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Author Topic: Need identification of this uniform in WW11. RAF Army, or AirForce John Hodgson  (Read 2080 times)

Offline Jmama

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Re: Need identification of this uniform in WW11. RAF Army, or AirForce John Hodgson
« Reply #9 on: Sunday 06 July 14 22:01 BST (UK) »
Thank you Sharki,

I do appreciate your insight as my father trained in Rhodesia for his pilots license in 1945 before returning to Lincolnshire to train on Lancasters. He had run into a boyhood friend whilst there who was with the Members of the Tin Hats -MOTH in South Africa. The friend was a 1st Class Air Officer of the Fleet Air Arm aboard the HMS Birmingham. Perhaps my dad spent a little time with them before returning to England. This makes sense to me know. You have solvd the riddle kind sir and for that I am very grateful.

Offline alan o

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Re: Need identification of this uniform in WW11. RAF Army, or AirForce John Hodgson
« Reply #10 on: Monday 07 July 14 13:57 BST (UK) »
The Kings Own soldier is wearing the shoulder titles of a part-time Territorial solider - It is probably pre 1940 and possibly pre-war.  He is not serving in the Recce Regt at time of taking but could be when the 5th was still an Infantry regt.

Offline Regorian

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Re: Need identification of this uniform in WW11. RAF Army, or AirForce John Hodgson
« Reply #11 on: Monday 07 July 14 14:11 BST (UK) »
5th Battalion, The Loyal Regiment was converted to 18th Battalion, Reconnaissance Corps and as such was recce. unit of 18th Infantry Division, initially in India, then Malaya. Hence hot weather kit. The Division was captured entire at Singapore.
Griffiths Llandogo, Mitcheltroy, Mon. and Whitchurch Here (Also Edwards),  18th C., Griffiths FoD 19th Century.

Offline Jmama

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Re: Need identification of this uniform in WW11. RAF Army, or AirForce John Hodgson
« Reply #12 on: Monday 07 July 14 16:27 BST (UK) »
This is extraordinary gentleman! I really am intrigued by your observations of the uniforms which is an incredible help to me. On the CWGC site it states the following.........In Memory of Trooper John Hodgson..........18th(5th Bn. The Royal Regt.) Regt., Reconnaissance Corps who died age 24 and remembered with honour Singapore Memorial. 

Thank you Regorian for the timeline for this battalion. It makes perfect sense now and I was not sure if my uncle had served elsewhere before deploying to Singapore. All of you have given me more than I could have found on my own. I guess I should have searched the 18th to start with to follow their tracks. I am more wise for it now!

Thank you all as your opinions are appreciated.
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