William Robert Snead - 29th Inf Div

[Walt's Daughter]

My dad, William Robert Snead, is a WWII vet. He was with the Amphibious Engineers which was attached to the 29th Infantry Div. He was stationed near Swansea and then deported to Omaha Beach on D-Day where he buried the dead, arriving early afternoon. There symbol was an anchor. Do you have any information on his unit? Thanks for your help. I have attached a picture of him that was taken by a photographer in a village near Swansea.

 

Carolyn Snead Bransby

 

 

Hi Carolyn:

 

Just happened to be sitting here when your email arrived. First off thanks for writing. It's always nice to hear from the sons and ESPECIALLY the daughters of combat engineers.

 

I do know a bit about the engineers who landed on Normandy Beach. Let me do some research and get back with you. I am sure I will be able to shed some light on the situation. I hope to get back with you over the next few days.

 

BTW, your dad was quite handsome.

 

How close do you live to the Atlanta area? My stepdaughter, son-in-law and granddaughter have been living in Acworth for about 7 years now. We've been down there a few times.

 

Warm regards,

Marion J Chard

Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek

VI Corps, 540th Combat Engineer WWII

http://www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com

 

Essayons!

[Walt's Daughter]

Thanks for the quick response. My dad just turned 82 and we have tried to get him to talk as much about the war as possible and also record his stories. We went to Omaha Beach for the 60th anniversary. We are trying to trace his steps of where he went from Swansea and then on to France. I would love to find a newspaper in Argentan to send his picture and see if anyone recognizes him. So far I have not been able to find a paper on line.

 

I love doing research on this when I have a chance. I think we should start a "Daughters of WWII Vets" - did you get to go with your dad overseas?

 

Alpharetta is about 25 miles north of downtown Atlanta. I have lived here since '73 and really love it. Look forward to staying in contact with you and finding out more information.

 

Carolyn Bransby

[Walt's Daughter]

Dear Carolyn:

 

Here is some info on your dad's unit??

 

The 121st engineers were the main unit, then the engineer units below were ATTACHED to the 29th Inf Div.

 

Upon reading I find that the 6th Engineer Special Brigade was issued paratroop type boots and new patches, the eagle, tommy gun and anchor of Combined Operations in gold on a blue background to be worn as a shoulder patch and the Engineers Amphibious oval sea horse patch to be worn on the breast pocket. During April and early May additional units were attached to the Brigade bringing the total of assigned and attached troops to a total of 9848 men and 1219 vehicles.

 

Does the description above sound correct? Let me know. I am still doing more research and will keep you posted. I think we will be able to narrow it down. I am also waiting to hear from a fellow researcher. I'm sure he will be able to pinpoint the unit for us.

Engineer attached units

 

 

992nd Engineer Treadway Bridge Company 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

503rd Engineer Light Ponton Company 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

5th Engineer SP Brigade 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

6th Engineer SP Brigade 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

Hq & Hq Company, 1171st Engineer Combat Group 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

1340th Engineer Combat Battalion 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

502nd Engineer Light Ponton Company 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

1 detachment, 996th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

234th Engineer Combat Battalion 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

Hq & Hq Company, 1121st Engineer Combat Group 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

254th Engineer Combat Battalion 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

610th Engineer Light Equipment Company 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

C Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division 17.05.1944-07.06.1944

 

246th Engineer Combat Battalion 30.09.1944-01.10.1944

 

B Company, 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion 30.09.1944-02.10.1944

 

B Company, 234th Engineer Combat Battalion 30.09.1944-04.10.1944

 

C Company, 234th Engineer Combat Battalion 06.10.1944-07.10.1944 & 11.10.1944-02.11.1944

 

1 detachment, 234th Engineer Combat Battalion

 

This is a list of all units associated with the great 29th.

http://spearhead1944.com/amerpg/amer29.htm

 

http://www.jeroenkoppes.com/ww2/units/29th...h%20Inf.Div.asp

[Walt's Daughter]

I found out he was with the 5th Brigade Amphibious Engineers attached to the 29th Infantry Division. Hope that helps. I think they had a patch with a red Seahorse

 

Carolyn Bransby

[Walt's Daughter]

Carolyn:

 

Does this look familiar? The seahorse represents amphibious engineers. The other emblem that I will show you on this site, would be the unit's emblem. Please let me know.

 

Marion

 

http://ebsr.net/ESBhistory.htm