Paul Walker first sent me his research on his father and Uncle’s service a couple of years ago and before I begin this blog entry I’d just like to say thanks to Paul for his patience! All photos via Paul Walker. The four Walker brothers were from Carlton, Nottingham. Frank Walker, Frederick George Walker (Paul’sContinue reading “The Walker Brothers”
Author Archives: 87thantitank
Chagford Officers Photo
I took this photo when we visited Freddie Friend in 2014. In my recording of our meeting Freddie remarked that Lt Gray is the only officer not wearing the peaked hat. The image has been resized and flattened to fit this page. This photo and others remain with Freddie’s family. Unfortunately I didn’t feel itContinue reading “Chagford Officers Photo”
Disbandment
87th’s disbandment date is something I’ve written about before because it’s not always recorded correctly. According to the regiment’s last war diary the official disbandment date was 26 June 1944. The documents below include the disbandment order, a directive on what should happen to personnel (including the band) and the programme for the farewell serviceContinue reading “Disbandment”
Freddie Friend
It’s St George’s Day today and a good day to write about Freddie Friend, as it’s his birthday. I was lucky to meet Freddie in 2014, two years before he passed. In his role as secretary of the Torbay branch of the Devonshire & Dorset Regimental Association and 87th Anti-Tank, he communicated with many peopleContinue reading “Freddie Friend”
The IWM Photo Mystery
I’ve been meaning to tackle this for a while. The Imperial War Museum (IWM) photo library contains two images that purport to show 269 Battery, 87th Anti-Tank Regiment in Italy at the Foglia River. The photos are below. 87th Anti-Tank did not deploy to Italy as a combat unit. The band stayed together on disbandmentContinue reading “The IWM Photo Mystery”
Christmas Cards
A few cards from Christmas 43. My grandad’s to his brother (Paul Turner collection) and two from the Walker brothers to Billy’s wife. (Paul Walker collection).
The Walker Brothers
This post is long overdue as I’ve been sat on a treasure trove of information sent by Paul Walker. His father, Frederick George Walker and Fred’s two brothers, Herbert Walker and John William (Billy) Walker all served with 87th Anti-Tank. All survived the war. This post will be updated but firstly here’s another excellent photoContinue reading “The Walker Brothers”
Chagford Memories
Lin Sharland kindly sent me these cuttings from her Dad’s collection describing the unit’s time in Chagford. There’s some great little insight, not least the reference to 87th using French 75mm guns in North Africa. I’m not sure this is correct as my understanding is they were using 6-pdr guns only. They trained on 2-pdrsContinue reading “Chagford Memories”
Freddie Friend and Harry Marsh
When Freddie Friend first recounted the story of Harry Marsh’s death I was slow to react. It was only after meeting him at his home that I decided I could do something to help him and in that sense I was lucky everything came together, with a lot of help from the excellent folk onContinue reading “Freddie Friend and Harry Marsh”
Site News Update
It’s been a bit quiet on the site for a while as I try and work out how to be a father to two children and manage to do anything else. Recently I’ve been contacted by Paul Walker who has kindly sent me a DVD of his research into “The Walker Brothers” which I willContinue reading “Site News Update”
