1/8 Bn THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIERS WAR DIARY
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9th May, 1940
Bn. Stationed at RUMIGIES on ‘Gort’ Line 7 miles N.E. of St AMAND.
10th May, 1940
0415 hrs Air Raid warning “Red” received. German planes seen approaching from Belgium. A.A. fire heard from direction of St. Amand. Plan “D” came into operation for the advance into Belgium and the seizing of the R. Dyle. Learned from wireless reports that both Holland and Belgium had been invaded by Germany. Day spent in preparation for the advance. Leading troops of 2 Div passed through the area at 1200 hrs. 2140 hrs Bn. recce party left with Bde. ‘O’ Gp. Crossing the frontier at 2145 hrs.
11th May, 1940
8 L.F. crossed start line which was the frontier at 0200 hrs. Marching personnel in R.A.S.C. T.C. vehicles. Route RUMIGIES, BLEHARIES, ANTOIGN, ATH, ENGHIEN, HAL, RUYSBROECK, FORET DE SOIGNY, TOMBEEK, to R.V. on R. DYLE about 2 miles N. of WAVRE. 4 Bde at this time was acting as vanguard to 3 Div so Bn was deployed on a long front with all Coys in line except “D” Coy who were finding an outpost line on the high ground E. of the R. Dyle. Bn spent the remainder of the day improving some indifferent field works constructed by the Belgians.
12th May, 1940
Contact was made by “B” Coy with 6 I.B. on our left who had arrived during the night. Owing to further arrivals of our own troops the Bn was able to shorten it’s front considerably, side-stepping to BAS WAVRE and holding in depth a front of about 1.500 yards with the D.L.I. on our left and 1 R.S. on our right. 2 Nflks went into Bde. Reserve. Final positions of Coys were “C” Coy rt. fwd. Coy building bridgehead in BAS WAVRE, “A” Coy on its left in rather exposed position. “B” Coy behind, “C” and “D” Coy still in outpost positions. Information concerning the situation in front was very obscure though the roads were full of refugees amongst whom were quite a number of Belgian troops. Some minor bridges were blown up in BAS WAVRE during the day. No contact made with the enemy. Instructions were received in the evening to stand by the main bridge in BAS WAVRE and to blow it if enemy A.F.V.s attempted to cross. All transport was sent back to TOMBEEK. Considerable air activity.
13th May, 1940
Digging and wiring continued. Very little air activity. French A.F.V.s seen going forward. Still no information about the enemy. More Belgian troops seen withdrawing, presumably to re-form on N. side of Brussels. Only bridge left intact in BAS WAVRE
14th May, 1940
Instructions received in early morning to blow remaining bridge which was done. “D” Coy were withdrawn from their outpost position. Further instructions were received to send a Pl. to observe any enemy movement from the high ground on our left flank. Pl. under 2/Lt Hammersley was sent out. About 1200 hrs enemy Artillery opened fire, and there was much ranging fire from both sides. Outpost Pl. withdrawn and reported enemy armoured and motorised troops advancing from N.W. About 2230 hrs enemy launched attack in attempt to cross the River. The Arty. put down defensive fire and the attack was repulsed by L.M.G.s on fixed lines, Major D.P.P. Stainer, Dorsetshire Regt. took over command of the Bn.
15th May, 1940
One Pl. of “D” Coy was sent down in the early morning to assist “C” Coy. As it was thought that enemy elements were infiltrating into the village. Report from “C” Coy that Germans had actually crossed the River but had been driven back by hand grenades. There was no attack on the Bn front during the day but the French on our rt and the D.L.I. on our left were having a bad time of it. Information received that the enemy had broken through the D.L.I. and “B” Coy were sent to BOIS DIT LE BOCK to hold the high ground and form a defensive flank. On arrival it was learned that the D.L.I. had launched a counter attack which was successful. The Coy was withdrawn less one Pl. takin up its old position. Shelling continued during the day and woods and buildings in the Bn., sector were set on fire. It was learned that the enemy had put in an attack between the French and the British. As the French had already left the line of the DYLE and gone back to the high ground about LE HAIE it was clear that the right flank of the Bde was in danger. Our Arty kept up a constant fire to try and assist the French, but chances were we would have to withdraw. Meanwhile advance elements of the enemy had reached “B” Coy position where they were successfully held off with fixed lines of grenades. There was considerable sniping of Bn. H.Q. possibly from parachute troops. About midnight, orders were received to withdraw owing to situation on the Bn’s right. The Bn got out successfully though in close contact with the enemy and took up positions on the RIVERT LASNE, about five miles to our rear.
