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STOP PRESS: This site is run from CANADA by ONE MAN called Mike, whose interest is that his grandfather fought with the DCLI in the Boer War and WW I. Mike has done this site for US. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude. Mile has a high powered job, and 3 children he has to get through school and college. He cannot afford to do everything, either in terms of time or money. He has also had to PAY out of his own pocket to keep this site going for 5 years. Now the good news (hopefully): In my various capacities, I am trying to get this site up and running in the UK. I shall be contacting all LI Association Branches, asking for their support in doing this. If YOU do NOT belong to an LI Branch, then join one now. I need YOUR support if five years of really excellent work by a Canadian called Mike, who has never been in the Light Infantry but has done it for love and as a remembrance of his Grandfather, is not to go down the pan. Mike has agreed to try and keep the site open until I can take it over. If one day you find the site closed, keep looking regularly, because we might have to close it down in Canada before we can re-open it in UK. YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL. I hope I can count on YOU, just like we have counted on Mike for five years.

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This is for Mike Young who has done such a marvellous job with this website and I am devastated to see that it is going to be removed. Stan Procter author of "A Quiet Little Boy Goes to War" ( with 43rd Wessex) Could we keep in touch somehow Mike?? my home address is 8 Shelvers Way Tadworth Surrey KT20 5QN

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Hi, I am gathering written biographies, memories and accounts of experiences from combat veterans from the Normandy Campaign (all nationalities) to build an archive of material called 'In action - Normandy 44' I am a full-time Historical Researcher, Author, Regimental Archivist and Museum Project Co-ordinator. Please email me or write C/O; 1, Pinfold Cottage, High St., Nawton, York, YO62 7TS Many thanks Rodge D.

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My Granddad, Bombardier Alan Foster, served in the 43rd Wessex Division as during WW2. I believe that amongst other places he also served in Burma. He unfortunately passed away in 1989, when I was only 14, so I have many unanswered questions. If you think that you can answer any of them or have any information about him please contact me.

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My father (Sgt.) Douglas Mason who died in 1999 was with the 4th Dorset around the area of Hill 112 in Normandy 1944, he told me very little about his time in combat except his reference to 'Bloody Cornfields' he never explained but I'm sure there are other veterans still living that know what he meant!

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Message for Mr E. Corke Were you involved in any of the activities of the crossing of 4th Batt Dorset across the Rhine?

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I have just arrived back from France, having visited the Normandy beaches as part of my research into my late father's THOMAS CHARLES COLES (112 field regiment RA) war time military service. I was very pleased to find your website and hope to progress further with the information gleaned.

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I was attached to 130 brigade as part of a REME light aide detachment during the Normandy and Arnham campaigns, and wounded in Elst on 15 October 1944. I am filled with sadness at the human suffering which this conflict inflicted on so many innocent lives, and at the loss of so many friends and brothers in arms. Keep up the good work as future generations can learn from the mistakes of the past.

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my great grandfather served in the 1st world war in the 50th Division, 149th Infantry Brigade, 7th Battalion in Northumberland Fusiliers and his name was Christopher Cockburn and served in France at several battles including Ypres. I would be very grateful for any information on him. Thank you!

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My two uncles fought on hill 112 in the 4th Somersets one Leonard Richards Was wounded by a mortar the other Brian Stanley Richards known as Stan or Gerry went all the way to Bremerhaven he enlisted at 16yrs old Leonard is still with us and his memory of the battle is as if it happened yesterday, so if any one remembers them please get in touch. Regards R. F. Smith.

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best wishes look forward to the reunion at Slade park Oxford. Will we be able to stay in barracks ? Old A Coy 43rd. 76 years of age. Cheers Stan Royle

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Just discovered the website after all this time. I served in 172 battery 179 Field Regiment R.A. and would be glad to hear from any ex-members

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My father Maelgwyn Hayward was a member of the 59th Anti Tank Regiment then he was commissioned and transferred to the 56th Anti Tank in India. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers him. My father is now 83.

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My uncle was killed on 10 July 1944. He served with the 5th Dorsets so I presume it was the battle on hill 112. His name was Gerard O'Brien Does anyone have photos of the 5th Dorsets prior to D-Day. With thanks

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Would like to hear from anyone who knew Ernest Farr Number 1081418

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I have found the site very interesting especially about hill 112, as i served with the 4th battalion here. I would be interested to hear from any one else who was there.

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Dear reader, Because I'm from Holland, forgive me if my English is not that well, but I hope you can understand my little story. let me first introduce myself. My name is Wes leurs and I am living in a small village called Elst in the Netherlands. As you probably know, Elst was during WWII an important place for the German soldiers. There has been heavenly fights in Elst and the whole village was destroyed in September/October 1944. My father is born on the 26th of September 1944. His name is also Wes and he is named after an American soldier Westwood Fletcher. Last year I've found on te internet this soldier. He died in 1993, but his wife is still alive. My father contacted her and dhe was very happy that they have found each other. Several photo's of my father back in 1944 she has send. I am a member of a historical group called Marithaime. We've found some old films of Elst in the period 1930. My question is tot you and I hope that you can help me out. I'm looking for old films or photo's of my village Elst during ww II or after the war. Do you have any references for me so I can search further? I hope you contact me soon. sincerely, W. Leurs

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Dad was Gunner 1081418 Farr. E. (Ernest)I know he was in Antwerp and possibly Arnhem, Belgium would appreciate any information. He served with a man called Lionel Smith from Dagenham, Essex

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Cilla Smart I have been trying to reply to your message, but it keeps getting returned as there is something wrong with your e-mail address. Please contact me at this e- mail address.

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I'm writing a novel about the 5th DCLI. Would like any info on them, much appreciated!

