ARmy Rumour SErvice

Ok guess here but popular post WW1
Maybe died post WW2 and body not found, family back in Scotland erected at their own expense a stone. It looks like the many of US stones I have seen here in the UK and across Europe. And under US regs body not found, name on wall rather than stone? Just a guess.

Originally Posted by Robbeaus

Ok guess here but popular post WW1
Maybe died post WW2 and body not found, family back in Scotland erected at their own expense a stone. It looks like the many of US stones I have seen here in the UK and across Europe. And under US regs body not found, name on wall rather than stone? Just a guess.

The 1949 date indicates Post WWII death.

There is still something odd about the recruit and 16th INf, 1st division. the 1st Infantry Division was part of the occupation forces from 1945 till 1955. Therefore it would not have recruit trainees assigned as Basic Training was done in the USA (at one point the 101st Abn was a basic training division from 1949 until re roled as Airborne again in 1956). By the time one arrived Germany should have been a slicksleeve Pvt.

I'm septic sort and looks like standard issue US gravestone for a Christian veteran. (there are many insignia instead of the cross for many religions).

The US Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a free gravestone in a standard design in marble or granite for all deceased veterans. They will be provided wherever the deceased lived or dies. It is provided and shipped without cost to the family but the family has to pay the local cost of setting the stone in the cemetery.

There was a period after VJ day that still was considered WW II for veterans purposes. My uncle Rudy was born in 1927, entered the US Army in 1945 and graduated from radio training just after VJ day and was sent to Europe as part of the occupation of Germany. When he died there was a US Army honor guard-flag detail, firing detail and a bugler to play taps. It was a very hot day and the soldiers looked very hot. When I went over to thank them they said "No problem sir, it is an honor for us to remember our veterans"


For details on US VA headstones:
Headstones, Markers and Medallions - Burial and Memorial Benefits

Originally Posted by Goldbricker

The 1949 date indicates Post WWII death.

Elementary My dear Watson.

It says World War II on the head stone. Would that not indicate he served in WW2? Dies in 1949 due to wounds inflicted?

Or..... a Walt grave.... just saying...

Originally Posted by Goldbricker

The 1949 date indicates Post WWII death.

There is still something odd about the recruit and 16th INf, 1st division. the 1st Infantry Division was part of the occupation forces from 1945 till 1955. Therefore it would not have recruit trainees assigned as Basic Training was done in the USA (at one point the 101st Abn was a basic training division from 1949 until re roled as Airborne again in 1956). By the time one arrived Germany should have been a slicksleeve Pvt.

How about - recruit with 1 Inf Div before it departed CONUS, medical or other discharge before completion of recruit training, this still counts as service and entitles him to what I'm calling a 'veteran's stone'????

And yes - I am making it up as I go along ......

Edited to add - and that would place his service at some point between Dec 41 and 1 Inf Div's embarkation in Aug 42.

He died on the very day clothes rationing ended in the UK.

Yes, I know it doesn't help.

I've found an Archibald Frew Blades in Saltcoats, quite possibly the son of your man:
Mr Archibald Frew Blades - free company director check. Companies House Information