16th May, 1940
The Bn found itself very short of ammunition, but it was learnt during the morning that there were about 40,000 rounds the other side of the river. 2/Lt Crossland, Carrier Officer, took a party of men and managed to recover it. The enemy did not appear until the afternoon and did not attack. There was slight aerial activity, and three of our recce planes were seen to be brought down. “B” Coy shot a parachutist in uniform. There was sniping from the rear. Many French stragglers passed through on our right. They attributed the break-through to the enemy’s use of dive-bombers. At 2130 hrs orders were received once again to withdraw. One Pl of “C” Coy and the Carrier Pl were left to cover our withdrawal which they did without loss, in spite of heavy enemy fire. The Bn marched back via FORET DE SOIGNY where in the darkness men and vehicles got all mixed up together, and many got lost owing to the inaccuracy of maps.
17th May, 1940
The Bn finally arrived at RUYSBROECK having covered about 35 miles. There the Bn had a good meal and rest and about 1500 hrs the Bn proceeded in T.C.V. s to GRAMMONT just missing being heavily bombed en route. The Bn finally reached GOEFERDINGE and went into billets for a night’s rest.
18th May, 1940
At 0500 hrs orders were received top take up positions on the River DENDRE. The Bn found itself in Bde reserve and was deployed in and around a small village near the main HAL – GRAMMONT road. One rather interesting incident has since come to light, though not concerned with the unit. It was reported that a new and very strong bridge in GRAMMONT was still intact. The 16th Fd Regt was ordered to destroy it. 50 rds were fired from a distance of 80 yds, 47 hits were registered and the bridge was demolished. The rest of the day passed quietly and no contact was made with the enemy.
19th May, 1940
About 1800 hrs Coys were congregated at Bn H.Q. about GELEMBEKE. At 0200 hrs shelling was heard to our front the Bn withdrew by T.C.V.s. The Carrier Pl., which by now had been Brigaded, being left behind as a rear guard. During the move we were very considerably hampered by refugees and a certain amount of bombing, in consequence of which many vehicles got detached from the column. In addition we had to contend with the fact that at least 3 Divisions were moving down the same road.
The Bn eventually arrived at FRIODMENT via TOURNIA; the convoy had to circle the town as it had been practically razed to the ground, by enemy bombing. On arrival at FROIDMENT, the Bn went into billets. Coys cleaned up generally, both weapons and persons and retired for a good night’s sleep, their first since going into Belgium. The Transport lines were bombed during the evening but nothing was hit.
20th May, 1940
Orders were received that we were to relieve a Bn of the Warwickshire Regt on the RIVER ESCAUT. The C.O., and all the Coy Commanders were ordered to recce a position with Brigadier from ST AMUR (OMER?) but owing to the open nature of the ground, no detailed recce was possible. The Bn served up that evening by road to CHERCQ with the Norfolks on their left; “A” Coy on the right; “B” Coy about 500 yards in rear of “D” and “C” behind “A”. Bn H.Q. was behind CHERCQ on the main ST. AMAND-TOURNAU road.
21st May, 1940
Enemy attached at 0440 hrs, the S.O.S. being fired by the Norfolks on our left. We were subjected throughout the day to heavy fire, both from mortars and light guns. About 0830 hrs one Coy of the Norfolks were seen advancing to reinforce their Rt. Forward Co. About 0900 hrs, 1 Pl of “B” Coy was sent to help “D” Coy, and as “B” Coy were supplying a guard for Bde. H.Q. Later in the morning “C” Coy went to assist the Royal Scots on our right who were having a pretty thin time. During the day “D” C oy suffered about 25% casualties so in the afternoon the remainder of “B” Coy were sent down to help. Very little was seen of the enemy and it was found out that except for snipers he was not within 1.000 yds. During the hours of darkness an attempt was made to break through between our left hand Coy and the Norfolks. This was successfully beaten off.
