bantamforgot Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Recently I saw reference to a 63rd. Division prior to the RN Division, has anyone any information please. Colin.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_Baker Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Did not check LLT. Schoolboy error. Send to back of class. http://www.1914-1918.net/63%282N%29div.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bantamforgot Posted 22 April , 2010 Author Share Posted 22 April , 2010 I did check LLT Chris but just "British Divisions", alas neglected Home based Divisions, have gone to the back of the class. Thanks. Colin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Clifton Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Hello Colin When the original 63rd (2?Northumbrian) Division was broken up in early 1916, its artillery was sent to the Royal Naval Division which, until then, did not have any artillery of its own. That is why the RN Div was given the number 63. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bantamforgot Posted 22 April , 2010 Author Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Thanks Ron for your reply , I was a little perplexed when I saw reference to it & as Chris pointed out my own stupidity not checking the Home units when I checked LLT , never checked the home units before, just British Divisions, always learning something. Regards. Colin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwall Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Dear All, I am new to the forum and note with interest your chat about 63rd. I am interested in Drake Divison of the RND between 1917 to 1918. Going to Arras and Cambrai in May, to see the battlefields and pay my respects . My father served under commander Sterndale Bennett and Commander Beak VC. Any info or photos would be wonderful. I have a couple of photos of interest too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeldr Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 oppy, Welcome to the GWF. Regarding your search for Any info or photos would be wonderful The history of the division was written in 1923 by Douglas Jerrold and a reprint may be had from the Naval & Military Press: it is simply called 'The Royal Naval Division' Len Sellers, who wrote the history of the Hood Battalion also edited and produced a magazine called 'RND' for several years. This magazine has been recognised as such a valuable RND resource that, though it is no longer freely available, it is however to be found at the following libraries: Accrington Library Admiralty Library, Portsmouth, Hants Aldershot Library Military Collection Birmingham University, World War One Study Centre Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, Somerset [NB - which also houses the RND service records] Imperial War Museum, London, Department of Printed Books King's College, London. Liddle Hart Centre for Military Archives Leeds University. The Liddle Collection, Special Collections, Brotherton Library National Army Museum, Chelsea, London Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, Hants Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth, Hants Royal Signals Museum, Blandford, Dorset good luck Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimSmithson Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Hi Oppy and a very warm welcome to the Forum. I assume you mean Drake Battalion and as well as the Jerrold book you might want to hunt down or buy 'On four Fronts with the Royal Naval Division' by Sparrow, also 'Command in the Royal Naval Division' by Barnett and also for your visit get hold of a copy of Gavrelle from the Battleground Europe series. If you use the search facility on the top of the page and simply put in Oppy or Gavrelle you will see that there is a wealth of material on here. Remember to untick the box so that the search travels over the whole Forum. You will find lots of photographs from pals who have visited and I think some maps too. Well worth a few hours poring through the threads. I hope you have a wonderful visit in May. I am often in the area (again first week in June so leave some good weather behind please!) and always pass the 63rd's memorial in Gavrelle on my way in and out, never without a thought for the men of that Division. I assume you are staying in Arras - love the place. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horatio2 Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 "Command in the Royal Naval Division" is by Christopher Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Clifton Posted 22 April , 2010 Share Posted 22 April , 2010 Hello Oppy The division's magazine during the War was called "The Mudhook." You may be able to find copies in big or specialist libraries such as the British Library or the Imperial War Museum library. Ron (Note: I have corrected "Mudlark", as I originally typed, to "Mudhook" - naval slang for an anchor.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornwall Posted 23 April , 2010 Share Posted 23 April , 2010 Thank you all for your prompt replies and assistance. I have read Douglas Jerrold's book and pored over the internet for many hours. I acually have a copy of the Mudlark in my father's military belongings, amazing to read after so many years. I shall certainly read the other material and am looking forward to my visit in May. Grateful for any help, chat soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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