40th Field Artillery

Trying to find info about my grandfather Sergeant B. C. Curran.

His grave is at Hanover Military Cemetery and has date of death as 31st March 1975 (but could also be 1st April). It stated that he was in 40 Field Regiment.

I understand he was based at Mansergh barracks around that time as his children attended Kings School - I think he was possibly sent to Belfast as part of Operation Banner. My dad (one of his sons) was born in 1961 in Sennelager.

I would be grateful of any information that anyone may have (I don't even have his first name or year of birth!).

Laura,

Welcome to the site.

I am interested in your search. However, I am confused with the name. Maybe it was another soldier that I investigated.  

I have a question for you!  Do you have connections with Munsterlager Germany?  Do you live in Germany years ago? Or maybe still in the area?



Regards
Alan

PS.  Data tells me he was BRENDEN COLUMBA.  Death Approx 24 yrs. BAOR.


I will come back again later!  Alan

Thank you Alan

Yes I've since discovered that his name was Brendan Columbia (there is a spelling error on the probate), born 24th April 1933 and died 1st April 1975. 36th Battery, 40th Field Regiment.

I don't have any connections as far as I'm aware. I have never lived in Germany and I believe Brendan's children all moved back to the UK after his death.

I knew your grandfather in 39 Missile Regiment RA in Sennalager Germany. He was in 36 Missile Battery. He was posted to 40 Field Regiment RA, 38 Field Battery, in Gutersloh Germany, where, I am sorry to say, he died. I suggest you visa the web sites of both those Regiments. I am sure you find more information. He was known as Paddy Curran.

Peter - thank you for that useful information!

I've had a quick look at the 36th Missile battery and I think it states he died in an RTA. If you know any further information please feel free to drop me a private message.

I will keep looking but unfortunately haven't been able to find any photographs of yet.

Thanks again.

Hi Laura,
I had the pleasure of serving with your grandfather in Gütersloh, Germany.
“Paddy” as everyone called him was Sergeant in 38 battery 40 Field Regiment RA and I was a Control Equipment Engineer in the REME attached from the LAD to 38 battery.
Yes, unfortunately I can confirm that Paddy was killed in a car crash.
Apart from letting you know that he was a great guy I unfortunately do not really have much more information for you.

Your relative Sgt Curran is listed on the Army Roll of Honour, here:

https://www.search-armed-forces-memorial-roll-of-honour.service.gov.uk/serviceperson/1981d85c-76c0-475c-8e12-f1a8d0126e1d

there is a mistake in the spelling of his christian name "Columbia" instead of the Irish saint's name "Columba" - they (MoD) have been told!)