Last year I was studying in France and was fortunate enought to have been there for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. There were more CDN flags flying there than in Canada! It was a tremendously moving experience and it got me interested in finding out more information about my late father-in-law's WWII experiences. We have some of his photos, medals etc., but like many veterans he didn't talk much about his time in the war.
He was with the 18th Field Coy Royal Cdn Engineers who landed on D-Day, and through subsequent research, I think they landed on Mike Sector of Juno (Courseulles).
The War Diaries at the Nat'l Archives have been really helpful in piecing together his movement through France. They have even provided some humour (e.g. the July 23, 1944 entry reads..."meeting of Coy officers at 1430. discussed discipline - men must shave once daily...and they must stay away from French wine...").
From what I can gather from the War Diaries, engineer units were frequently split up to support different infantry units. e.g. the War diary shows July 6, 1944 - preparation for operation Charnwood - No. 1 Platoon will have 2 sections in support of the Highland Light Infantry, and No. 2 Platoon will have the same in support of Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry..."
Can anyone tell me how many people are in a section/ platoon? How would I find out which platoon he was in? I would also be interested in hearing from any veterans of the 18th Field coy. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
He was with the 18th Field Coy Royal Cdn Engineers who landed on D-Day, and through subsequent research, I think they landed on Mike Sector of Juno (Courseulles).
The War Diaries at the Nat'l Archives have been really helpful in piecing together his movement through France. They have even provided some humour (e.g. the July 23, 1944 entry reads..."meeting of Coy officers at 1430. discussed discipline - men must shave once daily...and they must stay away from French wine...").
From what I can gather from the War Diaries, engineer units were frequently split up to support different infantry units. e.g. the War diary shows July 6, 1944 - preparation for operation Charnwood - No. 1 Platoon will have 2 sections in support of the Highland Light Infantry, and No. 2 Platoon will have the same in support of Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry..."
Can anyone tell me how many people are in a section/ platoon? How would I find out which platoon he was in? I would also be interested in hearing from any veterans of the 18th Field coy. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
