Hello, I found these photographs amongst my grandfather's possessions. I know he served as a sapper in the Royal Engineers in 1940. There were also these photos dated around March/April 1938. Can anyone help identifying the possible regiment details. One has Samhamn written on the back. Thanks for your help.
Hello there Noodles, I think we may be looking at the 17/21st Lancers, (or maybe one of the RTR Light tank Companies... Though 'Bedale' below is obviously 17/21st). The main reason I say that is the similarity in vehicle numbers between one of those India Pattern Mk.VI (probably 'b') tanks, and one posted by Ken Griffin on WW2Talk a while back (from his dad's pictures). Your Grandad's shot - 38246 on the left: Ken's shot 38246 or 38248 : It's not entirely conclusive, as the vehicles may have been used by different units depending on who was posted out there, but something about the dates and the 'feel' seems right to me. Would you mind if I posted your shots on the WW2Talk thread so people can have a look at them there? WD Number Query (and excellent vehicle photographs). - World War 2 Talk Cheers, Adam.
Just to keep things updated, it Looks like a hit on the 17/21st, the team photo with the shield is apparently ""B" Squadron 17/21st Lancers, Winners R.A.T.A. Shield 1937", and Bedale's number was indeed the same as the tank in that photo - 38246. ~A
Thank you. I don't suppose there are any resources that would have a list of who was serving in B squadron at the time of the photo. I am trying to work out the connection to my Grandfather and why he had these as I can't see him in any of the photographs.
Noodles, if you can provide me with your Grandad's surname Ken on WW2T has some pictures with names written on the back he'd be happy to check. The most solid way to be sure of what unit/s he served with, and when, is by obtaining his military record. ~A
Thanks, his name was Ernest Jenner. I know he served in the Royal Engineers 652 Company in 1940/1941. I'm not sure of the connection with these photographs from 1937/38 though.
My Grandfather is on the left. Also amongst his photographs was the chap on the right. The photo is inscribed from Len and is dated 1944. Is his badge from the 17/21st Lancers as well?
Certainly looks like the rather distinctive 17/21st capbadge. RE chaps might have been attached anywhere, or for training, or just some snaps sent by a friend/relative? Have you got Grandad's Army number by any chance? That'd likely tell us what unit he was originally enlisted into.