convoy under RN escort when a storm blew up in the Irish Sea and 6 of the 9 LCTs were lost. My Uncle was a Petty Officer Motor Mechanic and was lost at sea off Milford Haven in Wales when the craft sank, body never found. I already have many pages of info re the convoy found at UK Public Records Office including CO reports, casualty lists, Board of Enquiry etc. Any advice on where I might find other info on this site or any other research tips? Thanks, Mike
