Edward Parr, RWF 1943/4

[Richard Parr]

In memory of my late grandfather, Edward Parr, I am researching his history and in particular, more details of his time in the RWF during WW2. He is third from the right on the back row of this photo, taken (I believe) in Kent in the run up to his embarkation to Normandy. He didn't talk much about his time in the army, but I do know he worked at some stage as a driver to the CO, was in action around Caen and then travelled through Northern France, Belgium and ended the war in Hamburg. He spoke to me only once about the huge losses his unit suffered during that period.
Curiously he also had a Cheshire Regiment badge in his possessions so he maybe was attached to them for a time.
I would very much like to find out more about the unit in this picture.
Richard Parr3437

[ap1]

4205121 Edward Parr Joined the RWF(probably 12th Bn) on the 17/07/1940. …Does the number match your information?

1st January 1942 the battalion was reformed into 116th (Light AA) RA. Armed with Bofors and under control of the Royal Artillery, although the officers continued to wear RWF badges etc on their service dress. The unit landed with the 53rd Division on Gold Beach Normandy on the 23 June 1944. They saw action at Caen, Everecy, s"Hertogenbosch and Maas. In Dec 1944, with the Germans no longer retaining air superiority, the units were disbanded into other AA Units or backfilled infantry battalions.

A really good page to start your research is below.

http://www.jonathanhware.com/116-rw-light-anti-aircraft-regiment.html

Additionally, this thread below on our site about Walter Hammond by his son. His movements from the 12th Bn to 116 AA mirrored Edwards moves, its almost certain, they would have known each other.

http://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/showthread.php?18678-Walter-Herbert-Hammond-RWF-1920-30-s&highlight=hammond

[Richard Parr]

That's really helpful, thank you. Any clues in the photo?

[ap1]

Yes, for about two years from 1942-1944, they were based on the Davis Estate at Chatham, Kent. Looking at the rank structure in the picture, it will be some sort of Battery picture. Battery Comd, Battery 2i/c, Battery Sarn't Major, Sergeants and men. 30 odd men shown, so not a full strength Battery, so it could also be some sort of training course at Chatham or a small specialist unit, signals or MT Troop within the regiment.

A couple of more pics from that era, of your grandfathers unit, taken from Jonathan Wares 53rd Div website:

34383439http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gifhttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gifhttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gifhttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

[Drew5233]

Hi Richard

Have you considered applying for a copy of his Service Records from the MoD? They will tell you, amongst other things, what units he served with and when he was with them. Armed with that info you'll be able to ID what unit war diaries are available at the National Archives in London.

Cheers
Andy

[Richard Parr]

Many thanks Andy. I have just downloaded the forms from the MoD website. Thanks for the tip.

[Drew5233]

No problem - They can take a while to arrive but don't be put off. When you get them give me a shout and I'll let you know which unit war diaries are available at the National Archives in London.

[Anniek]

records seem to be coming through quite quickly at the moment - my grandma's only took 5 or 6 weeks and came a few days ago.

[Drew5233]

That's good to know - They normally send out an acknowledgment stating 6 to 9 months. That said all the ones I've applied for came around the 3 month mark.

[Sylfan]

Hello Richard

I was interested to see your thread re your grandfathers possible connection with the 116th LAA RA. As stated my father was with the 116th - Walter Hammond. I noticed the large group picture which was posted by AP1 which I have seen before but never magnified to this size. I believe my father is fourth from the left in the middle row.

If you find anymore info on the 116th in your search I would be interested my e-mail address is sylfanfields@btinternet.com.

Regards
Sylfan Hammond

[ap1]

I did wonder if there was a crossover in that picture. Many thanks for the update Sylfan.

[Richard Parr]

Hi Sylfan
Thanks for posting - I believe my grandfather is the chap seated on the front row, second from the right (although I'm not 100% sure). I am awaiting his records at the moment - I'll post any information when I receive them.
regards
Richard

[Drew5233]

Hello Richard

I was interested to see your thread re your grandfathers possible connection with the 116th LAA RA. As stated my father was with the 116th - Walter Hammond. I noticed the large group picture which was posted by AP1 which I have seen before but never magnified to this size. I believe my father is fourth from the left in the middle row.

If you find anymore info on the 116th in your search I would be interested my e-mail address is sylfanfields@btinternet.com.

Regards
Sylfan Hammond

Hi

There are three regimental war diaries at Kew for this unit:

WO 166/7702 116 Regiment 1942 Jan.- Dec.
WO 166/11735 116 Regiment 1943 Jan.-Dec.
WO 171/1133 116 Regiment 1944 Jan.- Mar., May- Dec.

Cheers
Andy

[Richard Parr]

Many thanks Andy. Not having seen war diaries before, what do they contain?

[Drew5233]

The worse you will get is a day to day account of what a unit was doing and where it was doing it. I always say anything else is a Brucie bonus and you could get Operational Orders, Standing Orders, Officer and Other Rank Field Returns, Sketch Maps, Casualty Report, Patrol Reports....The list goes on. Because diaries vary so much from each other you never really know what you are going to get until you look.