Somerset Light Infantry Guestbook Archive

Name : Keith(webmaster)
Homepage : http://www.lightinfantry.org.uk
Message : Back in National Service days I was trained along with many other West Country lads with the Durham Light Infantry, then was transferred to the Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry (SCLI), which had just undergone amalgamation. All these years later I retain strong links with the Durham lads besides my own West Country pals, this sense of belonging is vital to any combined force which is to act solidly together. I just wonder how many more amalgamations the British Army Regimental system can stand.I have three large military websites and receive dozens of Emails every day worldwide, a great many from sons and grandsons enquiring about a relatives service, of which they are very proud, all express the feeling of belonging.The New Regiments being created by the Top Brass are in my opinion eroding the military family to such a degree that I doubt whether the exercise will truly be a success.
03 November 2005 12:02:55
Name : amy cann , cornwall
Found : Just surfing
Message : looking for any info on peter spurr.he served with the 1st btn somerset light infantry in malaya in the 1950's and died in an accident while out there. any info greatly appreciated
27 October 2005 17:19:19
Name : Ryan Hanlin , Welland (Canada)
Found : Search engine
Message : Looking for any info on William George Hanlin Service No.27099, Somerset Light Inf. 7th Bn. Died August 16th, 1917 buried Tyne Cot Memorial, Belgium. Son of Samuel and Mary Ann Hanlin; husband of Maggie Ann Hanlin, of 25, Batter St., Plymouth. Thanks
24 October 2005 03:01:14
Name : steve hayward , bristol
Found : Search engine
Message : Good morning, i wonder if anyone can help me. I am trying to source my Dad's service record to enable a claim to SSAFA to support my mum who has had a severe stroke and needs constant care. My Dad (James Edmund Hayward) was born in 1928 and lived in bristol - he joined a "local" regiment (but we dont think it was the Gloucestershire Regt)towards the end of the war and was posted to Burma. He was musical and would have been in the (regimental ?) band. We have no more details and the records office in Glasgow are unable to find details under his name and DOB only. Know its a long shot but if anyone either knew Jim or could point me in the right direction in terms of any other regiments that were serving in Burma towards the end of the war I would be very grateful. Thank you Steve Hayward
09 October 2005 07:30:15
Name : ray hughes , bristol
Message : looking for any info on army service of my father lance corporal raymond hughes (Snr)who served with the regiment around the second world war in India (khyber pass area I believe) any help would be most appreciated
18 September 2005 07:24:08
Name : Ronnie Gell , Alness, Ross-S
Found : Just surfing
Message : Somerset & SCLI Reunion Pal's that served-Uk.Malta.Cyprus.Germany 50/60s Reunion. Saturday 1St October Bishop Fox School Bishop Fox Drive Taunton Somerset. Details.. Contact Dave Williams-01278-683022 Thank You
10 September 2005 09:37:01
Name : Terry Moss , Charfield
Found : Search engine
Message : Frederick Henry Brooks was recalled from the reserve in Sept 1939 for WWII. He served in the SLI and was POW in Stalag XXA. Would anybody have any idea where and when he may have been captured
19 August 2005 15:47:43
Name : richard hobbs , nailsea , north somerset
Found : Search engine
Message : I am researching my grandfathers cousin Percy Baker Hobbs who served with the 6th SLI in ww1. He sailed to france in May 1915 and fell on the 18th August 1916 in Deville wood. I would really appreciate some info about the days leading to that fatefull big push
18 August 2005 20:45:29
Name : E.A.Staton (Tony) , Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hants
Found : Search engine
Message : Does anyone know Dave Hedges (Bush)Email address, the one listed on 6 August 2004 returns to sender. Also as Dave is requesting anyone served with 10 platoon D.Company 1953 - 1955 based at Kajang, Malaya
03 July 2005 18:09:52
Name : Tony , Reading
Found : Just surfing
Message : My family have a medal from the boar war awarded to my grandfathers brother, it has four bars, cape, colenso, ladysmith, and tugela, his name and rank were Pte H Day 4359, I believe he died of enteric fever and is buried at Smithfield, Eastern Cape,a Pte Day is named on plaques in Bath Abbey and Wells cathederal,but no regt number or inital,can anyone help me tie up this loose end, great website.
21 June 2005 21:46:20
Name : Gerard Gadney
Message : If there is anyone left of the 2nd Batt of the SLI who were in Volkermark in 1947 I should very much like to hear from them. Can anyone remember the name of the Battalion Equestian Sergeant. he Batt Stables were inside the main camp on the right hand side of the road as you left Volkermark on the Klagenfurt Road. Does anyone know what happened to Band Sergeant Strawbridge? Best wishes to all.