22nd May, 1940
Things were fairly quiet in the morning and Coys carried out improvements and repairs to their positions. Later on, shelling and mortar fire continued and there were 30 casualties at Bn HQ. At 2100 hrs orders were received to withdraw to BACHY on the “Gort line”. The Bn got out safely and marched the 14 miles back to the frontier. For once, the roads we not unduly congested.
23rd May 1940
On arrival at BACHY the Bn manned the blockhouses on the frontier. This was only a temporary position and during the afternoon and evening, we were relieved by the French Regt of Zouaures (Zouaves). About 2200 hrs the Bn moved by T.C.V.s to Le TOURET about 3 miles North of LA BASSEE Canal on the road VIEILLE CHAPELLE- BETHUNE arriving on the morning of 24th May.
24th May 1940
Having arrived here we hoped we were to have a rest but we had only just had a mid-day meal when we heard that the Div was to move up to the canal, the Divisional Front being between the AIRE and LA BASSEE. The Bde had been allotted another Bn., the 1st R.I.F. They and the Norfolks took up positions on the canal opposite BETHUNE. Ourselves and The Royal Scots were in reserve at EPINETTE. During the afternoon the Bn moved to LE CORNET A LEUX a few miles south of MERVILLE. We were ordered to have one company ready to move at a moment’s notice, and the rest of the Bn to move within the hour. We were also warned of the danger of attack from A.F.V.’s from any direction.
25th May, 1940
Orders were received to be prepared to take up a position at CORNET ST MALO and one Coy were to be sent there immediately to help the Norfolks. “B” Company was ordered to go. The situation in front appeared to be unstable, as no detailed recce was possible and consequently Coys of other Bns were out of touch with each other. This increased the danger of a break-through by the enemy A.F.V.’s. During the day, we received orders to relieve the R.I.F. who were holding a position on the canal on the left of the Bde front with H.Q. at LESGLATIGNUIES about 2½ miles from LE TOURET on the BETHUNE road. The Bn moved up, the relief actually being completed the next day.
26th May, 1940
Arty. Fire was directed on the Bn position and the farm in which Bn H.Q. was situated was repeatedly hit, many of the Amn trucks being set on fire. The Bn had collected various stragglers to assist Coys including 40 men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (M.G. Bn) 30 R.E.s, 25 men of an A/Tk Regt R.A. and a detachment of French troops who had come up from LESTREM. The Bn reported a heavy attack on SEVELINGUE which was partly successful in establishing a bridge-head. Local counter attacks failed to dislodge the enemy. Leaflets were dropped in the morning, text of which was as follows:-
“BRITISH SOLDIERS.
Germans around! You are encircled! German troops invaded COURTAI, TOURET, VALENCEIENNES, LILLERS, AIRE, ST OMER are occupied. CALAIS will be taken immediately. Why do you fight further?
Do you really believe this nonsense that Germans kill their prisoners? Come and see yourself the contrary! The match is finished! A fair enemy will be fairly treated”.
At 1800 hrs the line held by the brigade was: N. Edge of BOIS DE PAQUEAUT – CORNET – ST. MALO - LES CAULDRONS – GORRE. No first-hand information is available from this time onward concerning the part played by the Bn in the battle and all subsequent information is based on the Bde War Diary. At 2200 hrs Bde received a report from the Bn. that Germans had broken through their centre, and further rumours received made it appear that the enemy were streaming through. Actually at 2330 hrs Lieut Col Stayner reported by wireless that the Bn was still in position and holding its own except for one Coy, with which no contact could be made.
