The Worcestershire Regiment in World War 2

The Worcestershire Soldier - The Worcestershire Regiment in World War 2

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The Worcestershire Regiment in World War 2 - Soldiers of the Worcestershire Regiment c.1940 - Click on image for a bigger picture.

The Worcestershire Regiment served all over the world during World War 2, 1939-45. Click on the Battalions listed below for a service summary.

The Worcestershire Soldier - Standard battledress for the European theatre of World War 2 - Click on image for a bigger picture

1st	2nd	7th	8th
9th	10th	11th	12th

Soldier's Conditions

Soldier's conditions were basically the same in the Second World War as in the First, but with some important changes.

As in the First World War, most soldiers were conscripts. As infantrymen, they were the most important part o the Army. Although artillery and tanks were important in winning battles, without the infantry than the Army would be helpless. It was an unglamorous job, and hard work with all of the marching involved, but a vital one to winning the war.

	Medical services - The experiences of the Great War caused far more attention and training to be given to treatment of the wounded. Treatment tended to be quicker and more effective. Each man carried a basic first aid kit, and was taught how to use it, saving many lives. Aircraft were also used to bring casualties back from the front line to properly equipped hospitals, particularly in the Far East. Rations and Pay - Rations and pay were still basic. But even civilians were rationed, and the Army supplied men with clothes, boots, personal kit and boarding. Pay was less than some other countries, but Britain was more involved in the war, and had huge costs and growing debts. Each bullet cost three pence to make, and thousands were fired each day. Equipment - There was now more specialist equipment than ever before on offer.

In Burma, uniforms and equipment were stripped back to the bare basics. Simple, lightweight uniforms and slouch hats were worn. The hats not only protected the soldier from the rain, but also from snakes and spiders dropping on them from the jungle.

Insects and snakes could be very dangerous, as was disease. Malaria and dysentery were common, although anti-malaria tablets were issued. Unfortunately, these also turned your skin bright yellow.

Elsewhere thick battledress was worn. This was uncomfortable and impractical in some ways, with a very short tunic and heavy material. However, it was more comfortable than the Great War uniforms, and the 'anklet' gaiters did not cut off circulation as the old style ones had done.

he Worcestershire Soldier - Standard battledress for the European theatre of World War 2 - Click on image for a bigger picture

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Room 1

Introduction
Special Exhibition Area
The Regiment Today
Medals

Room 2

The Early Years
Militia and Local Volunteers
The Yeomanry, 1794-1899
The Napoleonic Wars
The Regiment, early 19thC
The Sikh Wars, 1845-49

Room 3

The Regiment, late 19th C
The Boer War
The Yeomanry in WW1
The Regiment in WW1
Victoria Cross Winners

Room 4

The Inter-war Years
The Yeomanry in WW2
The Regiment in WW2
The Postwar Years

HISTORY ZONE

Commandery - Origins
Worcester 1250AD Model
Worcester - Medieval
Worcester - Old Maps
Worcester - Old Paintings
Worcester - Old Photos
Worcester - Potted History