Help needed decoding records

Hi all,

I'll keep this as short as possible. I'm combing through what records I've obtained for one of my great-granduncles. He was part of 29 Coy., AMPC and went missing in France in May/June 1940. By 1946 he was 'presumed dead on or around 16th June 1940' and is listed on one of the memorial columns at Dunkirk.

Among the records I found a scan of a blue card, with pencil notes stating he was 'Posted from 1 general Base Depot w.e.f. 12.5.40 to HQ 51st Div. Engineers' [sic]. Other pencil notes are crossed out, which mention the 239 Field Park Company.

My question is, was it normal for soldiers to be transferred like this? I've not come across anything that specifically mentions pioneers transferring to the 51st Division, and nothing in my relative's records or the company's war diary mentions a transfer.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

There a few threads here on 239 Field Park Company, none appear to refer to France may-June 1940.

The German "blitzkreig" offensive began on 10/5/1940, so chaos soon became the norm. Hopefully others can help.

 

Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps Order of Battle France May 1940 | Researching the Lives and Records of WW2 Soldiers

https://www.britishmilitaryhistory....tes/124/2020/09/51-Infantry-Division-1940.pdf

HQ 51st Division Engineers evacuated including 239 Field Company

The Pioneer Corps Companies were allotted to units for duties
and subsequently withdrew with them for evacuation.

HQ 51st Div Engineers withdrew successfully but it seems that your relative did not survive the on the Beaches of Dunkirk.
It was not unusual to be transferred or posted to other units. Particularly Pioneers or Engineers as their skills were used in all element's of the Army.

Royal Pioneer Corps - Wikipedia

 

Hi Target,

Many thanks for your response. Through my reading (29 Coy & 10 Group war diaries, and links you provided) I did think that the pioneers would've been utilised and moved around, but the lack of evidence in my relatives service record had me on the fence. I feel more confident now that he was at or near Saint-Valery-en-Caux.

His service record simply stated 'missing south of Somme', and in 1943 the war office had 'information' which led them to believe he was 'hiding in enemy territory', so I'm thinking he was either KIA and buried in an unmarked grave, or was captured and died during transport.

Thanks again,
Chris

 

https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/2082800/dunkirk-memorial/

By 1946 he was 'presumed dead on or around 16th June 1940' and is listed on one of the memorial columns at Dunkirk.

Owen is correct the date is after the Dunkirk evacuations.
Your suspicions were well founded.

However information can turn up on the forum from totally unexpected sources, often years later.

 

Chris
Have you seen this fairly recent thread:
It might be of interest.

Against all odds – Saint-Valery-en-Caux (June 1940)

 

An interesting thread, cheers!