Pte. William "Tiddles" Tyldesley
British Army 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment
from:Bolton, Lancashire
William 'Tiddles' Tyldesley, I believe, joined the Queens Royal Regiment at first, he then met my Grandad, Raymond Wells of the Royal West Kents during Dunkirk. He may have joined the West Kents when they returned to England after Dunkirk as he stayed with my Grandad until 1942. In 1942 he joined another company, my Grandad was very upset as they had been best friends. I think he joined up for parachute training as I have placed him at Derby, Bulford Camp, Chesterfield, Hardwick Hall and Manchester. From my Grandad's letters I can place him in the following places during the War:
- Late 1943/Early 1944: Italy
- October 1944: France
- January 1945: Athens, Greece (possibly Operation Manna, Arkforce, Force 140 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade)
- January/February 1946 - Palestine
- I believe he was demobbed sometime after 21st Feb 1946.
He was born in Bolton, Lancashire, liked football, had a sister (who came down to Dartford, Kent to stay with my Nan during the War), he had at least 2 brothers - the oldest was demobbed in September 1945, the youngest had been serving in Italy. He mentions he was in 27 Group or over for demobbing in 1946. He writes about friends called Tommy Simpson, who was in C Company (Possibly of the Royal West Kents), and who lives near William in Bolton and Dinky Aston, who was in Group 25 or 26 for demob. The last address that I have for him is HQ COY. 4th Btn, Para Regt, MEF, this was in 1946.
Throughout my Grandad's letters to my Nan and other family members he always mentions Tiddles and wonders where he is, he is so pleased when he receives letters from him. After the war, for some reason, including moving houses, my Grandad could not find him. I know he lived through the war,but have no idea after that. My Mum remembers her Dad showing him a picture of Tiddles and saying "That was my best friend, I'd love to find him again". Unfortunately at that time there was no internet and, even now, unless you are a relative,or have lots of money to pay fees for research, that couples with the fact that the MOD do not release documents yet means that my Grandad died unable to find his best friend. I have been trying to do that for the last year. I would be so grateful to anyone that knows or has information William 'Tiddles' Tyldesley, and can help me find out what happened to him.
