2nd6thww2

Fusilier Johnston Lionel Robson.

Fusilier Johnston Lionel Robson.

Stephen Robson, the nephew of Fusilier J L Robson sent this interesting set of pics and documents in.

This is what he wrote:-

Hi Joe,
you may recall that some time ago I contacted you in connection with my research into my uncles WW2 service history.
You were able to give me a starting point and references as to where he may have served.I am happy to say that I have now completed my research to a point where I am satisfied I can give a good account of his army service during WW2.
It all started with his enlistment in 1942 and reads as follows;
16/12/42 No 6 ITC Lancashire Fusiliers(Wellington Barracks).It was during his training here that sometime between Dec 42 and Mar 43 he was accidentally shot and wounded in the stomach .After recovering he was offered a home posting but refused.
18/8/43 To 2/6 BN .2nd and 6th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.
27/11/43 Disembarked BNAF British North Africa Force
31/12/43 To No 3 CRU (No3 Corps Reinforcement Unit).It was here I believe he volunteered to join the Commandos who were recruiting after returning from Yugoslavia and suffering heavy casualties.
29/1/44 To No2 Commando.After completing his training he joined No 5 Troop 2 Cdo.
29/7/44 He was wounded during Operation Healing ,Spilje, Albania.
9/9/44 Rejoined No 2Cdo.
In the coming months he took part in further Commando raids on German positions.
22/9/44 Operation Mercerised, Serande,Albania.
21/2/45 Patrolling and holding of 5 Corps winter line on River Reno.
2nd/4th/April 1945.Operation Roast.Capture of SPIT.
5th/21st/April 1945 Reno Banks and Agenta Gap.
The above information was confirmed by the Commandos Veterans Association ..They were also able to put me in contact with Mr Eric Buckmaster who served in the same troop as my uncle and even remembered details about him and was also able to put together a picture of what they went through together.Confirming names on photos belonging to my uncle of his comrades in 5 troop .And to whom I am very grateful in his cooperation.

Eric Buckmaster
May 1945 saw my uncle return to the UK briefly joining No 6 Cdo and then 11th West York Regt.
14/2/46 Depot C M P .Corps Military Police .
25/9/46 TOS 158 TC MELF.Taken on strength 158 Transit Camp Middle East Land Forces.
16/7/47 released from the army.
11 August 1948 my uncle sadly passed away, the cause of death was attributed to the operation for the wound he received in 1943 whilst training with the Lancashire Fusiliers.
His medals of service were never claimed by him, so I recently enquired with the MOD and am glad to say I am now the proud owner of these medals.
I have attached information about my uncle that you may find of interest and must once again thank you in assisting me in bringing my uncles story to light,
regards,
Stephen j Robson.
Ad Unum Omnes."

These facts are particularly interesting as they outline the role played by the 2/6th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers in training and providing drafts for our Battalions fighting WW2.

A newly enlisted soldier in 1941 would have initially gone to a Primary Training Centre where he would be taught the basic elements of soldiering.

After 6 weeks, the men were sent of to their selected Regiments for continuation training, those destined for the XX would have been sent to B Company at Strensall in Yorkshire, which had the title of Number 6 Infantry Training Centre.

After passing out of 6 ITC, he would have gone for a further 5 weeks training with the 2/6th Bn of the XX, this ensured that the recruit was well imbued with the Regimental spirit and imprint of the XX before being drafted to one of the fighting Battalions.

In January 1943 the 2/6th were carrying out this training up of drafts from a base in Blackburn Lancashire, as part of 80th Division.

The story also illuminates yet another outstanding soldier of the XX who joined an elite force and proved himself second to none.

for the record.....Captain Joe Eastwood BEM CQSW

Fusilier Robson Service Record