20 May 2005 16:51:04
Name : Gerard Gadney
Message : Just some good wishes to anyone who is left from the 2nd Batt SLI who served in Austria, Volkermark, during 1948,especially Padre Hunter and his driver. It seems like a long time ago.
20 May 2005 11:17:27
Name : Brian Elliott , Sydney
Found : Just surfing
Message : I am looking for a lost relative who served in the SLI in Burma 44/45 1st Btn. He returned to the UK in 45 and was last known at Clacton , Essex . His name is John Rich if any one remembers him ,I would love to hear from them .
12 May 2005 04:58:09
Name : Maggi Shaw , Perth, Austral;ia
Found : Just surfing
Message : I just found this ancestor's details on a Malta FHS site and hope that someone else is also looking. Thomas THATCHER, aged 35 years, bachelor, of Widcomb, Bath, Somerset, the son of Philip and Eliza Thatcher, Private, 1st Battalion, 13th Regiment, married 11th September 1873, to Maria DONALDSON, aged 29 years, spinster, of Monksthorpe, Lincolnshire, the daughter of Thomas and Ann Donaldson
01 May 2005 06:31:03
Name : Ronald Land , Glasgow
Found : Search engine
Message : My Australian great-uncle, 2nd Lieutenant JR Sadleir, died 26 Nov 1918, is commemorated on the CWGC Roll of Honour and the Australia War Memrial Commemorative Roll, but spelt Sadlier, as is his gravestone at Grantham.I am trying to find out why this is so, as all his close relatives are/were Sadleirs.
14 April 2005 21:04:01
Name : Robin Maggs , Swindon
Found : Search engine
Message : Trying to get info on my father Edward (Ted) Maggs who was in the SLI around '39 - '46 and served in Africa. Possibly as a photogrepher. Was wounded - either bayonneted or shot. Any info or photos would be welcome
17 March 2005 22:12:33
Name : Joe Sims , bristol, england
Message : I was wondering whether anyone may have any information on my Grandfather L/Cpl Harry (Henry) Sims 5674820. He served during the 2nd world war as among other things a bren gun carrier on the North West Fronteer and in Burma. Any information would be greatly recieved. Thanks, Joe Sims (mr_sims@hotmail.com)
11 March 2005 17:22:54
Name : John Lewer , Reading
Found : Search engine
Message : Looking for info and pictures of my Grandfather John Lewer, Lance Corporal in the SLI who was killed in the Battle of Albert 1st July 1916.
06 March 2005 12:37:54
Name : patrick flynn , plymouth
Found : Search engine
Message : Like many people I am searching my Family Tree. My Great Grandfather served in the Somerset Light Infantry fpr 21 years and saw action in the Boer War.I have information relating to "South African Wars " 1 & 2. were there two wars? He was called Frank Lewis and was a Colour SGT.He survived to father 13 children & ended up as a licencee of a pub in Plymouth. Thanks for any information received.
13 February 2005 16:14:10
Name : M Munkley
Found : Search engine
Message : I am trying to find out more details of my g.grandfather, JAMES WILLIAM MASSEY, who served with the Garrison Bn of the Somerset Light Infantry and was apparently OC of Troops at Amritsar in 1919. Any information gratefully received.
06 February 2005 19:40:10
Name : chris smith , n/ireland
Found : Search engine
Message : i am searching for information ie date of birth etc, on pte thomas henry blight(40768)joined in truro ww1.transferred to the royal berks regt,army no 40768, died in france.
02 February 2005 21:07:50
Name : micheal quigg , belfast
Message : does anyone knon michael mervyn,who served in the 7th battalion was killed 16 feb 1945. will be greatful for any information
14 January 2005 23:09:52
Name : Mike White , Bath
Found : Search engine
Message : My first visit to this excellent site. Does anyone remember my father Francis (knoiwn as Frank) White who was in the 1st btn 1934 -1945? Please contact me if you do. thanks
10 January 2005 15:11:05
Name : Basil Parsons , Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Found : Search engine
Message : Does anyone know of a Sergeant Robert Parsons, who served with the Somerset Light Infantry in India, 1914 to 1919, he was with the 2nd Battalion, Quetta India, Meiktila Station #3354, L/C J.R.Paull. Appreciate any news or information of any kind. Thanks Basil Parsons
08 January 2005 01:30:22
Name : Don Sherriff , Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Found : Just surfing
Message : Looking for any information regarding Sergeant Robert Parsons #3354 Somerset light Infantry stationed in India 1914-1919, 2nd Battalion, Quetta, India. Under L/C J.R.Paull Much appreciated if any details can be given.