27th May, 1940
From 0500 hrs to 0800 hrs Bn reported frequently on progress of the enemy. All line communications had gone by now owing to heavy shelling. Most Coys had got out from Bn H.Q. by A.F.V.s but they were still holding on. At 0750 hrs Lieut Col Stayner reported that he was cut off from all the Coys except one. At 0830 hrs enemy tanks were seen on the aerodrome at Bde H.Q. which was situated at EPINETTE. Fire was brought to bear on them by 11 Pl of “B” Coy which was acting as Bde guard, but as they were 800 yards away, no results could be seen. Shortly afterwards enemy troop-carrying aircraft landed on the aerodrome and machine gun fire was opened on Bde. H.Q. By 0930 hrs Bde H.Q. was withdrawn to LESTREM. The Bde guard being left behind plus a small percentage of the M.G. Coy under Capt. Churchill, 2nd Manchester, and a few stragglers. At 1430 hrs Major Eaton, the Adjut, reported that Bn H.Q. had been set on fire and they had had to move to another house. Shortly afterwards he reported that this H.Q. was also on fire and that the Bn was only hanging on with difficulty. From this moment no further messages were received from the Bn. nor could Bde get in touch with them. It was clear by now that the Bn was surrounded and it was decided by the Bde Commander that it would be too dangerous to attempt a daylight withdrawal. A message was sent through that the Bn. was to withdraw that night, but as the Bde. I.O. took the message had not been heard of since, it is presumed the order never got through. Meanwhile the attachment at the old Bde. H.Q. at Epinette, were heavily embroiled with enemy motorised units. There were about 40 men there all told. Luckily Capt. Churchill had salvaged an M.G. which caused many casualties. The enemy were held off until about 2200 hrs when orders to withdraw were given by Capt. Churchill. ESTAIRES was given as R.V. 25 men managed to escape under cover of the smoke from enemy mortar fire, but in the confusion of crossing the river at LESTREEM, the party got very mixed up.
28th May, 1940
Most of them managed to make their way back to DUNKIRK by way of POPERINGE and it was now realised that the B.E.F. was in serious danger. Bde. H.Q. was eventually found at TETEGHAM where 9 Officers and 25 O.R.s of the Bde were discovered, amongst them 2/Lieut. L.T.Carmichael of 1/8th Bn The Lancashire Fusiliers. The Bde had orders to defend the “last ditch” – the canal about 1 mile for m the coast, but owing to the shortage of men it was realised that this would be impossible.
29th May, 1940
Bde H.Q. remained as established and excursions were made to the beach, reminiscent of Brighton Beach on a Bank Holiday. Men packed like sardines and the sea dotted with ships of every shape and size. The whole area of the beaches were dotted with all kinds of equipment, stores and vehicles.
DUNKIRK was frequently bombed and soon oil tanks and part of the town were ablaze, spreading a huge pall of smoke over the sky.
30th May, 1940
The day was spent in awaiting orders to embark and also trying to collect salvage, but as the French were looting left and right, this was very difficult. The members of the Bde embarked that night, receiving attention from the enemy. Arty mainly directed against the mole. The Div arrived in England on the 31st May.
A list of Officers who returned is given below: -
Capt. A. J Moon Bn T.O.
Lieut. J.L. Christie Q.M.
2nd Lieut L.T. Carmichael Officer i/c Bde H.Q. Guard
2nd Lieut. C.J. Wilson Bde. Anti-tank Coy
The following were wounded and evacuated to U.K. --
Major A.H. Gardner 2nd i/c
Capt. W.G. Haig Coy Comdr
Capt. D.C. W Style Coy Comdr
2nd Lieut. A.G. Komrower Coy 2nd i/c
2nd Lieut. D.T. Walton Pl Comdr
ROLL OF OFFICERS
Lt.- Col D.J.P.P. Stayner Prisoner of War
Major A.H. Gardner Wounded
Major F.S. Eaton, Adjutant Prisoner of War
Capt. R.G. Haworth do
Capt. P.G.T. Lutyens do
Capt. W.G. Haig Wounded
Capt. A.J. Moon With Unit
Capt. D.C.W Style Wounded
Lieut. A.B. Martin Prisoner of War
2/Lt G.C. Noden do
2/Lt J.H. Wilman Missing – Prisoner of War
2/Lt. Hoyle do - Killed
2/Lt. D. R. Ward do - Killed
2/Lt. P.L. Verity Prisoner of War
2/Lt. R.A. Brown do
2/Lt L.T. Carmichael With Unit
2/Lt. G.R. Taylor Missing
2/Lt A.G. Komrower Wounded
2/lt D.B. Spiers Missing
2/Lt P.K. Inwistle do
2/Lt Hammersley do
2/Lt. J.E. Broadhead do
2/Lt. D.T. Walton Wounded
2/Lt N.S. Clarke Prisoner of War
2/Lt. C.J. Wilson With Unit
2/Lt. F.S. Crossland Wounded and Missing
Lt. & Q.M. J.L. Christie With Unit
ATTACHED
Rev. W.A. Passmore, R.A. Ch. D With Unit
Lieut. W. Sillar R.A.M.C. Missing
Bn. Stationed at RUMIGIES on ‘Gort’ Line 7 miles N.E. of St AMAND.
