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Spr. Thomas McCarthy . British Army 100th Army Field Company Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers from Newport, Wales
My dad, Thomas McCarthy of the 100th Army Field Company Royal Monmouthshire, Royal Engineers was captured at Wattou, near Dunkirk on 29.5.1940. After a time in Stalag X11A and Stalag 344 he was transferred to Stalag V111B at Teschen on the Polish border. He remained there as a POW (no 15356) until the ‘death march’ on 20.1.1945. On 9 May 1945 he and other survivors crossed American lines at Karlsbad.
Sadly, my Dad died of ill health in 1963 when his three children were very young, so we were never able to talk to him about his time as a POW. But we did have left to us a very small notebook in which he kept a record of the ‘death march’ which is reprinted below. Tom used a pencil stub to bravely keep a record of what happened, despite the risks to him. The original of the notebook in now in the Regimental Museum in Monmouth.
Copy of handwritten log of Sapper Thomas (Tom) McCarthy:-
January 20TH 1945 Started marching, given one loaf 2000grams
January 25th 1945
Total: 4033 grams
- 1/3 Loaf 1 kilo 333 grams
- ¼ Loaf 2 Kilo 500 grams
- ¼ loaf 2 kilo 500 grams
- 1/5th loaf 2 kilo 400 grams
- 1/6 Loaf 1800 grms 300 grams
February 19th 1945: Stopped marching. For the last 30 days we were given 4033 grams or 8 &4/5lbs of bread, and 2lbs of marg for 42 men and a soup a day except for 4 days when we got a few potatoes. Some parties had Red Cross food to start, but we had none, nor cigs. In the 30 days we marched 420 KM. We stared with 314 English about 400 Russians and 40 labourers.
20th February 1945: The weather is very cold, everything is freezing. If you take your boots off at night you have trouble to get them on in the morning. If you don’t you cannot sleep with the cold. Some days, and on the forced night march the boots were freezing while marching. The night marching was hell. A lot of men were put in hospital with frost bitten feet and ears. The RMC chap with us told me that some would have to have one foot off and a few would lose two. Seven Russians passed out that first week, I saw three of them at one barn. The only thing that kept me going was the thought that we were going west and that was going home.
24th February 1945: We have had 250 grams of bread per day since the 19th except for one day it was stopped as two men were found stealing potatoes and one day no soup.
25th February 1945: Still in the same barn, things are very bad. You can sell one days bread for 3 cigs. Getting weak, blackout when I stand up. A lot have got dysentery and one chap fainted. Lost the Pole last night - I had to get rid of all his clothes. I spend all my time thinking of food. Guards shot Russian for stealing potatoes and planted him ten minutes later in the yard. Sandy gone to hospital. One Red Cross parcel for thirty five men - I got half a tin of Ovaltine.
12th March 1945: Marched 22 KM west to a new barn. New guards much better. Started with Aussie and Keyes.
15th March 1945: Weather much better. Had a wash down. First time I’ve had my pants off since starting.
16th March 1945: Went to bed with pants and pullover off.
25th March 1945: Letter home and washed down. About thirty men working cutting wood. One or two men to a house.
29th March 1945: Had half a Red Cross parcel. I went out working for a day and had too much to eat. After so long on so little I’ve been ill all day. I’ve also got piles. Good news heard today that our troops are 240kms west.
5th April 1945: Marching again- given half a loaf for two days, going to a Stalag- marched 25KM, rained all day.
6th April 1945: Marched 26KM- its not a Stalag just new huts for the 1200 men. Anyway it’s the finish of the march (we hope). It’s the first time we’ve had a bed since 20th January. We have been having seven men to a loaf, we are hoping it won’t be less.
8th April 1945: Ten men to a loaf. Met H. Harris, P. Evans, Stan Fowler and G. Franklin. Half the camp is lousy. Can’t get water to drink, but got a parcel a man. I can’t leave the butter alone- I’ve been eating it with a spoon.
13th April 1945: George away with the NCO- I have not done any work yet been going sick.
14th April 1945: I had to go to work
16th April 1945:
Five hundred men came to the camp for the night. They say the Yanks are near Dresden. Everyone sent back to the camp from work. We are hoping we’re not off. got 4 cigs a man from the Red Cross.
19th April 1945: Big air battle over the camp. One 4 engine bomber came down near the camp, and a few further away. No news but all hoping for the best.
20th April 1945: Things getting bad. Sold my cigs for 1 and ½ loafs. We can hear gun fire. A few planes bombed somewhere west of the camp. We could see the bombs leaving the planes.