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My grandfather Reginald Caines served with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. He was in the Sudan and I believe he was in the 43 Wessex Division after North Africa. I think his rank was Lance Corporal he was quite an old soldier being about 36 in 1943. Love to hear from anyone who knew him. Hope there's someone out there!

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I believe that my father Reginald (Reg) Hope was in the 43rd Wessex during WWII, but have had no luck tracing any details about his time served. He passed away in 1987 when I was just 11 years old, so he didn't speak of his military career to me as I was too young. I am now keen to find out about him and would be grateful if anyone can help me. I am sorry but the only information I have about him is his name. Thank you.

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would like to contact anyone who was with 173/179 field regiment royal artillery does any one have any knowledge of Edward masters 5256345. Using my daughters e-mail address in Australia would like to hear from anyone.

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A useful site. As an amateur military historian born in Hampshire and whose father lives in Dorset I was drawn to the exploits of 43rd (Wessex) Division and am slowly collecting information on its actions. Incidentally I recommend 'Hill 112' by Tim Saunders published in 2001.

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I am new to the Internet but am delighted to find the 43rd Div on the net! My late father served with the 7th SLI in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany from 1942 - 1945. His name was Pte Bob Newman (nickname was 'SCHUBERT') and came from Bath. He told me many stories connected with his war service, and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who may have served with him. I think he was in B Company, sadly, he couldn't remember!!

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I am a Dutch History student and I live in Arnhem, The Netherlands. Since June 2001 I am working on a book about Operation Market Garden. I would like to get in touch with veterans of the 43rd Wessex Division who participated in that Operation. My address is: Frank van Lunteren Oudeschanspad 19 6835 BH Arnhem The Netherlands E-mail: Macfrank66@hotmail.com  Thank your for liberating Europe! Frank van Lunteren

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I am the chairman of Wessex Society, a cultural society promoting a regional identity for Wessex, and opposing its division into "South West" and "South East" regions. I have only recently discovered the existence of a Wessex brigade. I am naturally interested in this, and your site was very informative.

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My father, Roy Cockburn (Lieut. R.D. Cockburn) was in the 43rd. He is alive and well, living in Tolworth, Surrey. He doesn't have e-mail but if any old comrade would like to get in touch, email me and I will pass the message on.

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Anyone serving with me at Luneburg (guarding Kramer camp Commandant Belsen) please get in touch would love to hear from you. Either through the above e.mail or on 0121 552 2492,101 Barnford Crescent, Oldbury, West Mids,B68 8PR. Harold Moss.

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My late father Arthur Thomas Shellard from Bath was one of the RAMC liberators of Belsen He never spoke of his experiences, he never was the same after the experience. Can anyone verify his unit, remember him, or can any one relate his experiences please?

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I'm researching Goddards from Scilly, and it would appear that I may be a half first cousin of Lawrence Goddard (father Clifford. My grandfather married Mary Grace Goddard from St Martins in 1906.

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This website is in itself a superb memorial to the men of the 43rd. When I visit Normandy this summer I will try to visit the Hill 112 memorial. I have a website about the British Army in World War Two, http://www.geocities.com/coolrobbo/contents.html Keep up the good work!

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Would any veteran or relative of a veteran please contact us as we would like to inform you of the Commemorative Weekend 31 Aug and 1 sep 2002. This will take place in Swindon wilts England. In particular Albert wishes to locate any ex member of his gun crew ie, F Troop, F Sub Section 477 Bty. The OC was Major Steel-Perkins. Names of Gun crew were: Ron Smith, Bdr Teddy Hughes, Gnr Stan Nelson, Bobby Roberts, Tubby Alland.

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ok I was looking for any one who could give me any info on Dempsey on the search it said something about memoirs feel free to email me

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We have started working on a new bibliography about operation Market Garden, and we are looking for articles, books, etc, etc involving 43 Wessex Division units in this Operation, so I kindly would like to ask anyone who have any information about this to contact me. Already

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My father used to be in the 43rd Wessex Division. 5th Gloucesters C division. His name was William Meikle. I would be interested to hear from anyone who knew him

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I would be very grateful for any information regarding my brother private James (nobby) Clark of the HQ company 5th Wilts who was killed on 8August1944 in the battle for mount Pincon

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I would like to hear from anyone who served with the 59th anti tank regiment, 236 battery. Normandy to Germany.

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My father William Edgington was in the Ordinance Field Park 43rd Infantry Division. He would like to hear from anyone who was in this division.

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I am delighted to have stumbled upon your wonderful web site. My father, 89005 Major James Lendrum Nicol MC - served in the 130th Wessex Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps. He was awarded the Military Cross following the battle for Hill 112 (as I understand it). He died in Christchurch New Zealand in October 1984. His photograph appeared on the cover of the Picture Post magazine, captioned 'The Front Line Doctor' in October 1944. Since his death I have found amongst his papers several letters pertaining to the period 1944 to 1945, some of which are from the families of men killed in battle for whom he must have given medical assistance. In early 1946 he wrote an interesting and detailed account of what he called "First Battle" ie the battle for Hill 112 which I have in my family archives.

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My uncle Private Phililp Edgar Harrold age 29 of the Somerset Light Infantry was killed on the 21st July 1944. He lies in the War Cemetery of St. Manvieu, Cheux, near Caen. Can anyone throw some light on the whereabouts of the 4th Battalion Somersets in the period leading up to Phil's death. A very informative site - many thanks, Phil Trayhorn..

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My father Cecil (Cyril) Butcher served with the 5th Wiltshire Regiment during 1944/5 and was in Nijmegen in September 1944 going on to Kleve, Goch, Wessel and finally Berlin. I would love to hear from anyone that knew him or remembers him during this time.