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The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment, was formed in 1881. The 1st Battalion performed with distinction in the Boer War. During World War One the regiment raised an astonishing twenty one battalions, and sadly suffered terrible casualties.
At the outbreak of the Second World War the 1st Battalion was sent to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. During the retreat of Dunkirk they formedpart of the rear guard.
In the Far East, The 2nd Dukes took part in the rearguard action at the Battle of Sittang Bridge in February 1942, and in the Battle of Paungde in March that year.
The Dukes fought in North Africa, taking part in the Battle of Medjez Plain, as well as fighting at the Battle of Djebel bou Aoukaz in 1943, amongst other actions.
The regiment were part of the Chindits, 23rd Brigade in March 1944.
The Dukes also took part in the Anzio Campaign in early 1944, being involved at the Battle of Campoleone where the British suffered 1,000 casualties on the first day alone. The Dukes fought with distinction at the Battle of Monte Ceco in October 1944. Private Richard Henry Burton of the 1st Dukes was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courageous action in the battle.
The Regiment saw action in the Normandy Landings in June 1944, They fought at Tilly-sur-Seulles, where between 14th to the 19th June, the town changed hands between the British and the Germans more than twenty times in a fiece battle. The Dukes met the Germans at Fontenay le Pesnil where heavy fighting ensued.
To add to the list of those who served in the Duke of Wellington Regiment is my Grandfather, Arthur Ewen. He was captured in Anzio and spent time at Stalag VIIA.
My grandfather was Vicar of Canewdon, Essex during World War Two. We had some of the Duke of Wellington Regiment living with us in the vicarage. They watched the Thames, North sea and river Crouch from the church tower. Every night we heard our bombers going east and the German planes going to London as we waited in the cellar. We never heard from any of the regiment again although they left me a teddy bear, which I still have, who's tag says "to Monica from Officers, sergeants , corporals and men of the Duke of Wellington Regiment."
I just want to know if any of the men. Big George, Little George etc survived. I still have not only the teddy bear but two pencil drawings. I was, I now realise, trained as a "runner" my Grandmother took me to every house in the area so that I knew everyone. Even though we had plenty of chickens I was sent to a frends house and was given an egg. On the way home I broke it. I went back and got another. I was blonde, blueyed and very small, who would suspect me. I was also told that whatever happened to our family, never, never speak German. My grandmother was given a cache of emmergency supplies, which of course, we never used. She had a horrible time after the war trying to convince the food office that, as actually had happened, the mice had enjoyed it. Please let me know if any of the regiment survived.
Thank you. Baby Monica.....
(Woodward)
I'm trying to find out some information about my Grandfather, Cpl Harold Mitchell, he served with the Duke of Wellington Regiment (West Riding) 1st/2nd Battalion during WWII.
He went to India and fought at Dunkirk and Anzio, he was blown up at Anzio and was later discharged afterwards due to his injuries, in total he was wounded 3 times and was told he might not be so lucky next time, we used to have a photograph of him and his unit stood at some steps at Raglan Barracks in Devon just before he was shipped abroad.
He lived in Leeds, but his Regiment was based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. He lied about his age when he joined up as he was only 15/16 years of age
I hope some can help me with this quest as it means alot to us to be able to find his service no and to obtain his medals of combat.
Thankyou
Photographs
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List of those who served.
- Pte Richard Henry Burton. VC.
- Arthur Ewen. Read his Story
- Pte Gilbert Richard Naylor. Read his Story
- Cpl Harold Mitchell. Read his story
If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch.
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