10th May, 1940
0415 hrs Air Raid warning “Red” received. German planes seen approaching from Belgium. A.A. fire heard from direction of St. Amand. Plan “D” came into operation for the advance into Belgium and the seizing of the R. Dyle. Learned from wireless reports that both Holland and Belgium had been invaded by Germany. Day spent in preparation for the advance. Leading troops of 2 Div passed through the area at 1200 hrs. 2140 hrs Bn. recce party left with Bde. ‘O’ Gp. Crossing the frontier at 2145 hrs.
11th May, 1940
8 L.F. crossed start line which was the frontier at 0200 hrs. Marching personnel in R.A.S.C. T.C. vehicles. Route RUMIGIES, BLEHARIES, ANTOIGN, ATH, ENGHIEN, HAL, RUYSBROECK, FORET DE SOIGNY, TOMBEEK, to R.V. on R. DYLE about 2 miles N. of WAVRE. 4 Bde at this time was acting as vanguard to 3 Div so Bn was deployed on a long front with all Coys in line except “D” Coy who were finding an outpost line on the high ground E. of the R. Dyle. Bn spent the remainder of the day improving some indifferent field works constructed by the Belgians.
12th May, 1940
Contact was made by “B” Coy with 6 I.B. on our left who had arrived during the night. Owing to further arrivals of our own troops the Bn was able to shorten it’s front considerably, side-stepping to BAS WAVRE and holding in depth a front of about 1.500 yards with the D.L.I. on our left and 1 R.S. on our right. 2 Nflks went into Bde. Reserve. Final positions of Coys were “C” Coy rt. fwd. Coy building bridgehead in BAS WAVRE, “A” Coy on its left in rather exposed position. “B” Coy behind, “C” and “D” Coy still in outpost positions. Information concerning the situation in front was very obscure though the roads were full of refugees amongst whom were quite a number of Belgian troops. Some minor bridges were blown up in BAS WAVRE during the day. No contact made with the enemy. Instructions were received in the evening to stand by the main bridge in BAS WAVRE and to blow it if enemy A.F.V.s attempted to cross. All transport was sent back to TOMBEEK. Considerable air activity.
13th May, 1940
Digging and wiring continued. Very little air activity. French A.F.V.s seen going forward. Still no information about the enemy. More Belgian troops seen withdrawing, presumably to re-form on N. side of Brussels. Only bridge left intact in BAS WAVRE
14th May, 1940
Instructions received in early morning to blow remaining bridge which was done. “D” Coy were withdrawn from their outpost position. Further instructions were received to send a Pl. to observe any enemy movement from the high ground on our left flank. Pl. under 2/Lt Hammersley was sent out. About 1200 hrs enemy Artillery opened fire, and there was much ranging fire from both sides. Outpost Pl. withdrawn and reported enemy armoured and motorised troops advancing from N.W. About 2230 hrs enemy launched attack in attempt to cross the River. The Arty. put down defensive fire and the attack was repulsed by L.M.G.s on fixed lines, Major D.P.P. Stainer, Dorsetshire Regt. took over command of the Bn.
15th May, 1940
One Pl. of “D” Coy was sent down in the early morning to assist “C” Coy. As it was thought that enemy elements were infiltrating into the village. Report from “C” Coy that Germans had actually crossed the River but had been driven back by hand grenades. There was no attack on the Bn front during the day but the French on our rt and the D.L.I. on our left were having a bad time of it. Information received that the enemy had broken through the D.L.I. and “B” Coy were sent to BOIS DIT LE BOCK to hold the high ground and form a defensive flank. On arrival it was learned that the D.L.I. had launched a counter attack which was successful. The Coy was withdrawn less one Pl. takin up its old position. Shelling continued during the day and woods and buildings in the Bn., sector were set on fire. It was learned that the enemy had put in an attack between the French and the British. As the French had already left the line of the DYLE and gone back to the high ground about LE HAIE it was clear that the right flank of the Bde was in danger. Our Arty kept up a constant fire to try and assist the French, but chances were we would have to withdraw. Meanwhile advance elements of the enemy had reached “B” Coy position where they were successfully held off with fixed lines of grenades. There was considerable sniping of Bn. H.Q. possibly from parachute troops. About midnight, orders were received to withdraw owing to situation on the Bn’s right. The Bn got out successfully though in close contact with the enemy and took up positions on the RIVERT LASNE, about five miles to our rear.
