my dads regiment

marauder125 · #1 (**permalink**) November 21st, 2008, 08:48 PM

Hi I am a new member and I need some help please,
I started a thread in new members but was advised to start again here to reach a wider audience, so here goes,
I have 2 pictures of my dad in uniform, his name was Thomas Arthur Olson, well informed members have informed me that my dad was in the Duke Of Cornwalls Light Infantry from the cap badge in the first picture, from the second picture I was told he was in the 45th division 3rd brigade, by the formation badge and stripes on the arm, amazing information and I thank you all for your help.

My dad said very little about the war, but mentioned that he parachuted on occasions but have no info on this part of his service, only that he served in North Africa and Italy.

NEW INFORMATION. 13/12/08

My brother has just sent me a chaplains card which now tells us that he was in the 1st Airborne Division, I have never seen this card until today, and I now have a new photo of him wearing his para uniform.
if anyone can help me to piece together his activities during the war
it would be great.

olddigger · #2 (**permalink**) March 29th, 2009, 02:09 PM

Hello again

I have see now the chaplains card and that's the proof that hey was with the 1st airborne div but when.
Have your father take part of the battle of Arnhem? if hey did have hey survived the battle?

Rev Alan A Buchanan on the card was during the battle of Arnhem attached to the 2st battalion The South Staffordshiren regiment.

Regards Hans

lwd · #3 (**permalink**) March 29th, 2009, 03:13 PM

In the US decedents can request copies of a soldiers official record. Might be worth seeing if that is also the case over there.

marauder125 · #4 (**permalink**) November 5th, 2009, 08:09 PM

Hi guys,
with all your help and the recent photo + chaplains card that was found
I have finally got enough info together and have sent a request to the MOD records dept for a search to be done, I have been told the wait will be about 6 months due to the amount of requests that have been going in.
I will post anything that I find that may be of interest.
Many thanks to you all for the help and time you have given me during the search.

Buten42 · #5 (**permalink**) November 6th, 2009, 03:27 AM

Marauder125--Ever since I read "A Bridge Too Far" I have been humbled by the sheer bravery of the British 1st Airborne. I apologize for my lack of knowledge, but could you tell me what the two silver medals are? I sort of stick to the American awards. Thanks

wtid45 · #6 (**permalink**) November 6th, 2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marauder125

Hi guys,
with all your help and the recent photo + chaplains card that was found
I have finally got enough info together and have sent a request to the MOD records dept for a search to be done, I have been told the wait will be about 6 months due to the amount of requests that have been going in.
I will post anything that I find that may be of interest.
Many thanks to you all for the help and time you have given me during the search.

Best of luck Marauder and thanks for the PM.

marauder125 · #7 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2009, 10:10 PM

Hi Buten42,
the medal far right with red and blue ribbon is the campaign medal
second from the right with red and green ribbon is the defence medal,