Canadian Servicemen WW2 in West Sussex

[Pam Wilson]

Hi, I am writing a book about the Canadian Servicemen stationed in Worthing and West Sussex during WW2. At present I am unable to trace any details as to where the different regiments were billeted and for how long. Has anyone any recollection as to who was in charge of issuing billets during that period, would there have been a particular section of the Canadian Army? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Pam Wilson

Hi, I am writing a book about the Canadian Servicemen stationed in Worthing and West Sussex during WW2. At present I am unable to trace any details as to where the different regiments were billeted and for how long. Has anyone any recollection as to who was in charge of issuing billets during that period, would there have been a particular section of the Canadian Army? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Hi Pam.
Welcome to MLU..
When you say...

"At present I am unable to trace any details as to where the different regiments were billeted and for how long."

Gonna be a short book ,eh..???

(Just kidding..My Canadian sense of humour..)
I'm sure one of our resident historians can give you some of the info you need and can surely lead you to other resources ..
Good luck and post often..Keep us in the loop on your book..

[Rick W]

Do you have the names of the regiments that were posted there?

[Bruce MacMillan]

The local history group in Eastbourne published a book on Canadian units in that part of Sussex. It may give a clue to unit's identity or the author's sources.

Canucks by the sea : the Canadian army in Eastbourne during the Second World War; by Michael Ockenden. [Eastbourne]: Eastbourne Local History Society, 2006. 187 p. ISBN 0954764714

[Pam Wilson]

Hi

Thanks for the response and this is the information so far

Canadian Regiments stationed in Worthing Area

6th Armoured Regiment (1st Hussars)
10th Armoured Regiment (The Fort Garry Horse)
11th Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment)
12th Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment)
14th Armoured Regiment (The Calgary Regiment)
1st Armoured Car Regiment (The Royal Canadian Dragoons)
27th Armoured Regiment (The Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment)
4th Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards)
Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) The
West Nova Scotia Regiment The
Queen’s Own Cameron Highlander of Canada The
Seaforth Highlanders of Canada The
Dundas, Stormont and Glengarry Highlanders The
Calgary Highlanders The
Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) The
Fusiliers Mont-Royal Les
Le Royal 22e Regiment (Van Doos)
Edmonton Fusiliers The
South Saskatchewan Regiment The
Regiment de la Chaudiere Le
Toronto Scottish The
Essex Scottish The
Royal Regiment of Canada The
6th Canadian Field Regiment R.C.A.
6th Canadian Brigade
1st Canadian Survey Regiment

This is the list so far although there may be more. I am in the process of checking the web for the Veteran Associations connected with each. So far I have contacted the Ontario Regiment twice but have not had any response. If it's out there I'll find it.

Pam

[Rick W]

A long shot but try the following.

www.veterans-uk.info

www.military-genealogy.com

[Mark W. Tonner]

Originally Posted by Pam Wilson

At present I am unable to trace any details as to where the different regiments were billeted and for how long.

Hi Pam;

Have you been to or in contact with The National Archives, Kew. File: WO 199 (War Office: Home Forces: Military Headquarters Papers, Second World War) should shed some light on your questions. The Canadian Army Location Statements should be contained within this file, example:

- WO 199/576 - Canadian Army: Employment and accommodation - Covering dates: Jul 1940 - Mar 1942
- WO 199/577 - Canadian Army: Employment and accommodation - Covering dates: Apr 1942 - Dec 1943

Also, a units War Diary will contain its location, Canadian Army unit War Diaries (or for those units you quoted in your earlier post regarding "this is the information so far - Canadian Regiments stationed in Worthing Area") can be found at The National Archives, Kew, under File: WO 179 (War Office: Canadian, South African, New Zealand and Indian (United Kingdom) Forces (Dominion Forces): War Diaries, Second World War).

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Pam Wilson]

Hi Bruce Mark & Rick,

Thanks for all the information will check out the websites, will be going to the local library to find Canucks by the Sea, have also emailed the National Archives Kew to find out if the details contained within the records refere to the billet/accomodation used by the Canadians.

Thanks once again, any other information will be greatly appreciated.

Pam

[Rick W]

From a pill box near Heathfield near Brighton. You will notice the word "Canadian" stamped in the mortar bases.

[Pam Wilson]

Thanks Rick for the pictures

Pam