242619 Rflmn. Thomas George "Pop" Smith British Army 9th Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps from:London My Dad, Thomas Smith, joined the Territorial Army on 5th Feb 1925. He was a Gunner in the 867th (London) Battery, 92nd Field Brigade and transferred to 12th London Rangers on 12th Apr 1927. He was 'Called to Colours' at the outbreak of war on 1st Sept 1939.
He was wounded, captured and made a prisoner of war (no.6047) at the Battle of Crete and was taken first to Stalag VIIA camp 2780, then to Stalag VIIIB/344 with work party E594.
At the war's end he was taken on the infamous death marches, but survived even though he was 44 years old by then.
I have a lot of letters and postcards that Dad sent to my eldest sister between Nov 1941 - Dec 1944. I am so glad she kept them, as not much else seems to have survived and I am the last of the family alive now at age 80! But I do have his Soldier's Release book and I also have a programme/booklet of King George V Silver Jubilee, 6th May 1935, given to my Dad because he, with his 12th London Regt 'Rangers' lined the procession route.
I've had a strong interest in researching my family history and especially the military side so it's been such a joy to me to find this site on line and to remember my Dad here - thank you!
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