08 January 2005 01:21:22
Name : J A Nurcombe , Meelton Mowbray
Homepage : http://3 Shelley Avenue
Message : Christmas Greetings to all who remember me during my time in the 4th/5th Somerset Light Infantry between 1962 and 1969
16 December 2004 08:17:42
Name : ED SHOPLAND , HONITON Devon
Found : Search engine
Message : I am looking for information on my grandfather,Joseph VELLA Pte SLI No. 27107 and my great uncle Samuel HOGG (Bro-i-Law to g/father) Sgt SLI N0. 27105. Both served btn 1914 & 1920 & both of them had previously been in the Devonshire Regt prior to joining the SLI. I am curious as to why they did this as both came from Devonport. Did some sort of amalgamation take place, or would they have done do voluntarily ?
19 November 2004 19:55:02
Name : June Clark , Newport, South Wales
Found : Just surfing
Message : My Grandfather Arthur Cook (5665035) served in India with the ?5th SLI. I'm not sure of the dates but he was born in 1904. He may have served as a mess steward at some time.
16 November 2004 19:47:48
Name : Norbert Rosin , Geilenkirchen/Germany
Message : I like your web site but I miss information or even mentioning of the 7th SLI which were assigned to the 43rd Wessex Division's 214th Brigade which went to Niederheid and later to the Hochheid woods near Geilenkirchen. Best wishes N. Rosin
01 November 2004 23:56:53
Name : pamela johnstone , milton keynes
Found : Search engine
Message : I am researching my family tree. and looking for my grandfather. Is there anyone who can help me please. Name was albert edward Powell, he was killed in the first war. he served in the somerset light inft. PRIVATE 24284 1ST BATT. I have been trying to fins out about him for about 3 yrs. All I know is his name and rank. Donnt even know where he comes from and untill I find him I and stuck
18 September 2004 22:18:14
Name : Kevin Weston , Taunton, Somerste
Found : Search engine
Message : I have already asked if anyone knew my father but I would also like to know if anyone has information about my great uncle. He was Pte 9736 Frederick Hanney of the 1st Bn., Somerset Light Infanty and served during the First World War. He was killed on 7 July 1915 and is remembered at the Ploegsteert Memorial. I do not know exactly where he was killed or how.
12 September 2004 23:29:53
Name : Kirk Newman , Christchurch, New Zealand.
Found : Search engine
Message : I am trying to trace any information on a great/great/great uncle who initialy started in the british Army in the Wiltshire Militia during the Boer War, then in 1915 went to France, was wounded and invalided back to England on 6/7/1915. I have been unable to locate anything further about him except that he then transfered to Somerset Light Infantry (No. 34783) and then was further transfered to the Manchester Regiment(no. 46042) Being in New Zealand makes it a bit hard to do research. Would appreciate any assistance with regard photographs(scans) or any information as to which battalion that he was with in the SLI. Any assistance appreciated.
29 August 2004 03:59:37
Name : Kevin Weston , Taunton, Somerset
Found : Search engine
Message : My father, Pte L A C Weston from Frome, served in the SLI from about 1948 to 1950/1. While I do not know exact dates, I believe that he was at Taunton, and also Quebec(?) barracks, Bordon during a Christmas period. He also served as the CO's batman at some point, again dates unknown. Does anyone remember him?
22 August 2004 23:10:25
Name : Alan Collins ( Codger ) , Oxford
Found : Just surfing
Message : Re previous letter i was also a driver at headquarters camp about 5 miles outside Kuala Lumpa for a while
15 August 2004 14:00:12
Name : Alan collins , Oxford
Message : Iwas called up for national service 1952 to Oxford & Bucks LI in 1952 then being transferred to Somerset LI To Wuppertall in Germany then to Malaya till 1954 I was a driver in C Company . Is there anyone who remembers me. My nickname was Codger
09 August 2004 17:41:26
Name : DAVE HEDGES / BUSH , BRISTOL
Found : Just surfing
Message : ANY ONE IN D COY 10 PLT KAGANG MALAYA LIKE TO HEAR FROM U BUSH
06 August 2004 21:34:10
Name : DAVE HEDGES@ BUSH , BRISTOL
Message : 10 PLT D COY KAJANG
06 August 2004 21:19:50
Name : Nigel Boyes , Wellington, New Zealand
Message : I am seeking information on my great great grandfather Lt.Colonel Edward Thomas Miles TRONSON who was commissioned in 1806 to the 13th Somerset Light Infantry. Any information would be much appreciated.
