Records of 6th Battalion RWF - May 1944 - March 1945

[dtaylorcad]

My Uncle William Cadwalader served with the 6th Battalion RWF, joined TA in 1939 - Released 1946.
William was badly wounded on 10/2/1945 during the Reichswald battle.

I am trying to locate the Battalion War diary for the period May 1944 ( when the battalion landed in France) until March 1945. I have a specific interest in the action on the 10/2/1945 when my Uncle was wounded.

Wii was my Uncle and godfather and died on 9/9/1990.

Any help would be appreciated - I have written recently to Bodelwyddan were some records are kept.

Hwyl

David Taylor

[ap1]

Hi David, a warm welcome.

I think your Uncle was 4194733 William Cadwalader. In which case he was the CQMS of B Coy when they landed in late June 1944. He was probably injured in an attack in the Reichswald Forest which commenced on the 9th Feb 1945. They were tasked with securing the North East corner of the forest. A + B Coys led the advance, with the troops riding on tanks. The assault was over by the 10th, they then commenced the advance on the 11th.

My information is from " History of the 6th Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers Europe 1944-45" Only one print. so it's very rare. You may find a copy via Ebay or Abe Books. Its an excellent book and give a blow by account of their war. Your Uncle is listed on a nominal role in the book. He may even be mentioned elsewhere in the book, unfortunately it lacks a name index.

[Drew5233]

There's only one copy of the book Al mentions available on Abe and it's £140.
http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=History+of+the+6th+Battalion+The+Royal+Welch+Fu siliers

There's a few war diaries available at Kew - I can copy any of these (any complete file) for a small fee (10p per page) if it's too far for you to travel.

WO 166/4627 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1939 Sept.- 1941 Dec
WO 166/8930 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1942 Jan.- Dec.
WO 166/12765 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1943 Jan.-Dec.
WO 171/1390 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1944 Jan.- Dec.
WO 171/5283 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1945 Jan.-Dec.

Cheers
Andy

[dtaylorcad]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have only just joined the forum and so am trying to make sure I do things correctly.
Diolch

[dtaylorcad]

Thank you for this response.
I would definitely like to take up your offer of copying the files
WO 166/4627 1939 Sep - 1941 Dec ( I also have access to letters sent home during this period)
WO 171/1390 1944 Jan - Dec
WO 171/5283 !945 Jan - Dec
Happy to pay 10p per page - would a cheque be ok?

Best wishes
David Cadwalader Taylor

[Drew5233]

Hi David,

I'll send you a PM, it may be a good idea to edit your details out above to stop any unwanted contacts. Just to put it on record anything you order I shall pass on to the Museum for their archives, if they don't already have it via the admin of this forum.

Cheers
Andy

[ap1]

Many thanks Drew.


David have you applied for Williams service record? The cost is £30 and they are held by the MOD.

[Drew5233]

Copy of the 1945 war diary on it's way to you Al thanks to Dtaylorcad :)

[ap1]

Thanks Guys. It will be utilised.