21st April 1945: We can hear guns but cannot tell where or how far away as we're in the hills. Water came on at 2.00 am this morning. I got up and got three soupbowls full for a bath. Found a few lice in my vest.
24th April 1945: I think we were hoping for too much. Everything gone quiet, no air raids or gunfire. Feel weak when I walk about. Everyone is the same. All you can hear is men talking of food. It don’t worry me now. There is talk of moving. Hope not- if we have to sleep out in the woods it will kill us.
25th April: They want seven hundred men for work tomorrow- I went sick today but must see MO in the morning. Sold my cigarette lighter for 2 cigars
26th April: Seen the MO. He told me my chest is all right but there is something wrong with my heart. He did not say what. Anyway no work. Seven hundred men had to go to Pirna.
27th April 1945: Done some washing, and when I went to get my dinner I had my socks swiped. Heard the Lambsdorf crowd are away.
30th April 1945: Got a smoke- Kaye sold his socks. Good soup not water.
1st May 1945: BBC news given out (good). The war must be over they have just given us half a cup of milk at 9.00pm at night, and the soup today was very good.
2nd May 1945: They came into the hut at 1.00am this morning with the news that Hitler had been killed, and Donitz has taken over, and a few hours later that Berlin has fallen.
3rd May 1945: BBC news very good. We are all waiting for the finish. Half a cup of milk.
4th May 1945: Fifty german cigarettes a man, the first since 1940 that we could get. Yesterday bread was 15 cigarettes, this morning it is 3. BBC says the north has fallen. It seems we will be the last. German and Polish MO passed me as unfit to march.
5th May 1945: Talk of the sick moving and the camp can hear guns
6th May 1945: Ready to move at 6.00am but not going now until 1.00 don’t know where to, but near a hospital- guns going all night.
7th May 1945: Left Hohenstine at 1.00pm. Got to Bilin at 10.00pm. Seen the doc at hospital. Left Bilin for Stalag 1Vc (Teplice)- hear the war is over.
8th May 1945: They say we can march to our lines, or stay- I am moving. 3.00pm over taken by Russians at Dubi.
9th May 1945: Started marching to the Yanks. Got a lift 28kms that makes 80K. At Karlsbad slept out.
9th May 1945: Behind the Yank lines!
10th May 1945: New house at Eger- Slept!
Thomas McCarthy . British Army 100th Field Company Royal Engineers from Newport, Gwent
My dad, Tom McCarthy of the 100th Field Company, Royal Monmouthshire Engineers was captured at Wattou, on the retreat to Dunkirk on 29.5.1940. After a time in Stalag X11A and Stalag 344, he along with 96 other POW's was transferred to Stalag V111B at Teschen on the Polish border. I have a Christmas Card sent by POW's from Stalag in December 1942. Tom remained there as a POW (no 15356) until the "death march" on 20.1.1945. On 9 May 1945 he and other survivors crossed American lines at Karlsbad.
Sadly, my Dad died in 1963 when his three children were very young, so we were never able to talk to him about his time as a POW. But we did have left to us some pictures and Xmas Cards and a very small notebook in which he kept a record of the "death march". Tom used a pencil stub to bravely keep a record of what happened, despite the risks to him. The original of the notebook in now in the Regimental Museum in Monmouth.
Pilot Officer R N McCartney . RAF
PFC. Harold James McCauley . US Army 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron from Warba, MN
My father was Jim McCauley. Dad entered the US Army in 1939 and was sent to Fort Mead to play on the Army post team in South Dakota. He was trained as a pastry chef because he said that allowed him to travel with the baseball team during the season. In 1943 dad was sent to Fort Maxi in Texas and trained with the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. Late in 1943 the 38th shipped out of New Jersey as a guest of the Queen Mary. Dad trained in England for 6 months and learned A troop with the 38th Cavalry would be part of the 6th of June 1944 invasion of France. His platoon Sargeant was SSG. John Tietjen who dad said was one of the best guys he ever met. The rest of the 38th shipped on June 12th.
On 26th of July 1944 Sgt. McCauley was wounded in the breakout at St.Lo. His entire squad was killed or wounded. Jim recovered from his wounds in England and joined his unit for the Battle of the Bulge, which earned them the Presidential Unit citation Defense of Monchau. Sgt. McCauley was with his unit as it became one of the first units to enter Paris and camped on the grounds at Note Dame. Dad left the military in 1945.
