A collection of articles written by Gareth Scanlon with a primary focus on the Italian Campaign 1943-45 and all things related to the 3rd Battalion Welsh Guards | 1st Guards Brigade | 6th Armoured Division (amongst much else!)
Note to reader - please see the post here for additional background and context. 82 Years Ago Today I’ve posted this photo here before, and I’m doing so again today exactly 82 years from the date it was taken at Ferretto, Italy on Tuesday 11 July 1944. No.1 Platoon, No.1 Company, 3rd Battalion Welsh Guards … Continue reading 82 Years Ago Today: Grandad at Ferretto & The Journey of Discovery
Apologies! I’m so, so sorry - I have been massively neglecting my blog here and all of my social channels too! I’m pleased to report that this isn’t all bad news, it’s because I’m trying to put every spare minute into actually writing “The Forgotten Fighting Third”. Whilst I have been progressing a great deal … Continue reading Unveiling 3Bn’s Men Through Squad Photos
Those of you that regularly follow my posting here will be well aware that I am now deeply within the throes of writing my next book; The Forgotten Fighting Third. This will tell the story of the 3rd Battalion (3Bn) Welsh Guards throughout 'their war' during the campaigns in Tunisia and Italy between 1943-45. Again, … Continue reading Lt. Anthony Schuster No.1 Coy, 3WG: The Full Account
Introduction Regular readers of my blog and social media pages will be well aware of the information I have been amassing in support of my book. I now have some 18’000 files relating to 3Bn, these include photographs, maps, documents amidst other bits. Regular readers will also know that I have travelled far and wide … Continue reading 2732483 CSM Francis Tremblett: Providing His Family With More Information
Introduction Those of you who a regular readers of my ramblings will be well aware that my principle focus concerns the men of 3Bn who fought in the campaigns in Tunisia and Italy. To that end, I have narrowly honed in on the period of time that the battalion was overseas between 1943 and 1945. … Continue reading How A Tunic Retells A Story: 2734549 Denis George Sullivan
Introduction Those who follow me here, and on my social media channels, will be well aware of my quest to gather as much information as possible on the brave men who served during the Second World War. To that end, I am extremely grateful for the overwhelming support I have received from several families of … Continue reading Nominal Roll 2Bn Welsh Guards: 27 August 1941
Introduction The outstanding ‘Welsh Guards At War’ by Major Ellis is the de facto reference text for the history of the Welsh Guards during the Second World War. For a book of its size, and of its time, it gives an excellent account of all of the major engagements of all three service battalions. It … Continue reading Remembering the Six: Welsh Guards Officers & The 2nd Hampshires, Tebourba, Tunisia 1942
Introduction Wherever I find anything for sale that’s remotely connected to 3Bn I try and pick it up. This is for several reasons , but principally to be able to photograph or copy the items for inclusion in my database and forthcoming book. As per what a museum does, I feel that the inclusion of … Continue reading 14668329 Sgt Leslie Norman White: Researching Individuals & The Importance of Personal Archives
Thank You! Since my recent post, and the appeal for support on social media, I’m pleased to report that I have been sent several Squad Photographs over the last few days - thank you ever so much to those that have been able to help! Whilst trawling the internet searching for these said Squad Photographs, … Continue reading 14588859 Gdsm. James Woodman: Bringing Multiple Sources Together
Introduction I recently posted on my social media channels about how fantastic it was to meet Catherine Bowen and be able to copy and photograph pics and other items retained by her grandfather 2737719 L/Cpl Gerwyn Jones. It was a privilege to have been able to scan his photographs which contain so many interesting details … Continue reading Squad Photos: Unlocking People & Their Stories
Camouflaged Fist 