No.2 commando Salerno 1943

My uncle Charles Holmes was injured at Salerno is there a list of men injured so I can find his group and service number. He was blinded with shrapnel and spent the rest of his life in Coney Hill mental hospital in Gloucester until his death in the 1970s. I WOULD LIKE A ROUTE TO FIND ALL HIS ARMY YEARS BUT OTHER SITES NEED SERVICE NUMBER OR GROUP.
David Short cheltenham

David,
Was your uncle's full name Charles William Holmes born 20th September 1915?
Guy

Thanks Guy it may be William not sure the only thing we know is he was born around 1915 or 1916 to parents Samuel Richard holmes and Anniesland Evans in Charlton Kings Cheltenham. I am afraid my family were all very close but did not relay any backgrounds.I assume he joined the army in 1939 but no idea if he was in another regiment. I only know he was a green beret because I have seen photos but do not have any now.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 02/05/2020 14:31:14

David,
I believe that Charles William Holmes (born 20th September 1915) is your uncle. In 1939 he was a plumber residing at 3 Charlton Cottages, School Road, Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, with Emma Evans (his grandmother)
His army service number was 5682443 and he was serving with the 7th Battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He was wounded in action at Salerno, Italy on 9th September 1943.
News of his wounding was reported in the Gloucestershire Echo 11th October 1943. His father, S.R. Holmes, is mentioned.
You could apply for his service records which would confirm if he served with the Commandos?
Good luck with your research
Guy
P.M. me and I can send you the full page from the Cheltenham Echo

Hi David,

As Guy suggests, you should apply to the MoD for his service records...
The MoD is the only custodian of WWII service records - so please don't bother wasting you money on commercial online genealogy site such as Forces War Records, Ancestry or Find My Past etc. Despite their claims, they will not have his record.

You will need a copy of his death certificate - if you do not have one you can obtain one from the Gov.Uk website.
You will need either his service number OR his date of birth
You'll need to fill out the two forms (links below)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/711147/20180524-request_service_details_NOK_part1_v6.2.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/869588/army_application_part2_final.pdf

And there is a one off fee of £30

Any questions, email. pm or post in this thread...

Nick

Guy you are brilliant it is Charlie, so pleased after using other sites, a good week to remember him and all those who fought.
Nick also thanks for your advice.Guy can I order from the site any copy of his service number etc.

Guy you are brilliant it is Charlie, so pleased after using other sites, a good week to remember him and all those who fought.
Nick also thanks for your advice I will send details because I know be was a green beret and would like to have all his records, after Salerno he did not have a life and should be remembered.
Thanks
David