The West Kents can be traced back to the 50th Foot raised in 1755, adpoting the name the West Kents in 1782. At teh reorganisation of the British Army in 1881 they amalgamated with the 97th Foot who had been raised in 1824.
Battalions during the Second World War.
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June 2010 - Please note we currently have a large backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site.
List of those who served with The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment during The Second World War
I am trying to get information about my father who held in Stalag 8b. His name was Albert Joseph. He was captured in 1940.
Pte. Henry James William Botton 2nd Bttn Royal West Kent Rgt
I would like to hear from anyone who remembers my farther Henry Botton, he spent most of the war in Stalag VIIIB after being captured as part of the BEF.
He passed away when I was still young so details are sketchy, that is why I would like to hear from anyone.
Thank You
Pte. Percy James "Jim" Bridger Royal West Kent Regiment
I'm trying to find out more about my Grandfather's time as a POW. All I know is that he was captured at Dunkirk, he was in The Royal West Kent Regiment he was sent to the coal mines in Poland, then taken to Germany and marched back to Poland. Sadly he is no longer with us, so we can't ask. His name was Percy James Bridger but everyone called him Jim
Pte. Arthur J. Booker Royal West Kent Regiment
Back row (left to right): 1) unknown 2) Wally Symes 3) Arthur Booker, 4) unknown 5) Mick Dowling
Front row (left to right): 1) Gerry Rush 2) Dick Berryman 3) Les Botcher 4) Ginger Kett 5) Jimmy Beatle.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
I joined the British Army in Nineteen Thirty-Nine
I really did enjoy myself and thought that life was fine
But in France I was captured a Royal West Kent
Pride of the Army but to Deutschland I went.
Into a big Stalag they called it VIII B
We had breakfast, no dinner and no blooming tea
They sent us out working we were just skin and bone
And Mittenbruck Silesia became our new home
There I met lots of pals t'was long, long ago
But where are they now that's what I'd like to know
Gerry Rush and Mick Dowling slept in the next bed
And a fellow called Andrews he slept overhead.
Sgt. Don Eager or Edgar I'm never quite sure
He helped me a lot when conditions were poor
And young Ginger Kett with his mout organ band
Called Kat and his Kit-Kats were really quite grand
And to all other chaps who were held by the "Hun"
In that little old camp called E91
If you remember ole Book and Benny his mate
Then let's get in touch before it's too late!
This is a poem written by my Father, Arthur Booker, if anyone remembers him or his fellow POW's please get in touch.
Private David George Avis Royal West Kent Regiment
My father, pte David George Avis, no.6347487 of the West Kent Regiment, was wounded at Doullens on 14.5.1940, picked up by the Germans and transported to Cambrai Hospital, then to Aachen. From there he went by train via Bocholt to Thorn over 4 days, 70 men to a cattle truck. He spoke very little about his time as an inmate of Stalag XXA but I do know that they started their 'death march' on 15.1.1945 from Graudenz. They were liberated by the Americans in a small town outside Hanover after walking 850 miles. He was flown home by the RAF on 20.4.1945 to High Wycombe,rekitted,paid and arrived home at Herne Pound, Mereworth, Kent on 21.4.1945. He was recalled after 6 weeks to Wotten Underwood Barracks.
Unfortunately I have only found all this information after he died in 2006 when going through his effects.
Pte. Charlie Maplesden Royal West Kent Regiment
I am trying to find out some information about my Grandad, Charlie Maplesden, as he was a POW. He went missing on 28 Jan 44 and by the 19 Feb was POW at Stalag XIA. His POW number was 141227. I would love to find more information.
Private Charlie Maplesden Royal West Kent Regiment
I am trying to find out some information about my Grandad as he was a POW. He went missing on 28 January 1944 and on the 19 February was a POW at Stalag XIA. His POW number was 141227. I would love to find more information.
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