7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2

[adam180]

Hello althos
Its really good to hear your going to find out about your fathers WW2, your going to find out so much when you get his records back, when I sent off for them it took quite a while as everyone seems interested in family history.
Its sad he didn't come back, I can imagine it might have been something the family didn't talk about because of it.
As far as the Sangro River is concerned I am almost certain the 7th battalion Ox & bucks didn't go there but I will have a look the weekend.
Thanks Adam
 

[althos]

Thanks for your reply Adam. My father was transferred from the Ox and Bucks to the 5th Essex on the 20th Nov 43 (info from Essex regt museum). The Essex at this time were just south of the Sangro River. What I do not know is how and when my father got to Italy, whether he was involved in the Salerno landings or not, or perhaps a reinforcement from UK or North Africa. I am waiting for service records from MOD, An archive search at SOFO and war diaries from the National Archives. Once these are received I will post anything relevant to the OBLI....... Cheers Alan

[althos]

I have just received 5th Bn Essex Regt war diaries which state: 20 Nov 43 - 115 OR reinforcements arrive. (see my post above).  4 Dec 43 - HQ Coy made up to strength from Ox & Bucks LI draft which arrived in November.
 This appears to be a re-organisation of the Bn after losses during the Sangro crossing. It is possible that a similar re-organisation took place in the 7th Ox & Bucks LI after Salerno landings resulting in the transfer of troops to other Regts. I would like hear any info on this from Bob, Adam or others who can help.

[Drew5233]

All the 7 Ox and Bucks WW2 war diary refs listed below:

WO 166/4492INFANTRY: 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. 1940 July - 1941 Dec.
WO 166/8833 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1942 Jan.-July
WO 169/5046 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1942 Aug.- Dec.
WO 169/10278 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1943 Jan.- Dec.
WO 169/16307 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1944 Apr.- June
WO 170/1464 7 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 1944 Jan.- Mar. July - 1945 Jan.

[adam180]

Hello Alan
I think the Essex regiment and the Oxford & Bucks must have some kind of connection, with soldiers going both ways, looking at grandads records he was also in the Essex regiment before joining the 1st Buckingham battalion (TA) in France in the middle of April 1940.

He was just in time to be chased halfway across France after it all kicked off for the BEF.
I'm quite pleased has it happens because I have just found a reference to him joining up with the BEF from the Essex regiment in the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry War Chronicle - Vol I 1939-1940.
Although hes not mentioned in person but with 50 others I will take that, its quite a nice mention as well which turned out true in his case.

all the best Adam
Thanks for the info Andy are these diarys you have got?

[Drew5233]

Hi Adam - Think I met you at TNA a few years ago? I'm the 1940 Dunkirk junkie

No, I don't have any of the above files.

Cheers
Andy

[adam180]

Hello Andy
Yeah thats me, good to see your still at it.
Cheers Adam

[mtrplt]

Hello all,
Very pleased to have found this reference to the 7th Battalion, my Dad spent all his War with them throughout North Africa and Italy. I will post more details if anyone is interested.
Regards,
Bill.

[adam180]

Hello Bill
I would be very interested, I have only come across a couple  of 7th battalion men like your father and my grandfather.
I will look forward to hearing more about him.
all the best
adam