16Oct2001
Dear Sir,
My father, Adolph Berger served in the South Saskatchewan Regiment during WWII. He joined the Regiment in Weyburn, Sask on the 8th October 1939, Service No. L-12353 and was discharged here in England on the 20th March 1946.
His brother, Ralph Berger also served with the Regiment here in England. He joined the Regiment in Regina, Sask on the 25th November 1941, Service No. L-28326 and was discharged in Regina on the 15th February 1946.
While stationed at Aldershot, my father saw the name Berger on the Orders Board and on enquiring further discovered that Ralph was his brother that he had never seen as they were separated soon after my father was born and raised in different orphanages.
I have a few photographs here of both my father and his brother Ralph in uniform and I also have my fathers medals that were awarded to him. You are more than welcome to use the photos in your web pages and I would take it as a great honour should you agree.
I have been researching my family tree for over 16 years and if you know of any references to my father or his brother Ralph in books or magazines, would you please let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours Sincerely,
Brian Berger.
18Oct2001
Hello Gregory,
Thank you for replying to my last message. I will be sending three messages to you, the first (this one) will have the photo's of my father, Adolph Berger. On your website you have his Service Rank number different to what his discharge papers say by one digit. I have his number as L-12353. My father passed away here in England on March 2nd 1985, he never returned to Canada. The second message will have photo's of Ralph Berger, Serial number L-28326 and I could not find him on your site.
The third photo is of a Band that might meen something to you or your members.
Thank you once again and please include me in your pages as the son of one of your members.
Yours,
Brian Berger.
Adolph (Al) Berger
Adolph (Al) Berger
Ralph Berger
Ralph Berger
18Oct2001
Gregory,
This is a photo of the Knights of Columbus Canadian Army Huts. No1. C.E.R.U.
Back Row:
L/Cpl Peppy, E.V.; Spr. Cannon, G.; Cpl Durrant, J.A.; Cpl Bennet, J. (Conductor).; Spr. Lightoller, J.; Spr. Mathews, J.
Front Row:
Sgt. Osmond, H.; Cpl Sharpe, R.E.; L/Cpl Johnston, A.W.; Spr. Carter, F.J.; Sgt. Gauvreau, R. K. (Vocalist),; Sgt. Whittingham, F.J.; Spr. Pederson, R.
If the original photo is of any good to the South Saskatchewan Regiment then you are more than welcome to it. The photo was taken at Aldershot which as you are probably aware is known as the Home of the British Army.
There is a book on sale here in Farnborough where I live that is dedicated to the Canadians that served in this country. The South Saskatchewan Regiment is mentioned in the book from when they were stationed here during WWII.
I hope that this is of some help to you.
The photo's of Adolph Berger and his brother Ralph Berger were taken at Salamanca Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire, England in September 1943.
Yours Sincerely and keep up the good work,
Brian Berger.
20Oct2001
Here are two more photo's, the first one was taken in Regina, April 1940, and the second photo is of my father, Adolph (Al) courting my mother in Farnborough, Hampshire, England in 1941. He introduced himself to my mother by tripping her over with his baton at a village dance!
I am still finding more photo's! This one was taken in Farnborough , Hampshire, England in 1942.
Brian.
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:48:14 +0100
Hello Gregory,
Yes, that would be a good idea as I would love to know what his full movement details were. Attached is a copy of my fathers Discharge papers for you to put on your site with the other content.
Regards,
5Oct2005
Brian,
Shall we scan his papers and put them in the Gallery with the other content? In this way, I can share your note with officers complete with the nominal roll entry and the papers, and we can decide what to add to the web site about his service number and movement details.
Gregory.
Discharge Certificate - Adolph (Al) Berger
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:53:35 +0100
Hello Gregory,
Sorry, I meant to give you some more information;
Inside my fathers Army Diary is the following information:
Pte. A. Berger.
Brian.
Date: Fri, 08 Oct 2004 10:35:58 +0100
Gregory,
Many thanks for your reply, here is some more information on Adolph and Ralph. Attached are their respective Statements of Service with the Canadian Armed Forces. They both have the 1939-45 war medal contrary to your enclosed report. Also attached are my fathers medals from his service years.
My father (Adolph) had his left great toe amputated. I know from letters that he was in the 14 CDN. General Hospital. Ward 17. R.C.A.M.C., Smallfield Road, Horley, Surrey, England during the war years. This must have been for the toe to be amputated for some reason?
Regarding Ralph's record; There are a few fibs on his date and place of birth. He actually was born on the 29th August, 1910 in Manning, North Dakota, USA. He has his place of birth as Beinfait where the family resided in 1912. Do you think this was to enable him to join the Canadian Army?
Regards,
Brian.
Adolph Berger's Statement of Service
Adolph Berger's Statement of Service
From: Brian
Subject: Re: Adolph Berger
To: Gregory Salmers
Brian.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Gregory Salmers"
To:
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 7:03 AM
Subject: Adolph Berger
From: Brian
Subject: Adolph Berger notes
To: Gregory Salmers
L12353
H.Q. 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade.
Canadian Army Overseas.
From: Brian
Subject: Re: Initial responses - Adolph Berger's history
To: Gregory Salmers
