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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: bb10 on Tuesday 01 July 14 10:51 BST (UK)

Title: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: bb10 on Tuesday 01 July 14 10:51 BST (UK)

Has anyone researched the battalion from 1936 (stationed in India) to 1943?  Very interested in time in India from 1936 to when they embarked Bombay to Egypt in 1939.  Then movements during WW2
until end of 1943 when they were sent to Italy.  Would be so grateful for any info or hints.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: althos on Monday 07 July 14 23:58 BST (UK)

From 5th Bn Essex war diaries 05.01.44 " Bn relieves 1 RF in the area of Bacili and Marcone" This is near Ortona on the adriatic coast Abruzza. 5th essex were part of 19th brigade 8th Indian div. Find 1RF's order of battle for that period and it will give you somewhere to start.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: bb10 on Tuesday 08 July 14 00:27 BST (UK)

Thank you Althos.  Presently only looking for info to end 1943 but will note info for later.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: althos on Tuesday 08 July 14 09:02 BST (UK)

1 Bn RF were part of 17th Indian Bde, 8th Indian infantry div.
Iraq 1942 then through Syria to North Africa
Landed Taranto Italy 24.9.43 then progressed up through italy to the area I mentioned previously.
Google 8th Indian Div for lots more info.
Two books "One More River" and "The Tiger Triumphs" have many references to 1 Bn RF.
Should save you some time.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: Drew5233 on Tuesday 29 July 14 17:25 BST (UK)

You may find what you are looking for in the units war diary at the National Archives:

WO 169/10211 1 Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) 1943 Jan.- Dec.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: bb10 on Wednesday 30 July 14 16:29 BST (UK)

Thank you Drew5233.  I will take note of that for when I get a chance to visit those archives.

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: Drew5233 on Wednesday 30 July 14 20:07 BST (UK)

Quote from: bb10 on Wednesday 30 July 14 16:29 BST (UK)

Thank you Drew5233.  I will take note of that for when I get a chance to visit those archives.

I already have a copy of this war diary if you don't want to wait.

Cheers
Andy

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: bb10 on Wednesday 30 July 14 20:26 BST (UK)

Thank you Drew.  That would be most helpful.  How can I contact you with address details?

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: Drew5233 on Wednesday 30 July 14 20:36 BST (UK)

I've sent you a message :)

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: bb10 on Monday 29 September 14 13:55 BST (UK)

Thank you Drew for your services in obtaining copy of archives.  I am very grateful for your very much appreciated help.
 

Title: Re: 1st Bn Royal Fusiliers 1939 -1943
Post by: Drew5233 on Monday 29 September 14 14:38 BST (UK)

Many thanks - I hope the files are of great interest and use.

Cheers
Andy