Capt Schooley RWF - DOW 8 June 1944 Normandy

[Angela G]

Why do you think he was still on the beach on 7th June, or could it be that he didn't land on the beach until then?

[ap1]

Why do you think he was still on the beach on 7th June, or could it be that he didn't land on the beach until then?

I don't think I said that Angela. He was part of 6th Bde, they landed on the 6th June. He was certainly the first RWF officer to be killed in that operation. I don't know where he was injured or how. I assume you have his service records?

[Angela G]

Do you know if there's anywhere I can find out the disposition of British troops on Sword Beach at the end of 6th June and the dressing stations and command posts on the beach?

[ap1]

I think you will need the brigade diary, his death may be recorded within it.

[Angela G]

Yes, I have his service records, which say he was wounded in action on the 7th and died from his wounds on the 8th. My father told me
his brother was wounded on the beach, taken to a chapel and that was hit.

[ap1]

For interest, what units did he serve with prior to D Day Angela?…From the point that he was commissioned?

[Angela G]

He enlisted on 18.4.1939 into 167 (City of London) Field Ambulance TA (RAMC). He was posted to 166 OCTU Colchester on 8/12/39 and was discharged from the RAMC "Having been appointed to a Commission" on 19th April 1940. He joined the Infantry Training Centre RWF at Wrexham on 4th May 1940.

He was at Southwick House immediately prior to D-Day.

I was told that he was Acting Brigade Major when he was wounded but, so far, I haven't been able to confirm or deny that .

[ap1]

I was told that he was Acting Brigade Major when he was wounded but, so far, I haven't been able to confirm or deny that .

Thats very possible, he was Adjutant of the 13th Bn RWF, some 5 months after being commissioned. That, even by wartime standards is rapid advancement. Clearly an outstanding staff officer.

I still think the Brigade War Diary is your best chance of finding out more. I've just been looking through some old regimental magazine items. The Swansea Branch of the RWF Comrades visited his grave in 2006, laying poppies and a short period of remembrance.

[Angela G]

I'm waiting for an estimate from the National Archives for a copy of WO 171/616.

Do you know if there's anywhere I can find out the disposition of British troops on Sword Beach at the end of 6th June and the dressing stations and command posts on the beach?

[ap1]

Have you tried: http://ww2talk.com/forums/forum/4-main-ww2-talk-forum/

Quite a few experts in there.