The 50th (Northumbrian) Division included the Infantry Brigades 149th, 150th (4th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment, 4th and 5th Green Howards and 5th Durham Light Infantry) and 151st. The division was mobilised on 1st September 1939 and in October 1939 was under the command of Major-General Giffard Le Quesne Martel, focused on training in the Cotswolds. Then in January 1940 embarked to France to join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). My father (Pte RL Hymer), in the 4th Green Howards fought in France and retreated to Dunkirk. After which was sent to North Africa and in the Battle of Gazala, Rommel surrounded the 150th Brigade Box known as the Cauldron until it was gradually reduced over a stubborn defence and overrun by noon on 1st June 1942. Prisoners were then taken through Italy to German camps and Stalag XVII B [Pottenbrunn, Austria] is where he was taken. His mother, Margaret Hymer (21 Salisbury Street, Thornaby-on-Tees) sent a parcel to him on the 31st December 1944, rather than the Red Cross. Home from the battlefields, the Green Howards honoured with the freedom of Middlesbrough – 1946.
Photographs and details courtesy of Michael Hymer.
Picture Stockton Archive 
I believe my great-great-grandfather, John Udell, was born in Gibraltar. He joined the Cameronian Regiment in 1787 when they came to Canada and served until the regiment returned to Quebec in 1792. He stayed behind in Ontario. I believe you could join at there age of 17 at the time, ergo 1770. His father, Mathew, also served with the 26th of Cameronian Regiment from 1780 until he was discharged in Halifax in December 1800. Mathew had also served 14 years with the 19th Regiment or Green Howards for 14 years. Does anyone know if there are any records of the regiment in Gibraltar?
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I enjoyed reading the comments. My father was in the Green Howards 39-45. He spent time in India (I believe late 41 when they departed) Part of it on the NWF, while there he spent time as a bodyguard to a Political Agent ( He told me it was the safest job on the frontier as the Agent dished out the compensation to the (tribies) as he called them) He mentioned a tribesman called Casada George who worked for the British, who killed his father for his job!! He went from there to Burma and took part in the Battle for Ramree Island. I have some great photos, one in particular was taken on a landing craft heading to Ramree and a some from the frontier. Many thanks.
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My Dad, Bill Johnson, fought with 7th Battalion Green Howards all the way from the BEF in France 1940 until the end in Holland in 1944. He spoke about it very rarely, although a little more in his later years. Dad died in 1982, just wish I had talked with him more. We are immensely proud of him. His big mate was Ronnie Etherington. Just wondering if there was any connection with the above Peter Etherington.
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Hi , I’m replying to your email about your father and his service in the seventh battalion. I didn’t know him and I’m not related. I was the next generation to him. I did however serve in the Green Howard in the 50s and 60s I met many men who serve during the war. But not many from the seventh battalion as they belong, mainly the Scarborough area, and I live on Teesside and served in the second battalion and the fourth. If you contact the Green Howards Museum at Richmond, they would be able to give you a breakdown of your Dad’s services. Did you know that the sixth and seventh battalions were among the finest spearhead troops in the Second World War? Their record is 2nd to none. I see he was a POW too. Hope you find out more about him.
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Michael, my apologies I’ve got your dad mixed up with another guy. I’ve just read him again and he belonged Thornaby and served in the fourth battalion. Who would’ve been taken prisoner in the desert in 1942. I can’t remember the name but I may well have met your father and I know that campaign well as I do research at the regimental Museum I see he was at stalag 8B did he take part in the long marches? Most of the fourth and fifth battalion men were held there and did the force marches to freedom. I hope he lived a long and happy life thereafter. My best wishes to you
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Hi David, My grandfather Stanley Coleman was in the 7th Green Howards and only missed Dunkirk. Unfortunately, his best friend Edward Dimmock (My Nana’s Uncle) was the only man from the 7th BN GH to be killed on Dunkirk, Bray Dunes. Any of those names sound familiar? I have done alot of research and book buying on the 7th Green Howards, so please reach out if you would like to find out more (Facebook message me). I also made a website to share some of the information we have found, just search for 7th Green Howards and Coleman – he may be in the photos?
