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Tpr. Harold William "Sonny" Screech
British Army B Sqn. 5th Troop 13/18th Royal Hussars
from:Rayleigh, Essex
My father, Harold Screech, (Harry or Sonny to friends) joined the British Armed Forces in August 1942 and was assigned to 13/18th Royal Hussars, B Squadron, 5th Troop in September 1942. Initially based in Skipton, Yorkshire, his unit trained at various locations throughout the UK. In the later months leading up to D-Day his training was mostly connected with the use of Sherman DD Tanks. He was trained as a driver.
He embarked from Gosport on 5th of June 1944 in an LCT bound for Queen Red, Sword Beach. Launched 5000 yards from shore, his tank swam ashore and immediately engaged in the fighting. He fought throughout the Normandy campaign, through France and Belgium and into Holland.
He was wounded in April 1945 during Operation Market Garden near Arnhem. He was initially hospitalised in Holland before being sent back to the UK on leave. He returned to his unit and continued operations in Holland and Germany until the war ended. He was transferred to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in March 1946 and then to Royal Army Reserve in May 1947. He completed his service and was discharged in June 1959. His character was referred to as Exemplary.