Sgt Gordon J McCauley. . RAF 12sqd
F/S A. A. B. McCausland . Royal Air Force 15 Sqd. (d.11th Aug 1942)
F/S McCausalnd lost his life when Stirling LS-C crashed into a pond at Potash Farm, Brettenham, near Ipswich, on the 11th of August 1942 at 03:37 while trying to land at RAF Wattisham. The aircraft had been badly damaged by two Ju88s, one of which was claimed damaged by return fire.
E Mccavish . British Army Kings Liverpool Regiment
E Mccavish served with the Kings Liverpool Regiment British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project are no longer in touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
Gnr. John McCheyne . British Army 1st Light Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery from Hamilton
My uncle John McCheyne served with 1st Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, RA, he is now deceased.
Pte. Leslie Alexander McChlery . British Army Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from Dunoon
My father, Leslie McChlery was a Dunoon Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Reservist. He was captured as rear guard at St Valerie en Paix in 1940. He scaped on the long march 22nd April 1945 and was repatriated by the American Forces, who found him and another local Argyll and Sutherland soldier.
Alexander McClean . US Army
Would anyone who has information about friends or relatives of an American soldier, Alexander McClean, based in Co Down, Northern Ireland sometime between 1942 and 1944, who travelled in the ship `Arkansas' please contact me.
Anna McCleavy . Timber Corps
Pte. James Poage McClelland . United States Army 350th Infantry Regiment, Coy. A 88th Division from Alhambra, Calif. USA
My father, James P. McClelland, was an enlisted man in the US Army and served the last seven months of World War II as a prisoner in Stalag VII A, Moosburg, Germany.
His brief military career took him from basic training in Texas, on a victory ship across the Atlantic to Napoli, then slowly up through Italy, above Florence, where he went from one replacement camp to another. Being 35 years old, he got the feeling he would never be called to the front.
The situation changed. In early October of 1944, thousands of troops were pulled from the Italian front to participate in the invasion of Southern France. But the battle in Italy against the Germans and the formidable Gothic Line continued. Everyone was called to duty, including company clerks and older GIs, like my Dad. Moving into battle for Pvt. James P. McClelland was the beginning of what could have been the end.
On his third day of combat, he was captured and his seven months of being a POW began. His experiences were unusual. Each day was a battle for survival. For him it was a happy ending. He survived.
On his return to civilian life, he began writing about his experiences. He worked nights, putting his experiences on legal-sized yellow pads. He hired a typist. He revised and revised. He sent his manuscript to several publishers and started a collection of rejection slips. Despite his limited Ozark education and lack of writing skills, his story was real. Long after his death, I reread the manuscript and decided it should be published, if for no other reason than to preserve McClelland family history. It took me three years to retype his manuscript, edit it, research changes and make two visits to Europe. I visited a museum in Moosburg north of Munich where his Stalag VIIA was located. I walked the streets of Munich where Dad had dodged bombs dropped by Allied planes. I sipped beer in Lowenbrau, the big brewery where my father had hidden in the basement during air raids. I finally published Name, Rank and Serial Number in 2005.
JSTP Mcclelland . British Army Reconnaissance Corps
JSTP Mcclelland served with the Reconnaissance Corps British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project are no longer in touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
Stoker Robert Scot Bell Mcclelland . Royal Navy from Seaham
Robert Mcclelland served as a Stoker in the Royal Navy. I have just come across his discharge papers and ID papers.
Pte. Thomas McClelland . British Army Royal Inniskilling Fusilers
My uncle was a soldier, Thomas McClelland in WW2 in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He served for eight years and was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war. He had a bad time in prison camp and survived to return home. He was always bringing soldiers back to the house after a few drinks for bacon and eggs. My Mum's family had a small holding in those days back in Ireland. My mum said the years of being a prisoner had taken their toll and he could be seen on some evenings trying to chew glass after a few drinks. He sadly died after the war, TB adding to his medical problems.
Sgt. Warren Lester McClelland . US Army 301st Dixie Division from Massillon, Ohio
Flt.Lt. Robert "Paddy" McClements . Royal Air Force 10 Squadron from Belfast
WO. Robert McClements . Royal Air Force 10 Squadron from Wakefield
My dads brother uncle Bobby McClements, now 95 yrs old served as an air gunner on Halifax MZ430.
F/S J. R. McClenaghan . RCAF 514 Sqd.
Having been shot down on the 3rd of August, F/S McClenaghan was interned in Stalag Luft 3.
S/Sgt. George "Bill" McClenan . United States Army Air Force 423 Bomb Squadron from Dallas
George McClenan was my grandfather. He was gunner for the Army Air Corps and was gunned down twice in Germany on April 21st each time. Each time he was sent to Stalag 17. He escaped after his first imprisonment, only to be send back after being gunned down for the second time.