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I served as a Green Howard for over 14years. I currently do one day per week at the Regimental museum where I carry out research and do some guiding. Most of the queries here can be answered in detail by museum staff. It amazes me that local people never seem to know this. The museum is in the church in the centre of Richmond N Yorks. Green Howards museum typo will get you there!
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I send my unreservedly gratitude for your service in the Green Howards Regiment and continued dedication to duty in helping others find answers to their questions, through your research at the museum. Yes, it is important to point out of the great research availability from the Green Howards Museum in Richmond. As with most people, I have contacted a range of sources for information including the Green Howards Museum ( through email, internet site & Facebook – no stone left unturned ). A wealth of information is attributed from everyday people helping each other through internet sites such as this one, expressing their thoughts, personal possessions and advice. We endeavour to inform each other for the greater good.
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Hi Michael
My father LC Bernard Charles Cooper, 4th Battalion Green Howard’s fought at the Battle of Gazala right up to the final surrender. I have found some of the basic details of the Battle but not any real detail of our British soldiers were surrounded and forced to give up. Do you know where I can find first hand accounts of the fighting. From there he moved to a holding camp in Italy and then onto a POW 4th Stalag. I once had his POW diary which gave an insight into life in the camp.
Thanks
Dave
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Photographic memories of my late father’s past in the 4th Battalion Green Howards [ 1939 – 1946 ] was an important legacy to preserve on the internet. In the hope that individuals might recognize a family member, which has happened on a few occasions.The images have appeared on Google from Picture Stockton Archive & War Time Memories Project.Copies were sent to the Green Howards Museum via email, back in May 2017.The photographs I issued were not previously shown on the internet.
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Hi Michael, I believe one of your photos is of my grandfather (far right of image t18225.jpg). Is there a way you could send me the photo and any information regarding this image? Many thanks
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If “Picture Stockton Archive” could send me your email address, then I would gladly send on the image to you as requested. Best Regards.
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Images shown on facebook page of the Naval & Military Press Ltd [ 24th August 2022 ].
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Hi Michael, Thanks for the photos, my grandfathers daughters say it is definitely him and ask if there is any further information on it such as time and place. The facts I have on him is he enlisted in 1940 his service number was 4394414 he was captured on the 1st April 1942 and spent time in camp 52 Plan di Coreglia (Chiabari) in Italy then transferred to Stalag 11B in Fallingbostel finally liberated in 1945. I’ve requested his service record but will probably take months. Anything information you can provide would be much appreciated. Kind regards Don
Sent from my iPad
>
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I am searching for any information on my father CSM Edward (Ted) Berry, a member of the “Cockney Squad” serving in the 2nd battalion Green Howards from 1931-1952 army number 2027375 serving in India/Malaya 1932-1951.
I live in Australia and have difficulty in gathering information.
Any advice or information is greatly appreciated.
Derek Berry
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Hi Derek just seen your query. I served in the 2nd Green Howards in the 50s. I do research at the Regimental museum weekly. I will try and find your fathers details. Off the top of my head I believe his number indicates he enlisted in the 4th Bn which was a Territorial Army unit. He would then transfer to the regular Bn. The 2nd was serving in India at Poona from about 1932 until 1937. moving to N India it campaigned on the NWF. WW2 it was retained in India on internal security. And returned to the frontier in 1940 then served in Burma1944–45 in the Arakan and Ramree island invasion. Returned to India 1945 to Barrackpore Left India 1946 for the Sudan serving at North barracks Khartoum. In Dec 1948 the Bn was stood down at Khartoum and immediately reformed as the 1st Bn which moved to Egypt in 1949.then to Malaya. The 2nd Bn was reformed in I952–56 serving in Suez and Cyprus.
I will try and locate your father in the museum records later. I hope this is helpful.
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My father, William Daniel Perry, was discharged from the “Green Howards” having previously served in the Yorkshire & Lancashire Regiment from 22.4.41 to 3.6.42.He was a private, and was captured at Tobruk and sent to an Italian POW camp. He escaped from the camp and spent about six months in the Italian mountains living in an Italian village that did not support Mussolini or Nazi Germany. Eventually he had to leave as it became too dangerous for the villagers to hide him. He was recaptured though, and sent to Stalag X1A In Germany from 4.6.42 to 17.4.45 under very poor living and working conditions making bricks. Near the end of the war he escaped again and met up with the American army who retuned with him to the camp and liberated the POW’s. He stayed with the Americans in Berlin until the British was able to fly him home to Barkingside, Essex. Dad was born in 1915, Silverton, London, England, and died in 1992, Hatfield Peveral, Essex, England.