16th May, 1940
The Bn found itself very short of ammunition, but it was learnt during the morning that there were about 40,000 rounds the other side of the river. 2/Lt Crossland, Carrier Officer, took a party of men and managed to recover it. The enemy did not appear until the afternoon and did not attack. There was slight aerial activity, and three of our recce planes were seen to be brought down. “B” Coy shot a parachutist in uniform. There was sniping from the rear. Many French stragglers passed through on our right. They attributed the break-through to the enemy’s use of dive-bombers. At 2130 hrs orders were received once again to withdraw. One Pl of “C” Coy and the Carrier Pl were left to cover our withdrawal which they did without loss, in spite of heavy enemy fire. The Bn marched back via FORET DE SOIGNY where in the darkness men and vehicles got all mixed up together, and many got lost owing to the inaccuracy of maps.
17th May, 1940
The Bn finally arrived at RUYSBROECK having covered about 35 miles. There the Bn had a good meal and rest and about 1500 hrs the Bn proceeded in T.C.V. s to GRAMMONT just missing being heavily bombed en route. The Bn finally reached GOEFERDINGE and went into billets for a night’s rest.
18th May, 1940
At 0500 hrs orders were received top take up positions on the River DENDRE. The Bn found itself in Bde reserve and was deployed in and around a small village near the main HAL – GRAMMONT road. One rather interesting incident has since come to light, though not concerned with the unit. It was reported that a new and very strong bridge in GRAMMONT was still intact. The 16th Fd Regt was ordered to destroy it. 50 rds were fired from a distance of 80 yds, 47 hits were registered and the bridge was demolished. The rest of the day passed quietly and no contact was made with the enemy.
19th May, 1940
About 1800 hrs Coys were congregated at Bn H.Q. about GELEMBEKE. At 0200 hrs shelling was heard to our front the Bn withdrew by T.C.V.s. The Carrier Pl., which by now had been Brigaded, being left behind as a rear guard. During the move we were very considerably hampered by refugees and a certain amount of bombing, in consequence of which many vehicles got detached from the column. In addition we had to contend with the fact that at least 3 Divisions were moving down the same road.
The Bn eventually arrived at FRIODMENT via TOURNIA; the convoy had to circle the town as it had been practically razed to the ground, by enemy bombing. On arrival at FROIDMENT, the Bn went into billets. Coys cleaned up generally, both weapons and persons and retired for a good night’s sleep, their first since going into Belgium. The Transport lines were bombed during the evening but nothing was hit.
20th May, 1940
Orders were received that we were to relieve a Bn of the Warwickshire Regt on the RIVER ESCAUT. The C.O., and all the Coy Commanders were ordered to recce a position with Brigadier from ST AMUR (OMER?) but owing to the open nature of the ground, no detailed recce was possible. The Bn served up that evening by road to CHERCQ with the Norfolks on their left; “A” Coy on the right; “B” Coy about 500 yards in rear of “D” and “C” behind “A”. Bn H.Q. was behind CHERCQ on the main ST. AMAND-TOURNAU road.
21st May, 1940
Enemy attached at 0440 hrs, the S.O.S. being fired by the Norfolks on our left. We were subjected throughout the day to heavy fire, both from mortars and light guns. About 0830 hrs one Coy of the Norfolks were seen advancing to reinforce their Rt. Forward Co. About 0900 hrs, 1 Pl of “B” Coy was sent to help “D” Coy, and as “B” Coy were supplying a guard for Bde. H.Q. Later in the morning “C” Coy went to assist the Royal Scots on our right who were having a pretty thin time. During the day “D” C oy suffered about 25% casualties so in the afternoon the remainder of “B” Coy were sent down to help. Very little was seen of the enemy and it was found out that except for snipers he was not within 1.000 yds. During the hours of darkness an attempt was made to break through between our left hand Coy and the Norfolks. This was successfully beaten off.