He suffered numerous injuries, but since his dog tags had the name Schaefer (his adopted name) the Germans decided to help a fellow German and performed surgery, helping him to recover from his injuries. He said that the conditions were horrible and food was scarce. He wished that the Red Cross would have sent more food instead of cigarettes and coffee.
He ended up dying in 1988 from a massive coronary. The doctors believe it was due to the starvation that occurred duing his imprisonment. He did get to go to the Hollywood premiere of the movie of Stalag 17 and is the inspiration for the character Bill.
S/L L. A.J. McCleod DFC. . Royal Australian Air Force 97 Squadron
Lt. John Leopold Elphinstone McClintock . Royal Navy HMS Pintail from Brakey Hill, Godstone, Surrey
(d.10th June 1941)
John McClintock served on HMS Pintail.
Chaplain Bernard Charles McCloskey . Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (d.16th December 1946)
Rev (Squadron Leader) McCloskey is buried in the Ballyshannon (St. Joseph) Catholic Churchyard, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
F/Lt. Charles Dean McCloskey . Royal Air Force from 44 Kingsway, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
F/Lt. Charley McCloskey was my uncle, he married my mother's sister, Barbara Ann West, immediately after the war. We don't know much about his time at Stalag Luft 3 other than hearing that he was a "scavenger" for the tunnel construction. He wasn't one of those who escaped but was forced to watch as his 50 mates were murdered after the capture. We believe he spent a great deal of time in solitary confinement and was force-marched, we believe, to Luft 4 prior to liberation. His prisoner number was 1083 and while he sent many letters home to his fiancee and my grandmother, Mrs. West, the attached card is the only remaining one I could locate. If anyone knew of him or of his experience we would be greatful to hear about it.
Joseph C. McClung . United States Air Force
I am looking for the following crew members of the Maxwell House II (SN 42-73245). I have checked the WWII Casualties and these men were not listed on the web page and I believe the following men may have made it back from the war:
Richard Meredith Serial No: 0-728902 Thomas Stephens Serial No: 0-683542 Thomas C. Smeal Serial No: 33253233 Ewell Temples Serial No: 34444337 Charles Pero Serial No: 12168305 John F. Cook Serial No: 19148135 Joseph C. McClung Serial No: 38288140 These men were part of my uncle's crew. If you know these men or any of their family members please contact me. I do have photos of them. The men in this group who did not make it back are:
Joseph C. Rich Serial No: 0-739054 Edward Ryan Serial No: 0-672445 Royal Butterfield Serial No: 0-728565 Fred Hart Serial No: 32437482 I have the MACR from mission B that these men were on. I also have a story of this mission as witnessed from the 10th AF, 7th BG. I would like to correspond with these men or their families. I lost my uncle 2nd Lt. Rich from this crew. This crew was shot down on 27th November 1943 and some were taken prisoner. My uncle was taken prisoner and died in POW camp.
F/O Charles Miller McClure . Royal Air Force 69 Sqdn. from Wahroonga, Sydney
(d.4th May 1943)
Did anybody know Charles McClure who served in 69 Squadron and died in Malta in May 1943?
J Mcclure . British Army Royal Tank Regiment
J Mcclure served with the Royal Tank Regiment British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project are no longer in touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
Carpenter. James McClure . Merchant Navy SS Empire Bowman (d.30th Mar 1943)
James McClure died aged 28, he was born in 1914 in Jarrow, the only son of William and Mersaney McClure (nee Collier) of Jarrow who were both killed in an Air Raid at 16 Sheldon Street, Jarrow in 1941. James was the husband of Bertha L. McClure (nee Dunn) of Rainham, Essex. He is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial and is commemorated on the WW2 Roll of Honour Plaque in the entrance of Jarrow Town Hall.
Cpl. Roy McClure . British Army C Company 61st Reconnaissance Corps from London
My Father, Roy McClure, was in the 61st Recce Corps. I found a photo of what I think is a passing out parade. It says on the back, C company and all the men are seated in rows with a large trophy in front. I know he was on Gold Beach and saw lots of action. I have bits of stories he told and some I have heard from relatives. He was originally from London but met my Mother when he was posted to Southampton. He arrived with three bren gun cariers to dig in for an invasion. He served through France, Holland and Belgium in command of three Armoured cars. I have one story of how they ambushed a staff car, found documents and he carried a Lugar pistol he took from the officer. I have other stories that may be of interest, perhaps I may find a relation of another soldier from his unit.
J Mccluskey . British Army Border Regiment
J Mccluskey served with the Border Regiment British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project are no longer in touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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