Hoping to find some answers in a family mystery

[gkj]

I have been helping my son research our family's military history and recently found some pictures of my grandfather (his GGF) in WW2.

Looks like he was in the British Royal Engineers - I have no idea of Rank, which unit or theater he served in, and can find no records of his service in the usual places.

I am hoping the experts on this forum can help us by looking at the insignia on the uniforms of these men (My grandfather being the gentleman on the left in the group picture).

Any info would be most welcome - We have no living relatives so this is the only shot at uncovering some of our history.







Many thanks in advance - GKJ

[Grimebox]

BEACH GROUPS ROYAL ENGINEERS & 8TH GHQ TROOPS ENGINEERS

Beach Groups were amphibious formations composed of specialist units of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The naval element comprised RN Signals and Commandos and the RAF component provided a balloon barrage section for the defence of the beaches and specialists in the preparation of forward airstrips. The Army provided the bulk of the force, in the form of an infantry battalion for the seizing of the beach and the defence of the perimeter. The RE element comprised Field Companies, Mechanical Equipment Platoons, a Stores Section, plus Transportation units. The RASC provided General Transport Companies with DUKWs, a Detail Issue Depot and Petrol supply unit. Also in cluded were an RAMC unit, CMP traffic control, a REME Recovery Section and Pioneer Companies. Beach Groups first operated in the Sicily landings (Husky) in 1943, at which time they may have been known as "Beach Bricks". The same badge was worn by a specfic unit, 8th GHQ Troops Engineers. This unit was formed in 1940 as 8th Chemical Warfare Group RE, converting to GHQ Troops RE in 1943. They formed part of the Beach Group organization for Normandy. They later assumed normal GHQ Troops duties in 21 Army Group but continued to wear this badge

At least that’s what the IWM says:
badge, formation, Beach Groups Royal Engineers & 8th GHQ Troops Engineers | Imperial War Museums

Beach groups - Wikipedia

His medals are all from WW2, from top left going clockwise they are:
Defence medal
War medal
France and Germany star
39-45 star

Unless you are missing any medals this suggests that he fought in Northern Europe (France into Germany). It would appear that their only engagements were in Italy and the Normandy landings. Given the lack of Italy star (medal) it would suggest that he was involved in the Normandy landings

[Grimebox]

Nice coloured image of Royal Engineers serving with No.9 Beach group