22 July 2004 05:39:57
Name : jackie sharp , HEREFORD
Found : Search engine
Message : IM NOT SURE IF IM ON THE RIGHT PAGE MY FATHER WAS BORN IN YORKSHIRE AND ENLISTED AT TAUNTON SOMERSET ON THE 18 JULY 1940 ACCORDING TO ARMY BOOK HE WAS IN THE PIONEER CORPS AND LANDED IN FRANCE ON D DAY WHAT REGIMENT WOULD HE OF BEEN IN AND WHAT PART WOULD THEY OF PLAYED, THANKS, JACKIE
08 July 2004 20:45:07
Name : Gary Rogers , Chelmsford
Homepage : http://rogerssan@yahoo.co.uk
Message : I am trying to find out about my Great Grandfather Sgt J.C.Rendell who served in India around the turn of the century. I belive he later became Regimental Sergant Major? Any information would be gratefully recieved.
03 July 2004 13:51:01
Name : D. Nash , Callington
Found : Search engine
Message : Very informative - thankyou
24 June 2004 09:53:41
Name : A.W.HARVEY , weston-super-mare
Found : Search engine
Message : i am looking for information or anyone that new charles bidwell qtr master sergeant,served 12 years in somerset light infantry,drill hall langford road weston-super-mare then went on to royal engineers,d-day spent at pegesus bridge wentdown in glider
20 June 2004 10:59:30
Name : john hubbard , toronto ontario canada
Message : I was the one who caught cerebro-spinal meningitis at Weston-super-Mare in April 1940 and was the cause of much medical examinations for the rest of the 6th.Bn. I met several friends out in Algeria who thought I had died (I nearly did). I rejoined the 6th.Bn.in Burmarsh,Kent, just in time for the Battle of Britain ni August 1940.(what a time!)
23 May 2004 21:10:56
Name : David Fox , Winchester
Found : Search engine
Message : I am researching the wooden cross which was erected near the spot where Lt Val Braithwaite was killed on 1 July 1916. I have collected a great deal of information, but one thing remains - who actually put the wooden cross near the Quadrilateral. Common sense suggests it was his father, General Sir Walter Braithwaite, but confirmation is needed.
06 May 2004 10:21:03
Name : clare , london
Homepage : http://groups.msn.com/gillardfamilys
Found : Search engine
Message : I have no idea if i'm at the right place but i'm hoping that someone may just beable to point me in the right direction. I am trying to find information on my great grandfather George Gillard born 1986. I do not know very much about him apart from the fact he did serve in the Army and at the time of his marriage he was Resident in Inverkeithing Scotland. I can see no reason why he would have been living here as his wife to be was living in Chertsey, Surrey at the time and as far as i know he was not scottish. So putting two and two together and coming up with three the only reason i can come up with is Dear old George Probably was serving in the Army around this time and Probably was based in Inverkeithing. As i know he lived and i think he came from Yeovil, Somerset i am posting this message here, in the hope someone can point me in the right direction. Clare
25 April 2004 18:03:48
Name : Fiona Clements-Wragg , Harrogate
Found : Search engine
Message : I am looking for any information on my father's time in the army. His name is Paul Clements and he enlisted in approximately 1946 and retired in 1965. He spent his time in the SLI, DCLI and KOYLI and alot of the time was in the Far East. Dad passed away 3 1/2 years ago. Any information would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
11 April 2004 21:59:20
Name : Wholesale Jewelry , Miami
Homepage : http://www.wholesalejewelry.ws
Found : Search engine
Message : Wholesale Diamond Jewelry, Cubic Zirconia
24 February 2004 12:31:14
Name : Robert Walser , Quebec
Homepage : Casino Online
Found : Search engine
Message : Nice site, please visit my.
16 February 2004 07:13:25
Name : Admin
Message : Name : Admin Message : We apologise for all of these annoying advertisements for Viagra etc which keep appearirng. Unfortunately, as we need to make these pages available to ALL old comrades, there is no way we can stop Spam from getting in as well. Luckily, as the number of messages per page increases, the Spam messages fall off the end! 11 February 2004 17:47:26
11 February 2004 17:48:32
Name : Jim Lay
Found : Search engine
Message : My uncle 18977 Private Ernest Thomas Lay was with B Company 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry when on August 17 1917 he fell at the battle of Langemarck. But in the July he was with 3 Coy 3 Battalion and billeted at Crownhill Huts Plymouth. I would like to know more about this period and possibly names of anyone who served in these battalions at the same time as Ernest.
