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World War Two / Re: 42nd Royal Tank Regiment
« on: Wednesday 29 May 13 11:28 BST (UK) »
My father was Eric N Irwin, and I quote a letter to him from Harry [who he?], dated 13.4.45 and written from Ward 4, Routswood Hospital, Newtown Road, Worcester:
"Before I end, I want to thank you, Eric, again for the grand way in which you looked after White and myself. Getting him out of the tank and then getting us away while the road was still under fire - at least, so my memory tells me. I can only think what a good thing it was that the tank didn't brew, because I couldn't get White out myself.Thank yo more than I can say for what you did. Cheerio now and all the best.
Sincerely yours
Harry"
I think the letter is referring to a very nasty fight at the end of March, beginning of April 1945, after which my father was awarded an MC. the 42nd had by then been disbanded and half of the men sent to join with the 44th, with whom they were well acquainted, having fought in the Western Desert with them in 1941 and 1942.
"Before I end, I want to thank you, Eric, again for the grand way in which you looked after White and myself. Getting him out of the tank and then getting us away while the road was still under fire - at least, so my memory tells me. I can only think what a good thing it was that the tank didn't brew, because I couldn't get White out myself.Thank yo more than I can say for what you did. Cheerio now and all the best.
Sincerely yours
Harry"
I think the letter is referring to a very nasty fight at the end of March, beginning of April 1945, after which my father was awarded an MC. the 42nd had by then been disbanded and half of the men sent to join with the 44th, with whom they were well acquainted, having fought in the Western Desert with them in 1941 and 1942.
Does anyone out there have relatives who served in the 42nd RTR? My Grandad served in the tank regiment throughout WWII and we know that he was in 42nd, although I think it was disbanded at some point?? He was an RSM and I feel someone must have some memories/photos of him and his colleagues. All the family photos have gone missing. His name was Frederick George 'Chalk' White.
Before joining the regular army he was a member of the TA in Clapham from 1932.
Hope someone can help
Infinityann
