Bert Levy, 39th Royal Fusiliers

[Guest ToddWiner]

As a personal freelance project that I hope may develop into a book, I’m researching Bert Levy, aka Bert "Yank" Levy, a Jewish veteran of WWI with the 39th Royal Fusiliers, of conflicts in Mexico and Nicaragua in the 1920s as a soldier of fortune, the Spanish Civil War (a POW for a time), and in WWII as an instructor in guerilla warfare for the British Home Guard at Osterly (enlisted by Tom Wintringham who he knew from Spain) and at American military training center in Concord, Massachusetts. His exploits made him a cover story on guerilla warfare in Life Magazine, August 17, 1942. He published a book "Guerilla Warfare" in 1964.

Levy was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1897, the son of Sam Levy, moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was 3 months old, and later lived in Los Angeles.

He was married to Mary Prezenter, and was father to a Mrs. Toby Rose. He died in September, 1965.

Any information on him, or his unit's history would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[charlesmessenger]

The 39th Royal Fusiliers were a battalion of Jews, together with the 38th and 40th Bns. The 38th was formed in Britain in September 1917 after much agitation by Jews for a unit of their own, their ultimate dream being to take part in the liberation of Palestine from the Turks and then be rewarded by the creation of a Jewish state within that territory. The 38th Bn left for Egypt in January 1918 and the residue, then at Plymouth, Devon were formed into the 39th and 42nd (later 40th Bns). The 39th went to Egypt in April 1918 and in July received a draft of 295 American Jews, of which Bert Levy was almost certainly one.

The majority of US Jews were either non naturalised American citizens or were under the age of 21, which meant that they were not liable for the US draft. They were sent to Canada and then direct to Egypt, where they joined the battalion, which, with the 38th, took part in the final campaign in Palestine.

I hope this helps.

Charles M

[Richard Stiles]

Charles, I read you note above with interest. I am trying to research the service of J/1846 Harry Tepper 39th R Fus, born in Odessa, (Ukraine), then Russia and listed as Russian on the 1911 Census living with his parents and siblings in East London. Having searched the NA War Diaries data base I can only find a 1919 War diary for the 39th R Fus and nothing for 1918. Do you know if a 1918 one exists or, failing that, can you advise where I might get a more detailed account of their activity in Palestine from April 1918?

Kind regards Richard S.

[Michelle Young]

Charles died a few years ago. 

[Richard Stiles]

I am sorry to hear that.

[Matlock1418]

53 minutes ago, Richard Stiles said:

Having searched the NA War Diaries data base I can only find a 1919 War diary for the 39th R Fus and nothing for 1918. Do you know if a 1918 one exists or, failing that, can you advise where I might get a more detailed account of their activity in Palestine from April 1918?

Possibly in this WD from TNA.

Force Troops: 20 Battalion Rifle Brigade (1918 Apr - 1919 Mar). 38 Battalion Royal... 39 Battalion Royal Fusiliers (1918 Apr - 1919 Apr.) https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4557609

But, unfortunately, not digitised.

M

Edit: I now note previously similarly answered in this other thread. https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C4557609

Edited 27 May , 2022 by Matlock1418
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