George Harry Birtles

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/09/2022 16:18:45

Jackie you will see AS before that. It means Age and Service Group. Service personnel were placed into groups for demobilisation based on their age and service. So nothing to do with unit served.

:( 45 trained in Lympstone and were also around Bergen.
Belsen, which I know he was near there, so it?s still a possibility I think. :)

45 trained in Portsmouth after forming up in the New Forest area. Hilsea Barracks and Portsdown Hill then onto Achnacarry.

Elements of 45 and 46 were at Belsen concentration camp as they were close by after crossing the river Aller.

I have the Wartime history of 45 if you want an electronic copy.

Hi Craig,

I would love that, thank you. My sister said that my Dad was in the woods on the way to Belsen. They were told they couldn?t go into Belsen as the Red Cross and another unit was there, and because of the Typhoid and TB. I have looked at all of the photos of all of the commando groups and can?t seem to pick him out in any of them. :( Not sure if my eyes are focused on who I remember him to look like??
Do you know when the MOD send records, if they send any photos??
My email is [email protected] thank you again for all of your info. As always. Thx

No photos are sent. Will email later. I?ll bet your dad was in 45 oh he was near Belsen.

45 seems to be the one that makes the most sense, with what little info we have so far. He talked a lot about someone named ?Taffy? to my sister. I?m going to see if there was a ?Taffy? in 45. I know it?s common for a Welshman, but curious to see if there is one.

Exert from Commandos and Rangers of WW2.

There were several I know of. Inc my mums dad. Lists of Marines in 47 commando in link below. Couldn?t find your dad but worth a look.

https://www.47commando.org.uk/

Thank you! I have some reading to do. :)

I just found this picture. Do you think it could be the 3rd signature on my Dad?s paperwork?

3rd signature?

3rd signature

Hard to tell. Peter Winston story is fascinating he jumped into Normandy as liaison to the Paras. Worth a read.

I just received my Dad?s paperwork today, a lot faster than expected. He was in RM 45 :)
A lot was hard to read but can get more info online now I that I know his unit. Thank you all for your help. :)