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I am trying to get info about my dad who was in the greenhowards from 1939 to 1945 his name was Lawrence Taylor
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There is a Pte CL Taylor [ Service number 14355451 ] in the 1st Battalion Green Howards, fighting in North Africa and Italy [ captured in 1944 ]. There is reference to D Company, 1st Battalion Green Howards fighting an offensive at Anzio, Italy. I am unable to confirm which Company your dad might have been in for certain.
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My Grandfather was Alexander (Alec)Hutchinson, died 1958, I never met him. I recall seeing a dog tag my father kept which I am sure was Stalag XIV B. This was Alec’s ID while a prisoner, after capture in N Africa. Does anyone have any information on that camp or the March the men were forced to make by the Nazi’s
Thanks
Nick Hutchinson
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Information retrieved from Find my Past – possible solution
British Army Casualty Lists 1939-1945
WO 417 / 91 : Green Howards : Army No 4391119 : Hutchinson, A
Rank Cpl : 5th Battalion Green Howards : Western Desert
WO 392 / 21 : Prisoners of War : Italy : 1 British Army
Camp no PG 65 : Hutchinson, A : Rank Cpl : Army No 4391119 : Green Howards
Camp no PG 65 : located near Gravina in Italy
WO 392 / 11 : Prisoners of War : Germany : Section 1 British Army
Camp No 344 : Stalag VIII B ( Lamsdorf ) Poland
POW No 220716 : Hutchinson, A : Rank Cpl : Army No 4391119 : Green Howards
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Thanks to all who have added information about the 4th and 5th battalions of the Green Howard’s and their role in the Battle of Gazala. I am still trying to,find more information about what happened to him having been taken POW at Gazala. Looking for information about his route and stay at Macharata in Italy and then at the Stalag camp in Torgau, Germany. Anyone know what it was like at Torgau and how he was liberated. He was there for nearly 4 years.
Thanks
Dave Cooper
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My dad L.Cpl Bernard Cooper was in the 4th Battalion Green Howards. He fought in the Battle of Gazala May 28-June 1. He was captured and went first to an Italian POW camp in Mascerate and ended up at Stalag 4b at Torgau where he became an arbeitskommando and worked repairing railway lines that the British and American bombers blew up! I would like to know what happened to him either on his way to Africa. I have photos of him in Cairo enjoying himself but have no idea how he got there. Also I don’t know anything about his release from Torgau and how he got back to England. If anyone has any details please email me davidbcooper1952@gmail.com
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David, the only way to the Middle east at that time was by troopship and it would be round the Horn off Africa up the red sea to Suez. They would then go to massive camps in the Canal Zone to be brought up to fitness and get used to the conditions.
The Battle of Gazala stopped Rommel so he tried a Southern attack and was frustrated by the Free French at Bir Hakim. Rommel then attacked again in the North driving the British back Tobruk fell and something like 50,000 of our troops were killed wounded or taken prisoner. It was supposedly Rommel’s biggest victory in Africa.
Two men I knew who were POW’s worked in the mines they told me you got extra rations if you worked as against starvation rations if you did not.
Many of the POW’s freed by advancing troops were flown home, they were lucky, others in camps further east took part in long marches to the west to escape the Russians many died on the way.
I got some of this information from men who came back to work in the factories I worked in. Jimmy Burnip Stan Browm, Mick Dolan and some who’s names have gone. Some like Charly Garbut were called up sent to Germany wounded sent back and invalided out near the end of the war all within months. Most never spoke about the war experience some could not forget it.
Frank.
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Thanks Frank for adding to the story. The little I know from what he did in the desert was that he was forever digging trenches. He gave the impression that he saw little active duty but what I have found about the Howard’s 4th battalion was they were short on ammo and fought to the last before surrendering.
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David, Infantry have to carry everything on their backs. A Rifle nine pounds, (I was a Bren gunner so it was twelve pounds) then ammunition in bandoleers of fifty rounds plus all the kit to exist once in the line. If dug in you relied on runners bringing up extra ammunition food and water. Once your supply line was cut you were on your own with what you had.
