Messages posted by: Ian Berry

I have been lucky enough to have been sent a contemporary record of wounded soldiers (attached) which shows Albert as having been wounded on 11th June 1944. The war diary for that period indicates that late in the evening of the 11th the unit suffered a mortar attack, Capt BD Butler MC and five others were killed and several were wounded. Albert's discharge notes (in first message above) indicate that he was wounded 21 days after D Day. It may of course have been possible that he was wounded in this mortar attack and then again later, or that the wounds he received on the 11th June were not as part of the same attack on the unit.

Nick,

Thanks for that, it's something we have never done but I have researched where she lies. We were in Germany at the time and it wasn't until many years later that we discovered this and then never got round to it. Not even sure if there is a headstone.

Ian

Incidentally Nick, I have just spotted you are in Godmanchester.

My wife's Grandmother (Helena Wodka, formerly from Poland) died 1986 and is buried in Godmanchester cemetery.

Small world

Ian

Yeah thanks Nick,

I was exploring all avenues. I applied for my own 24 years worth of records and it took about 6 months before the postman arrived with a wheelbarrow.... every letter, signal, confidential report etc etc.

Sometimes on forums you get background information which may not be available in official records - Incidentally, my pal wasn't aware that Leonard also served so that's another avenue I will probably get to investigate, although he is particularly keen to try a corroborate his deceased grandfather's stories about raids they were involved in. I will do some digging on the activities of 12 and 3 Cdo for this period.

Thanks again for your input.

Ian

Nick thanks for that information which gives me a direction to aim at.

Albert had a brother called Leonard Roy Swadling and Langley would fit as it is very close to Slough, and I am aware that some of the family lived there. There were 7 boys and 4 girls in the family.

I would really welcome anything you might be able to add.

Many thanks

Ian

Hi guys.

This is an initial enquiry regarding the grandfather of a good friend who has asked me (being ex Army) if I can try to gather together some information for him.

It relates to 5387712 Sjt Albert Edward Swadling born 9th Oct 1919
Called up 20th Oct 1939
Initially with Ox & Bucks LI

His disbandment document details the following:
This NCO joined up on the outbreak of war and saw service in France - After Dunkerque he volunteered for Commando Service, joined the Special Raiding Section with which he operated on the French and Norwegian coasts. In 43 he went to Italy & Sicily. He also landed in Normandy on D Day and fought there until he was wounded 21 days later.

Signed by CR Lamb Capt RM

Albert served I believe with 4 Cdo Bde Sig Tp

I am hoping to get some leads regarding the actions of this unit pre and post D Day, and where possible his medal card, to further my investigation for him.

Many thanks
Ian Berry