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Tracking units day to day activity/location

Discussion in 'Information Requests' started by Tiny207, Oct 31, 2010.

  1. Tiny207

    Tiny207 recruit

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    Is there a website that shows where specific units were while in western europe during WWII?

    Thank You,
     
    Tiny207, Oct 31, 2010
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  2. sonofacameron

    sonofacameron Member

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    Do you want regiments, brigades. divisions?
     
    sonofacameron, Oct 31, 2010
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  3. Spartanroller

    Spartanroller Ace

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    that sort of info is unfortunately fairly scattered, but if you have specific units you want to track the info can usually be found, although as SonofaCameron mentioned, the size of formation or unit you are interested in will make a difference as to the level of detail you can find and how well grouped the info is on any particular website.

    units involved in famous actions usually have more info, and support units tend to be covered in less detail, but a lot of official reports are now available.

    what specifically are you looking for, we may be able to help? :)
     
    Spartanroller, Oct 31, 2010
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  4. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Depending on the size of the unit, and the amount of detail you are seeking, your first stop should be a copy of Stanton's Order of Battle. It will give you a sense of where units went, how they were attached, and at least some of the battles involved. From there, it's generally a matter of research and using NARA. As Nigel said, let us know what you want and what you know, and we'll try to pitch in or direct you to places where you can search.
     
    LRusso216, Oct 31, 2010
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  5. WW 2 Connections

    WW 2 Connections Member

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    I own the type of maps you describe for the ETO. They are not on the internet, but hard copies of the maps you describe.

    Richard V. Horrell
     
    WW 2 Connections, Oct 31, 2010
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  6. Tiny207

    Tiny207 recruit

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    It would be the 172nd Field Artillery out of Manchester, NH
     
    Tiny207, Oct 31, 2010
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  7. Spartanroller

    Spartanroller Ace

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    any ideas which dates you are interested in? or do you want to try and compile a complete 'D-Day to VE-Day' sort of account?
     
    Spartanroller, Oct 31, 2010
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  8. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    LRusso216, Oct 31, 2010
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  9. Spartanroller

    Spartanroller Ace

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    that's pretty good :) well found
     
    Spartanroller, Oct 31, 2010
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  10. Takao

    Takao Ace

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    Takao, Oct 31, 2010
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    JoshArterburn and LRusso216 like this.
  11. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Even better. Great link.
     
    LRusso216, Oct 31, 2010
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  12. Spartanroller

    Spartanroller Ace

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    Now we just need to see if Richard would ever so kindly scan his maps if that was feasible :)
     
    Spartanroller, Oct 31, 2010
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  13. WW 2 Connections

    WW 2 Connections Member

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    Since the maps are 4 feet by 4 feet, it would be tough.

    Richard V. Horrell
     
    WW 2 Connections, Nov 2, 2010
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  14. Spartanroller

    Spartanroller Ace

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    That's a pity. Do you have details on where they were used? presumably a formation headquarters or higher organisation. they sound fascinating.
     
    Spartanroller, Nov 2, 2010
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  15. WW 2 Connections

    WW 2 Connections Member

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    First, Third & Seventh Armies.

    Richard V. Horrell
     
    WW 2 Connections, Nov 2, 2010
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  16. 980th

    980th Member

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    My grandfather was a member of the 980th FA Bn which was attatched to the VII Corps. He let me barrow the map he had of the VII Corps movements in ETO. I'm no expert but I was able to scan different sections of the map so that I would have something to reference back to. If you go to the thread I started you will find the scans there.

    Since the 172nd and the 980th FA Bn were part of the 188th FA Group they were not to far apart. I've been trying to find a battle log for the 980th but have had no luck so far. Although, a gentlemen by the name of Jerry contacted me the other day to let me know that his father was a member of the 980th FA Bn and he had a "known movement log of A btry, 980th FA". He was kind enough to email me a copy.

    Anyway hope you enjoy grandpa's story and the map is what you were looking for.
    980th FA Bn / SS soldier photos found
     
    980th, Nov 17, 2010
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