My time in the middle east was 1947-49, it was still by Troopship but we went up the Mediterranean stopping at Gibraltar for repairs after an Atlantic storm then Malta to Port Said and by Train to Suez where we had fourteen days training for the conditions as your Dad did then on to oversee the Mandate May 1948, not a good time.
It took around 70% of the Army to put 20% near a front line that includes Infantry Armour and Artillery, they are the people doing all the fighting, by the end of the war most fighting units had nearly 300% turnover. Wounded were sent back to their units after recovery as i was, it was how it was done, the Dead never came home as they would now.
You may ask how I know about this, I made it to WO1, was in the Middle East when we still had hundreds of German POW’s working for and with the army as they could not go home to some parts of Germany at that time.
An eye opener to me in Convalescent camp where Germans were sent who were about to go home they mixed with us ate and drank with us they also went on guard with us. Two came to my tent cleaned my Sten gun and Browning Pistol loaded the mags pushed me in an old fashioned whicker bath chair to our position on the Canal then brewed tea. I told them if there was any trouble take the weapons and hold while i ran for help. Soldiers are all the same really Pacifists at heart.
Frank.
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I where the vets badge meet people all of the time you are right my farther went by the cape to north Africa spent six years there during the war My own service three years sent to Kenya by troop ship Dunera them times you could not come home two years in a tent and six month in Barhian i also was a bren gunner I served in the Coldstream Guards 2nd bat 59 to 62
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My father was here as well. He told me, they were told no more ammo, and no retreat, so it was capture or be killed!!!
He was captured ended up in an Italian POW camp near Urbisaglia PG 53. Its sounds beyond awful He was marched to the German lines then transported in rail cattle wagons to Stalag 8B. Where prisoners were force to work in the coal mines and if caught sabotaging shot…. Then when the Russian were approaching they were told to pack up and were marched in freezing conditions during the coldest winter between barn to barn. I doubt the clothes they wore was much good having worn them for 3 years. No food and they had to forage in the fields. But they knew other `POWS had been in the barns the night before and nothing was left in the fields. ~They woke one morning and the Germans guards had abandoned them and they could hear artillery but didn’t know who it was. So they somehow rigged up a red cross on the roof and eventually found. He rarely spoke of the war so this was over a numerous of years and chats that this came to light.
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Thanks Frank for adding more background to my father’s war story. Dave
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Does anyone have a list of the names on the Stockton War Memorial for WW2?
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Details of Inscription given on website, alas not all the names are recorded.
Imperial War Museums, Memorial Stockton.
WM Reference 9789
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There were so many of them David, many Infantry both Light and Heavy lost up to 300% of their men from 1940 to 1945 and continued losing men for many years after in what the Governments of the day called “Bush Fire Actions” to those of us involved it seemed like war to us.
I was with Armour but you cannot go charging off without Infantry cover so the PBI were always in up to their necks it is not generally known that it takes 75% of the Army to put 25% into the front line so those Infantry Regiments took the brunt of all fighting.
We saw many brought wounded from the front to the Local military Hospitals such as Sedgefield, walking wounded would be seen in Town in their blue uniforms and they talked, we probably knew more that was going on than the News media said.
I take my hat off to the DLI, Green Howards and other local troops who knowing the odds still went off willingly.
Frank.
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My wife’s uncle, Alfred Harris, was killed in action on 9th August 1944. He was a Private (4392226) with the Green Howards in Normandy.
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Commonwealth War Graves
Pte Alfred Harris : Service Number 4392226
Regiment & Unit : Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment) 6th Battalion
Died 09 August 1944 : Age 25 Years
Buried : Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery XVI. A. 15. France
We all remember their service to our country and us, Lest we forget.
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Any way I can get a photo of his grave?
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Go on the Commonwealth Graves, commission website, entrepreneurs name, and number in the search boxes, and it will give you details of his burial, and a roll of honour of which you could print and also probably a photograph of his grave. Hope this helps
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My Grandad George Foster was a Sergeant Major in the Green Howards and was in POW camp Stalag 8A from 1943-5. He was from Richmond.
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