Hello,
After my Dad died in 2008 I decided to apply for his Service Records. Dad was not a boastfull man and as a child whenever I asked him what he did in the War he would just say "I was just a soldier like hundreds of thousands of others" and that he wanted to forget about it. I got his records which confirmed what I already new, that he was in the Royal Artillery during the Battle of Britain and then was in The Highland Light Infantry 52nd Lowland Division.
I also now know that he embarked to Ostend on the 17th of October 1944 and was discharged from The British Army of the Rhein in September of 1946. I have read the brief History of The HLI 52 LD and have found out that they did not take part in the Normandy Landings as they were being held back to go to Arnheim by glider in support of the Paras but as we know this did not go well and the operation was cancelled. What I want to find out is what my Dad did between October 1944 and September 1946. I have contacted what is now the Museum of the HLI 52nd Lowland Division but they do not reply.
Can anyone advise me how I find out where my Dad was during this time. I believe the was at the battle to capture Walchren Island and Dad did remember a fight for an island which he described as " a bit hairy" but he was nearly 90 by then and his memory was a bit vague. He also definately remember comming across what he called "The Deaths Head Regiment" which I think was the Waffen SS and he said that was quite a scrap. But Dad tried to forget and I did not want to bring back memories he did not want.
Would appreciate any suggestions as I say, I have contacted the Museum 2 or 3 times but do not even get the courtesy of a rely !.
After my Dad died in 2008 I decided to apply for his Service Records. Dad was not a boastfull man and as a child whenever I asked him what he did in the War he would just say "I was just a soldier like hundreds of thousands of others" and that he wanted to forget about it. I got his records which confirmed what I already new, that he was in the Royal Artillery during the Battle of Britain and then was in The Highland Light Infantry 52nd Lowland Division.
I also now know that he embarked to Ostend on the 17th of October 1944 and was discharged from The British Army of the Rhein in September of 1946. I have read the brief History of The HLI 52 LD and have found out that they did not take part in the Normandy Landings as they were being held back to go to Arnheim by glider in support of the Paras but as we know this did not go well and the operation was cancelled. What I want to find out is what my Dad did between October 1944 and September 1946. I have contacted what is now the Museum of the HLI 52nd Lowland Division but they do not reply.
Can anyone advise me how I find out where my Dad was during this time. I believe the was at the battle to capture Walchren Island and Dad did remember a fight for an island which he described as " a bit hairy" but he was nearly 90 by then and his memory was a bit vague. He also definately remember comming across what he called "The Deaths Head Regiment" which I think was the Waffen SS and he said that was quite a scrap. But Dad tried to forget and I did not want to bring back memories he did not want.
Would appreciate any suggestions as I say, I have contacted the Museum 2 or 3 times but do not even get the courtesy of a rely !.
