Help in deciphering please?

bharvey · Post by **bharvey** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 8:19 pm

Hello, I have uploaded an image of my Grandfather James Thomline's Soldier's Will into the gallery.

http://talkingscot.com/gallery/displayi ... ?pos=-1597

I would be very grateful for any help in deciphering the regiment, and any pointers as to how I may find out more about his service in the Second World War (which he survived).

Many thanks in advance

Barbara

Post by **AnneM** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:22 pm

Hi Barbara

It looks to me like an abbreviation for Royal Horse Artillery and at the end it certainly says he was in the Royal Artillery. He is a gunner. However I'm sure that someone with more military knowledge than I have will come along soon.

Isn't it good to know that the will was not needed!

Anne

Post by **AndrewP** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:42 pm

Hi Barbara,

I reckon it says 227 71st (Forth) HAA. Reg. R.A.

227 = 227 Battery

71st (Forth) HAA Reg. R.A. = 71st (Forth) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery.

Quote below from http://home.adelphia.net/~dryan67/orders/aa.html

71st (Forth) Anti-Aircraft Regiment, R.A (T.A)
- Highland Area, Scottish Command HQ, 227th, 229th Btys: Dunfermline

See also http://www.digitalfife.com/Index.asp?MainID=5944

All the best,

AndrewP

bharvey · Post by **bharvey** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:23 pm

Many thanks for your help. I have found a further webpage which gives locations of this regiment

http://www.ra39-45.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/haa/page34.html

I have vague recollections of Italy mentioned by Grandad, but as he passed away in 1976 when I was only ten, my memory is a little fuzzy. A little more research needed I think...

Thanks again.