2nd Battalion within the Buffs

[ClementsM]

Hi All,
Just looking for some advice / answers regarding my grandfather’s time during WW2 with the 2nd Battalion within the Buffs;
Our family doesn’t know much about his time during WW2 because like many other veterans he never really spoke about his time overseas.
I have included his service records below and have some questions if anybody is able to help
By looking at his service records it appears he was part of BEF in France – I have searched this via the internet and it appears BEF in France withdrew via Dunkirk due to the strong advances of the Germans and many of the British Regiments were evacuated – my grandfather was one of them however we don’t know much about what his regiment did during this period in France – any ideas?
We have no idea what would have happen during his 169 days with the Army Reserve would he have been in the UK or overseas?
One of my main questions would be during his latter time in the army – there is no mention of his time spent in Italy within his service records only his time spent in North Africa – could it be that they failed to mention his time spent in Italy or would this just be combined with his service spent in North Africa? Any ideas?
He defiantly spent time in Italy because i have his service medals which includes European Star for his time in France / the Italian Star and the African Star
My father was also told that he was as present during the Battle of Anzio.
Many thanks for your help

Country   From   To   Years   Days
Home     30.08.38     15.9.39   1   17
B.E.F France   16.9.39   24.5.40   _   251
Home   25.5.40   8.12.40   -   198
Army Reserve   9.12.40   26.5.41   -   169
Home   27.5.41   19.2.43   1   269
North Africa   20.2.43   26.11.43   -   280
Home   27.11.43           24.3.44   -   118
         5   208

[Drew5233]

You should look on WW2 Talk in the 1940 section of the forum. I have posted lots of info on this Bn during 1940 - Probably more than anywhere else on the net.

If you want any copies of his battalions war diaries give me a shout - I offer people a war diary copying service at 10p per page and I'm currently giving away copies that I have for free if another unit diary is ordered. A kind of buy one get one free

[ClementsM]

Hi Drew,
Thanks for the reply.
I am struggling to locate the WW2 Talk forum area you have mentioned – can you point me in the right direction?
To your second point – how many pages are available of the diaries?
Thanks,

[Drew5233]

Here is a link to the 1940 section of the forum

http://ww2talk.com/forums/forum/63-1940/

Ref diaries I only have the 1939-40 one up to their evacuation from France and a copy of the personal diary written by their CO on the campaign. They contain over 200 various pages so would normally cost over £20 at my rate of 10p per page but I'm giving away the war diaries that I already have for free if another one for the same unit is ordered, a kind of buy one get one free to help build up my war diary portfolio.