Fathers war years in Italy

[Viv Payne]

Hi ime researching my fathers years in The Second World War. He got the Italian war medal and the British empire medal . His name was Sgt Eric Payne 7345260 he served with 71st field hospital in Italy not sure exactly where though. I know his regiment ( The leicester Regiment RAMC ) set off from catterick not sure when, and upon the Second World War ending in 1945 the 71st and the 70th were disbanded .If anyone out there could add anything to this I would be grateful.

[Frank de Planta]

Viv.

The best thing for you to do is to apply for his Service Record which is held at the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow. If you go to http://www.gov.uk and type in ‘How do I get hold of a Service Record’ it will show you how to apply.

That will establish exactly what units he was with during his time in the war. Once you know the units, you can get the War Diaries. If he got a BEM, you can get a copy of his citation too.

Regards

Frank

Frank de Planta
Battlefield Guide
http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

[Frank de Planta]

Viv.

I have found his BEM citation. He was awarded it whilst serving with 71 British General Hospital and it was announced in the London Gazette on 13 Dec 45.

The movements for 71 BGH were:

Ormskirk 29/8/42 to 11/42 then overseas; Maison Carree (Algiers) 11/42 to 12/42 then to Guelma; Guelma 12/42 to 4/43 then to Souk Ahras; Souk Ahras 4/43 to 5/43 then to Thibar; Thibar 5/43 to 6/43 then to Sousse; Sousse 6/43 to 12/43 then to Brindisi; Brindisi 12/43 to 1/44 then to Barletta; Barletta 1/44 to 8/44 then to Loreto; Loreto 8/44 to 22/10/45 then disbanded.

Regards

Frank

Frank de Planta
Battlefield Guide
http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

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