William Thomas Pollard - 3 commandos

Hi,
I am the grand daughter of William Thomas Pollard of 3 commandos and am firstly very proud he served so valiantly for our country. Sadly I lost my grand mother last year (my grandad died some years back as well when I was younger) and I am reaching out to find out some more about my grandad and hope someone maybe able to help.

Grandad didn't talk much of his time in the war, I do think he liked to remember some of the things he had witnessed, he occasionally talked to my dad (his son). I would love to find out more about him and his role in the commandos to tell my dad...

Can anyone help and share some experiences they may have had with my grandad or photos?

Thanks in advance,
Melanie Reynolds (was Pollard)

Hello Melanie, welcome!

I'm sure people will be along to help you and offer suggestions. In the meantime, if you put his name and Unit in the Google box at the top you'll find mention of him.

Hope you and your dad find out lots! x

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/01/2017 10:17:20

Hi Melanie, Were your grandparents from Iver in Buckinghamshire ?

We have a record in Commando Association newsletter 111 (Sept. 2000) obituaries section of the death of Gunner William Thomas Pollard who had served in No 3 Commando. There is no other detail.

In Newsletter 114 (March 2002) there is the following entry:

"Mrs. M. Pollard, of ............. Iver, Bucks, ..... would like to hear from any veterans of No.3 Commando who remember her husband, William Pollard, in the Commando. William Pollard joined the Commando in Normandy but only stayed for about four months before returning to Wrexham."

To get details of his full military service the nearest next of kin should apply for a copy of his service record. How to do so can be found here:

http://forum.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/179.page

Pete

Additionally if you have a photo of your Grandfather from his Army days, or in civvies, please scan and post it as an attachment to this forum thread.

There could be many reasons why he left the Commando, if indeed he did, including injury. Your Grandmother may herself have not been aware of all his Commando service details. The 4 months mentioned above actually tallies with the period No 3 Commando were engaged in Normandy before the whole Commando returned to the UK. However they would return to North West Europe for further action and the push into Germany.

The Service Record will confirm hopefully the dates of your grandfather's service in the Commando. If your Father applies a full copy of the record will be provided. It really is the best way forward for research.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 30/01/2017 12:57:36

Hi,
Gunner W.T. Pollard was wounded on the 16th August 1944.

Regards

Danny

5385055 Gnr William Thomass Pollard Royal Artillery (Field)

Your grandfather originally enlisted in the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, before transferring to the Royal Artillery.
He was posted to 3 Troop 3 Commando on the 26th June 1944. He was wounded in action on the 16th August 1944. He may have been posted to HOC Wrexham after recovering from his wounds?

All would be confirmed by obtaining a copy of your grandfather's service records.

Good luck with your research
Guy