236063 Sgt. William Glen "Larry" Larsen British Army 238th Field Coy. Royal Engineers from:Abingdon Sergeant William Glen Larsen of the Royal Engineers was a loving and kind hearted father and grandfather who did not like to talk about his exploits during the war. He passed away in late 1998 at the age of 78.
After receiving some records of his movements and awards through the war this is what I found:
He enlisted at Paisley as a boy into the Royal Engineers Territorial Army and posted to 238th Highland Field Company on 24.03.37
the transferred to 51st Divisional Engineers on 12.04.37
On attaining the age of 17 years on 25.12.37, William was posted to the Ranks. He was Promoted Corporal on the 11th of August 1939
and embodied for war service on the 2nd of September 1939.
On the 13th of August 1940 he was posted to No. 2 Troop No. 6 Commando.
then returned to 238th Field Company on the 10th of June 1941
He was Appointed Acting Lance Sergeant on the 17th of December 1941, then Acting Sergeant on the 2nd of February 1944
and granted War Substantive Rank of Sergeant on the 31st of July 1944
After the war he was released to the Royal Army Reserve on the 22nd of July 1946
being Discharged from Reserve Liability on 30.06.59
due to the Navy, Army and Air Forces Reserve Act 1959.
His Service with the Colours was from 02.09.39 to 22.07.46
seeing Overseas Service with the British Expeditionary Force France 15th of January 1940 to 2nd of February 1945 and in the Middle East from 3rd of February 1945 to 14th of March 1946
His Military Conduct is listed as Exemplary.
William's Testimonial reads: Sergeant Larsen has been with this unit since before the outbreak of war. He has served with it in the Battle of Dunkirk, North Africa and Italy. Since being in the service he has qualified as a vehicle mechanic and for the past two years has had sole charge of the motor transport of the unit. He is loyal, conscientious and an excellent disciplinarian. He is extremely capable, smart and soldierly in appearance and an all round first class NCO with a very fine record. I have no hesitation in recommending him most strongly for a position of trust and responsibility to any future employer.
Medal issued:
Efficiency Medal Territorial,
1939-45 Star,
Africa Star,
Italy Star and War Medal 1939-45.
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