22nd May, 1940
Things were fairly quiet in the morning and Coys carried out improvements and repairs to their positions. Later on, shelling and mortar fire continued and there were 30 casualties at Bn HQ. At 2100 hrs orders were received to withdraw to BACHY on the “Gort line”. The Bn got out safely and marched the 14 miles back to the frontier. For once, the roads we not unduly congested.
23rd May 1940
On arrival at BACHY the Bn manned the blockhouses on the frontier. This was only a temporary position and during the afternoon and evening, we were relieved by the French Regt of Zouaures (Zouaves). About 2200 hrs the Bn moved by T.C.V.s to Le TOURET about 3 miles North of LA BASSEE Canal on the road VIEILLE CHAPELLE- BETHUNE arriving on the morning of 24th May.
24th May 1940
Having arrived here we hoped we were to have a rest but we had only just had a mid-day meal when we heard that the Div was to move up to the canal, the Divisional Front being between the AIRE and LA BASSEE. The Bde had been allotted another Bn., the 1st R.I.F. They and the Norfolks took up positions on the canal opposite BETHUNE. Ourselves and The Royal Scots were in reserve at EPINETTE. During the afternoon the Bn moved to LE CORNET A LEUX a few miles south of MERVILLE. We were ordered to have one company ready to move at a moment’s notice, and the rest of the Bn to move within the hour. We were also warned of the danger of attack from A.F.V.’s from any direction.
25th May, 1940
Orders were received to be prepared to take up a position at CORNET ST MALO and one Coy were to be sent there immediately to help the Norfolks. “B” Company was ordered to go. The situation in front appeared to be unstable, as no detailed recce was possible and consequently Coys of other Bns were out of touch with each other. This increased the danger of a break-through by the enemy A.F.V.’s. During the day, we received orders to relieve the R.I.F. who were holding a position on the canal on the left of the Bde front with H.Q. at LESGLATIGNUIES about 2½ miles from LE TOURET on the BETHUNE road. The Bn moved up, the relief actually being completed the next day.
26th May, 1940
Arty. Fire was directed on the Bn position and the farm in which Bn H.Q. was situated was repeatedly hit, many of the Amn trucks being set on fire. The Bn had collected various stragglers to assist Coys including 40 men of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (M.G. Bn) 30 R.E.s, 25 men of an A/Tk Regt R.A. and a detachment of French troops who had come up from LESTREM. The Bn reported a heavy attack on SEVELINGUE which was partly successful in establishing a bridge-head. Local counter attacks failed to dislodge the enemy. Leaflets were dropped in the morning, text of which was as follows:-
“BRITISH SOLDIERS.
Germans around! You are encircled! German troops invaded COURTAI, TOURET, VALENCEIENNES, LILLERS, AIRE, ST OMER are occupied. CALAIS will be taken immediately. Why do you fight further?
Do you really believe this nonsense that Germans kill their prisoners? Come and see yourself the contrary! The match is finished! A fair enemy will be fairly treated”.
At 1800 hrs the line held by the brigade was: N. Edge of BOIS DE PAQUEAUT – CORNET – ST. MALO - LES CAULDRONS – GORRE. No first-hand information is available from this time onward concerning the part played by the Bn in the battle and all subsequent information is based on the Bde War Diary. At 2200 hrs Bde received a report from the Bn. that Germans had broken through their centre, and further rumours received made it appear that the enemy were streaming through. Actually at 2330 hrs Lieut Col Stayner reported by wireless that the Bn was still in position and holding its own except for one Coy, with which no contact could be made.