17 January 2004 18:16:56
Name : Keith Jones (Jonah) , Bath
Found : Just surfing
Message : Looking for friends who served in Malaya 1952 to 1954 in "A" Company
10 October 2003 19:53:31
Name : Julian ArnhemSuperman , Arnhem (The Netherlands)
Found : Search engine
Message : I'm desperately searching for the English girl from Cornwall who lives now in Osnabrück Germany. Met het at concert of Red Hot Chili Peppers in Duisburg on 21-08-03. Can anyone help me to find her. I know there are only 670 people of Cornwall living there, but that includes the men too. I think she rides horses, so maybe anyone can give me advise. Please help me.
29 August 2003 09:57:38
Name : Lesley Anderson , Melbourne, Australia
Message : My g/father John O'Leary served in Ypres in WW1, was injured and returned to Bristol to his wife and baby daughter Dorothy, would like any info., about his army years, and when he came to England from County Cork for family tree purposes.
31 July 2003 09:22:09
Name : chris coyle , peterborough
Message : my father served with the SLI in normandy june 6 aug 8 1944 I would like to find out more about his time there
27 June 2003 11:26:41
Name : Admin
Message : WO1 "Buck" Morris has died. His funeral is at Taunton Crematorium on Monday 30th June 2003 at 1400hrs. All welcome.
27 June 2003 08:54:54
Name : David John Seaton , Bristol
Found : Just surfing
Message : My gransfather (27634 Private John Banger) served in the 8th Bn of the SLI and was killed on 24 April 1917. He has no known grave but is commemorated at the Arras memorial. I am keen to find out more about the activities of the 8th Bn at the time but events seem to be very vague in the published material I have seen. Can anyone throw any more light on what happened in the lead-up to 24th April 1917? I presume from what I have read that the engagement was the 2nd Battle of the Scarpe during which Guemappe and Gavrelle were captured, but more detail would be welcome.
21 June 2003 16:40:04
Name : elizabeth lander
Found : Just surfing
Message : looking for john david robertson Sl i WW1 1ST LIEUTENANT LIVING IN WOKING SURREY
18 June 2003 20:51:38
Name : Priscilla Thomas , Radstock, Somerset
Found : Just surfing
Message : My father served with D Company, 7th Batt. SLI from Nov 1942 to May 1945. He was wounded twice, once at Caen, then at Niederheide, Germany. His nick-name was 'Schubert' as he loved classical music. If anyone remembers him, I'd love to hear from them. He joined up in Colchester with another chap from Bath called Tony COMM.
14 June 2003 15:53:06
Name : Lucille Thomas , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Found : Search engine
Message : My GGrandfather was Colour Sgt in 2nd Somerset Light from August 1st, 1884. I was looking for a picture of the uniform, found the colour Sgt. 1860. Was it the same in 1884?
13 June 2003 06:43:46
Name : Kevin Hann , Somerset
Found : Search engine
Message : Hi, I am trying to find out if anyone remembers my grandfather. He served in the Somerset LI and joined the territorials in 1937. His name was Edwin Hann, but he was known as 'Ted'. From what I know of is that he served on the home front for the first few years of the war and then went on to North Africa and ended the war in Italy. If anyone remembers him can they please contact me.
26 March 2003 18:38:58
Name : Alan Hodgson 22406029 , Co Durham
Homepage : http://www.johnscommandpost.me.uk/
Found : Search engine
Message : Served in the 1st Bn SLI D Coy 1950-52, would like to hear from anyone who can remember me.
02 March 2003 19:37:47
Name : BENNY HILL [[[[ HUBERT ]]]
Found : Just surfing
Message : Hello folks thank you for the page.I miss you all even the bad uns SERVED SLI,SCLI & 1LI call me on Emaila long happy life to you all ...... BEN ,
13 February 2003 22:48:56
Name : Jennifer Dyer , Eastbourne, E.Sussex
Found : Search engine
Message : I am the grand-daughter of James Dyer of Glastonbury, killed in WW1 in this division. Seeking information and other relatives etc of my grand-dad and his family.
25 January 2003 21:45:28
Name : harry tadd , Manchester
Found : Search engine
Message : My e-mail address has changed since my last entry. My father and grandfather were "Regulars" with the SLI my father in particular serving in Hong Kong, India, Greece and Austria from 1929 to 1949.I have copies of the "Light Bob Gazette" from 1946 to 1962 which I can search.
18 January 2003 18:00:13
Name : Dave Hamblin , Anglesey, North Wales.
Found : Just surfing
Message : Hi, I served with 1st S L I from June 57 to June 59. Firstly at the Depot then Plymouth,Eaton Hall Chester, Mons Aldershot and Warminster (Knook Camp). Anyone who remembers me contact me at the above adress.
17 January 2003 19:15:13