6th Bn. R.W.F. Normandy, June/July 1944

**DJulesW** · 08-07-2014, 14:17

Hello all, I am trying to help a family to follow in the steps of their Father/Grandfather who was KiA 19th August, 1944 whilst serving with the 6th Bn.
We believe they were in the Falaise Gap at the time and certainly he is buried at Banneville-La-Campagne.

Incredibly it seems his Service Records can only be accessed by payment of a fee.

Any useful tips on info. sources appreciated

**Baconwallah** · 08-07-2014, 15:53

I think our fellow forum member Swiper will be able to help. He is not here very often, but you can contact him through http://www.jonathanhware.com/contact.html

His website is well worth a study.

John

**Drew5233** · 08-07-2014, 20:09

Service records cost £30 to the NoK unless either the service person or partner apply, then they are free. If you want to do any serious research then they are essential to build any sort of picture of his service. Amongst other things they will tell you all the units he served with and when. Many soldiers were posted to several different units throughout the war. As an example one of my partners grandfathers served with 4 different infantry units during WW2, we/they had always assumed he was with just one unit until he was wounded.

Regarding what the above chap was doing leading up to his death I would look at this unit war diary at the National Archives in London:

WO 171/1390 6 Royal Welch Fusiliers 1944 Jan-Dec

I would also check the missing men file as it may document his death by a witness(s) accounts.

WO 361/611 North West Europe: Royal Welch Fusiliers; missing personnel

Cheers
Andy

**ap1** · 08-07-2014, 20:32

Or use the RWF Museum's Research Service, currently located at: http://www.bodelwyddan-castle.co.uk/?page_id=1302

This is a chargeable service, but they have access to the War Diary and other sources.

**DJulesW** · 09-07-2014, 10:02

Thanks to all for the replies. Plenty to go at, will keep you informed.

**Swiper** · 10-07-2014, 00:10

Been lending a hand with this.

It seems the Paybook is in their possession as that should answer a few of my questions, got all the 6 Bn material here so certainly can advise sites - when I know at what point he joined 6 RWF.

Key thing - as always - is knowing the ground!

But yes I flick on and off, always best to harass me through my email to get a response.

**DJulesW** · 10-07-2014, 13:27

Anyone able to tell us the title/publisher/isbn of the small 6th Bn. History book.
Better still have one near to us at Ruthin

P.S. Thanks Swiper, scanning Paybook tonight.

**Swiper** · 10-07-2014, 13:34

There is no ISBN or publisher as I recall for that matter. The title is 'A Short History of the 6th (Carnavon and Anglesey) Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers. It was a privately printed job of I believe 300 copies or so.

I have two copies, one belonged to the Bn MO who was the only officer to go from Normandy to the Baltic, and his diary for 45. It doesn't come up for sale much, but I could make you a digitised copy of mine if that'd be of use? Its also far more common than 'The Seventh' - and 4 RWF has no known history.