Stanley Gordon Hirst ~ Rank & Unit

[Tony Freeman]

The following photograph show Gordon serving in Burma during WW2.
He was captured and was held prisoners for several years.
Can anyone identify his rank and unit?
All help appreciated.

Tony F

[MaxD]

The top two pics don't seem to have any distinguishing uniform features at all.  In the third picture he is wearing the rank badge and Sam Browne belt of a Warrant Officer Class One.  His appointment as a WO1 would depend on what regiment/unit he was with.  Guesswork on the cap badge which may be Royal Engineers.

maxD

[Tony Freeman]

Thanks for your help.
That will allow me to do some more research.

[alan o]

The top 2 photos with a US soldier.  The 4 inverted chevrons on the soldier's sleeve are US Army and not British in anyway.

[Tony Freeman]

Thanks for the comment .... I missed that one :-)

[ShaunJ]

His army records are now viewable on Ancestry

https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/62682/records/33416

[Andy J2022]

His army records are now viewable on Ancestry

https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/62682/records/33416

Shaun, I don't have access to Ancestry. Does his record indicate his time as a POW? There is only one Hirst GS (or variants) that I have been able to find among the Japanese POWs records, and that is for 878352 Acting Sgt Gordon Spencer Hirst RA of 122 Field Regt, captured around 15 Feb 1942 and released from captivity c. Oct 1945. Obviously these details don't match the OP's description.

[amondg]

Was he born 10 July 1910, Scarborough  married 1934 .

Your local library will have a subscription to ancestry so you can view his record.

[ShaunJ]

Stanley Gordon Hirst 10533874
Born Scarborough 10 July 1910
Address: 10 Hillside Gardens Scarborough
Wife Charlott Ellen Taylor (married 10 September 1934)

Served with RAOC and REME, rising to WO1 by 1945

India 1941-1945

Was not a POW