Hi Stuart, I trust you and your good lady are well? I remembered the other day you mentioned you were going through some RAMC files to see if you could find anything. You may wish to check the following RAMC units at some point that were part of II Corps and 3 Division: II Corps Medical Units: No.14 Field Ambulance No.5 Casualty Clearing Station No.6 Casualty Clearing Station 3 Division Medical Units: No.7 Field Ambulance No.8 Field Ambulance No.9 Field Ambulance All that said he may have only made it as far as the Regimental Aid Post. Best wishes Andy
Hi Everyone I thought I'd update this thread after 18 months of research, advice from Drew (thanks) and a couple of trips to Flanders. I think its been said that accounts of the fighting during the retreat to the coast through Belgium are sparse and that's been borne out by my work on this. However, I thought I'd set out what I think happened to my grandfather and invite comment/verification from anyone who would care to add anything. From 8 Brigade orders for 28 May the Brigade (1st Suffolks, 4th Royal Berks and 2nd East Yorks) was on the Yser Canal between Steenstraat and Noordschote (about a 3km stretch). From reading the (Suffolks) missing men file at Kew I assume the forward coys were east of the Canal (with reserve coys on the west bank) as there are references to farms, animals etc which are still there today. I think the west bank was one of the areas possibly inundated with water following opening of the sluices (a few of which are still there today) but nevertheless the Brigade line would've been a mile or so in depth. Does that sound right in terms of military tactics or would all of the troops defended from the west bank? I think my grandfather was on the east bank (still haven't found out which company he was in) and as the attacks developed at the southern end of the line (4th Royal Berks who took a lot of casualties) they moved north towards the bridge (on the Noordschote road) which may have been blown. At that point (from the family) my grandfather tried to swim across the canal when he was hit by a sniper. Is there any information out there about that bridge (map ref 553736)? The only detailed account of the action on the Yser Canal that day (29 May) that I've read is in Robert Jackson's book, Dunkirk - The British Evacuation 1940, pages 87-91 by a Private Mons Trussler. I'd welcome any comments. Thanks. Stuart
Hi guys. I live next door to this particular cemetery and if requested, I will make a donation to the local RBL for poppy crosses, apply a message of your choice and place at the soldiers and aircrew members graves. I will also photograph and send to you via email attachment. Their death dates anniversaries are approaching as the RAF fallen bomber crews are 21st april and of course the soldiers are over the last few days of May. Best wishes Chris
Hi Chris Thanks for your post. I was in Houthulst in late February earlier this year but don't think I'll be over in May. I'll send you a PM. Stuart
Stuart, does your family have any connection with West Ham/Essex? I have two Jolly brothers, both KIA, who served with my battalion of interest in WW1. Just thought I'd ask All the best with your research
Hi. Not that I know of, my grandfather lived in Felixstowe and is commemorated on the WW2 memorial outside the Town Hall on the sea front. Having said that I don't think any work's been done on the family tree. I'll speak to my mother. Thanks for your interest.
Hello I am Suffolk Boys mother and daughter of L/cpl Reginald Jolly.I have traced the family tree back to Reg`s grandfather but all the family appear to come fom Suffolk. Sorry can`t be of more help
Hi Jack I agree with you about the Regimental museum. It's certainly worth a look if anyone has a couple of hours to spare in Bury St Edmunds. Note the limited opening hours though. Is the tank on your avatar part of the Desert Rats' memorial on the Thetford Swaffham road? Stuart
Stuart - Did you ever check those RAMC files? I'm wondering if there is any useful 1940 info in them?
Just been looking at maps etc of the area and Houthulst is a fair way (16 miles) from Furnes (Veurne). 4 Berks war diary has them taking up positions just NE of Furnes at 0100 hrs on the 30th May and states 1 Suffolks were on their left flank. I have a map (not original) of the positions. The diary also states Maj AF Wells Missing believed killed on the 29th May. Could these men have died from wounds sustained on the 29th May?
Hi Andy Thanks for getting in touch. I'm in London next week so might get along to Kew and check those RAMC files. On the Royal Berks I had picked up the information about Capt (temp Major?) Wells. He was detached to the Royal Berks from the RAMC. I think it's possible he was left behind with my grandfather as a result of wounds from the action on 29th May on the Yser, south of Furnes. The Royal Berks took a lot of casualties that day as they were at the southern end of the line with the Suffolks next. The East Yorks (at the northern end) on the other hand got through 29th relatively unscathed, in fact their diary reported "good shooting". Stuart
Hi Stuart - I've just received the Suffolks History. Do you have a copy? If not I'll type up the end of May for you. A
Hi Andy Thanks for that. What's the source - is it the regimental history (red hardback)? If so my mother has it and I've read the section about 1940. Stuart
