Queens Own, Royal West Kent

Does anyone have any knowledge of the 'Queens Own Royal West Kent' regiment in 1940-45? My wife's Grandfather was with them on a 'death march' in about 1945, and we would like to find out more if possible. I have his rank and number from his marriage certificate (on leave in Folkestone in February 1940) His name was Robert Edgar Brown, No. 6341241, Private, Royal West Kent. we would appreciate any assistance to trace his journey. Thank you in advance, Peter Gwenlan

Being a British regiment this means it was an administrative units that raised battalions for service, in this case infantry.

As a relative you should be able to obtain access to his service records. Perhaps the UK Public Record Office?

As for the units themselves there were apparently 8 battalions raised,

1st, in France during 1940, next saw action in Tunisia and fought in Italy. 2nd, started the war in Malta and appears to have stayed there for the duration. 4th, in France in 1940, then Egypt in July 1942, became part of the Indian army in December 1942, saw action again in Burma from December 1944 on. 5th, in France in 1940, then Egypt in July 1942 , became part of the Indian army, sent to Italy in September 1943. 6th, in France in 1940, Tunisia in November 1942, fought in the Italian campaign. 7th, in France in 1940, does not appear to have seen further combat. 9th, does not seem to have seen combat. 10th, does not seem to have seen combat.

So the death march being referred to was most probably one in Germany and there is a good chance he was captured in France in 1940.

Geoffrey Sinclair Remove the nb for email.

I found a reasonable history on the internet at:
http://www.the-queens-own-buffs.com/Bodyfiles/ body_the_queens.html

Cheers