Col. William John Simmons MC

[vcj123]

Hi All

I would like some help please



My father was born and bred in Welshpool. He joined the RWF at the outbreak of WW2. His service included India, Malaysia and Singapore during the riots. He then went on to the Territorial’s at Chester and Wrexham. Finally, retiring from the Army in the 1960's. He passed away in 1973 and I believe there is a plaque at the Military Church in Wrexham; I have a scrap book that my father made which includes some of his time during the war. But as a child I don’t think I took much in. If you have anything further please let me know.
I am also trying to find out about my Grandfather Henry W Simmons, he was in the 7th Montgomeryshire Yeomanry.

Kind regards
Vicky

[ap1]

Hi Vicky,

A warm welcome to you. Your Father clearly was an outstanding member of the regiment, many thanks for posting his picture in the gallery

Your father is mentioned quite a few times in Red Dragon. This book was published in the early 60's and covers the regiments history from 1919 - 1945. I think the final entry covers him receiving a leg wound in Arakan. I will try and look at the entries later tonight(If anyone has the details to hand please feel free to post.).

Do you have his medals and the citation for his MC? We would also be interested in placing pics of them in the site, and of course anything of interest from his scrapbook.

Finally, I'm sure one of our Wrexham based members may be able to pop into St Giles and obtain a picture for you....a volunteer please?

Best Wishes

[jungle1810]

Hello Sir,
The second Battalion RWF had a Major W.J.Simmons. M.C. T.D. He was Coy Commander of "B" Company in or around 1954 to 1957. I have not looked at the photo on the Forum as yet. But will have a shufti.
Regards R.B.Donovan (Sjt Late of "D" Coy 2/RWF Malaya.

[jungle1810]

Hello Again,
The picture on the forum is the Major I knew in my days in Malaya.On looking further into my records he is placed in "B" Coy from 1945 to 1955. I have looked to see if he was posted to another rifle Company but cannot find any further trace of him. Possibly he may have been posted E.R.E. or moved to the Gurkha's or even a Malay Regiment.
Regards R.B.D

[ap1]

Further to my last. The first mention is on the 7th May 1942. Your father(a Capt) is involved in the capture of the island of Madagascar with the 2nd Bn. One of the objectives was the Governors Residency at Antsirane, your father accompanied the Commanding Officer Lt Col Stockwell as he entered the building. Following the actions of the 2nd Bn, the town of Antsirane was captured by 1630hrs the same day. Capt Simmons was awarded the Military Cross, for his part in the operation. (I suspect he may have been commanding A Company).

4 Months later on the 12 Sept 1942, Capt Simmons MC is commanding A Company, during a beach landing to capture Majunga(Northern Madagascar). This was Operation Stream. The islands were eventually captured in early October. In terms of battle casualties, the battalion, well trained in jungle fighting, and with a strong nucleus of NCO's had escaped with light losses. However many of the men contracted malaria, and the battalion was classed as unfit for battle for 3 months.

The battalion then spent time in South Africa and India before being deployed as part of the 36th Indian Division in Feb 1944 to assist in the capture of the port of Akyab, Arakan, which was in Japanese hands. By now your father was a Major, and still commanding A Company 2RWF.

In August 1944, the battalion was in Northern Burma, clearing the "Railway Corridor" which from Myitkina in the north to Kathab. On the 26th August A Company and D Company mounted a joint assault on the town of Pinbaw. Your father was commanding his company when, during heavy fighting he was wounded in the leg by an enemy grenade.

Obviously this is just a very brief overview. I recommend you obtain a copy of the book, it has never been reprinted, so is quite rare. you can pick them up on the internet for about £45-50, (try Abebooks) although copies in excellent condition sell for even more. Hope this has been of interest to you, and of some help.

[vcj123]

I have ordered my copy of the Red dragon!!!
I have scanned a few bits out of my Dads scrap book and will post then on this site!!!
Many many thanks for your help you deserve a medal!!!
Kind regards
Vicky

[vcj123]

Hello Again,
The picture on the forum is the Major I knew in my days in Malaya.On looking further into my records he is placed in "B" Coy from 1945 to 1955. I have looked to see if he was posted to another rifle Company but cannot find any further trace of him. Possibly he may have been posted E.R.E. or moved to the Gurkha's or even a Malay Regiment.
Regards R.B.D

Yes I am sure that was my Dad, the family was out in Malaya during that time and then returned to the UK!!!
How exciting that you remember him can you share any of those experiences!!!

[vcj123]

Hi Vicky,

A warm welcome to you. Your Father clearly was an outstanding member of the regiment, many thanks for posting his picture in the gallery

Your father is mentioned quite a few times in Red Dragon. This book was published in the early 60's and covers the regiments history from 1919 - 1945. I think the final entry covers him receiving a leg wound in Arakan. I will try and look at the entries later tonight(If anyone has the details to hand please feel free to post.).

Do you have his medals and the citation for his MC? We would also be interested in placing pics of them in the site, and of course anything of interest from his scrapbook.

Finally, I'm sure one of our Wrexham based members may be able to pop into St Giles and obtain a picture for you....a volunteer please?

I have two large Certificates from George the 6th!! I will get copied and posted on this site soon!!!

I would be grateful for a photo from St Giles, thank you.

Kind regards
Vicky


Best Wishes

[vcj123]

I now have a rough idea where my Dad went from 1938 - 1960's

1938 - Commission
1939 - Brecon/Wrexham
1941 - Crowborough
1942 - Selkirk/ Madagascar
1943 - Poona
1944 - Arakan
1946 - Quetta/Jubbulpore/Lahore
1947 - Jubbulpore/Kashmir/Deolai
1951 - USA Fort Leavenworth
1952 -Tidworth
1953 - Luneburg/Hamburg
1955 - Malaya/Singapore
1958 - 1960's Wrexham/Chester

I have selected a few bits from his scrap book and I will try to upload them if I can get the size of the files down

Exploits
Troops poetry from Diego Suarez
A concert Party!!!

[ap1]

Great Stuff Vicky. I'm sure Don Donovan will be able to give you an idea about your fathers time Malaya.

Try posting the items in the Research Articles and Archives. The link is on the left of the homepage, failing that, post them in the gallery, and I will ensure they are also placed in the Archive.