252490 L/Bmbdr. David John Robertson British Army 51st Search Light Regiment Royal Artillery from:7 Melville St, Lochgelly, Scotland My father Davy Robertson enlisted in the Territorial Army on the 23rd of January 1939, his first posting was the 404th (Fife) A.A. Company R.E., T.A. He was embodied on 4th of September 1939 and his unit was redesignated 51st Search Light Regiment Royal Artillery. In December 1943 he was transferred to 2nd Maritime Regiment, R A and on 27th of December 1943 he was transferred to the 1st Maritime Regiment, R A.
Whilst he did not mention a great deal about his war service, he did mention he was a Bofors gunner on a merchant ship. He stated he had no need to fire his gun in anger but did witness other gunners shooting at Spitfires. He claimed his lucky day came when a Destroyer escorting the convoy signalled his ship to vacate the Vice Commodore's position and go back to the tail of the convoy. That night the Vice Commodore was sunk with all hands by an E Boat. I know that he was on a ship that called at India and Burma. He was issued with the 1939-45 Star and the Burma Star.
My father migrated to Australia with his family in 1956 and died aged 64 in 1982.
I am currently seeking his Maritime records card.
|