27th May, 1940
From 0500 hrs to 0800 hrs Bn reported frequently on progress of the enemy. All line communications had gone by now owing to heavy shelling. Most Coys had got out from Bn H.Q. by A.F.V.s but they were still holding on. At 0750 hrs Lieut Col Stayner reported that he was cut off from all the Coys except one. At 0830 hrs enemy tanks were seen on the aerodrome at Bde H.Q. which was situated at EPINETTE. Fire was brought to bear on them by 11 Pl of “B” Coy which was acting as Bde guard, but as they were 800 yards away, no results could be seen. Shortly afterwards enemy troop-carrying aircraft landed on the aerodrome and machine gun fire was opened on Bde. H.Q. By 0930 hrs Bde H.Q. was withdrawn to LESTREM. The Bde guard being left behind plus a small percentage of the M.G. Coy under Capt. Churchill, 2nd Manchester, and a few stragglers. At 1430 hrs Major Eaton, the Adjut, reported that Bn H.Q. had been set on fire and they had had to move to another house. Shortly afterwards he reported that this H.Q. was also on fire and that the Bn was only hanging on with difficulty. From this moment no further messages were received from the Bn. nor could Bde get in touch with them. It was clear by now that the Bn was surrounded and it was decided by the Bde Commander that it would be too dangerous to attempt a daylight withdrawal. A message was sent through that the Bn. was to withdraw that night, but as the Bde. I.O. took the message had not been heard of since, it is presumed the order never got through. Meanwhile the attachment at the old Bde. H.Q. at Epinette, were heavily embroiled with enemy motorised units. There were about 40 men there all told. Luckily Capt. Churchill had salvaged an M.G. which caused many casualties. The enemy were held off until about 2200 hrs when orders to withdraw were given by Capt. Churchill. ESTAIRES was given as R.V. 25 men managed to escape under cover of the smoke from enemy mortar fire, but in the confusion of crossing the river at LESTREEM, the party got very mixed up.
28th May, 1940
Most of them managed to make their way back to DUNKIRK by way of POPERINGE and it was now realised that the B.E.F. was in serious danger. Bde. H.Q. was eventually found at TETEGHAM where 9 Officers and 25 O.R.s of the Bde were discovered, amongst them 2/Lieut. L.T.Carmichael of 1/8th Bn The Lancashire Fusiliers. The Bde had orders to defend the “last ditch” – the canal about 1 mile for m the coast, but owing to the shortage of men it was realised that this would be impossible.
29th May, 1940
Bde H.Q. remained as established and excursions were made to the beach, reminiscent of Brighton Beach on a Bank Holiday. Men packed like sardines and the sea dotted with ships of every shape and size. The whole area of the beaches were dotted with all kinds of equipment, stores and vehicles.
DUNKIRK was frequently bombed and soon oil tanks and part of the town were ablaze, spreading a huge pall of smoke over the sky.
30th May, 1940
The day was spent in awaiting orders to embark and also trying to collect salvage, but as the French were looting left and right, this was very difficult. The members of the Bde embarked that night, receiving attention from the enemy. Arty mainly directed against the mole. The Div arrived in England on the 31st May.
A list of Officers who returned is given below: -
Capt. A. J Moon Bn T.O.
Lieut. J.L. Christie Q.M.
2nd Lieut L.T. Carmichael Officer i/c Bde H.Q. Guard
2nd Lieut. C.J. Wilson Bde. Anti-tank Coy
The following were wounded and evacuated to U.K. --
Major A.H. Gardner 2nd i/c
Capt. W.G. Haig Coy Comdr
Capt. D.C. W Style Coy Comdr
2nd Lieut. A.G. Komrower Coy 2nd i/c
2nd Lieut. D.T. Walton Pl Comdr
ROLL OF OFFICERS
Lt.- Col D.J.P.P. Stayner Prisoner of War
Major A.H. Gardner Wounded
Major F.S. Eaton, Adjutant Prisoner of War
Capt. R.G. Haworth do
Capt. P.G.T. Lutyens do
Capt. W.G. Haig Wounded
Capt. A.J. Moon With Unit
Capt. D.C.W Style Wounded
Lieut. A.B. Martin Prisoner of War
2/Lt G.C. Noden do
2/Lt J.H. Wilman Missing – Prisoner of War
2/Lt. Hoyle do - Killed
2/Lt. D. R. Ward do - Killed
2/Lt. P.L. Verity Prisoner of War
2/Lt. R.A. Brown do
2/Lt L.T. Carmichael With Unit
2/Lt. G.R. Taylor Missing
2/Lt A.G. Komrower Wounded
2/lt D.B. Spiers Missing
2/Lt P.K. Inwistle do
2/Lt Hammersley do
2/Lt. J.E. Broadhead do
2/Lt. D.T. Walton Wounded
2/Lt N.S. Clarke Prisoner of War
2/Lt. C.J. Wilson With Unit
2/Lt. F.S. Crossland Wounded and Missing
Lt. & Q.M. J.L. Christie With Unit
ATTACHED
Rev. W.A. Passmore, R.A. Ch. D With Unit
Lieut. W. Sillar R.A.M.C. Missing
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