9 DLI May 1940 - Dunkirk

Hi guys - First post

Currently researching: 4457673 Pte Dobson J 9th DLI

Listed as wounded May 1940 and listed under WO 417/12 Casualty List ORs 201-226

I suspect he was involved in the move back from the Arras area and eventual evacuation from Dunkirk although not confirmed.

Jack was known to be with 9 DLI between Oct 1939 and Aug 1942 when he transferred to Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. I would be interested to discover more and Jack and where perhaps I might find information relating to his Regimental move.

Thanks
Ian

 

Ian,

Welcome aboard. There are several members who focus is France 1940, Dunkirk and the DLI. Hopefully they will be along.

Neither name or number have appeared here before your post.

If use an online search: "9 DLI" site: ww2talk.com that will feature many threads and if you use the regiment's full name that may bring back more.

We always recommend applying for a service record, even if it takes up to a year. How to apply and some research tips en route next.

 

Just to add that Jack was with Royal Northumberland Fusiliers between 1942 and 1946 and passed away in 1977.

 

Extract from - Casualty list WO 417/12 ORs 201-226

 

Belated welcome to you.

Have you had a look at this excellent thread by member Christian Luyckx? Post dates his wounding, but may be of interest to you.

BEF rearguard action at De Moeren/Bulskamp (May 29th till May 31st 1940)

 

Thanks Martin, I will have a read of this later, I am currently down a rabbit hole on another forum thread at the moment.
Ian

 

I can well understand it, so much to read here, so many helpful guys and gals, you’re certainly in the right place! Good luck with your research.

 

Hallo Ian,

As Martin already pointed out (cfr. post #5), I took a keen interest in the combats which took place in the vicinity of Bulskamp between May 29th and May 31st 1940. These violent combats also involved the 9/DLI (amongst others) which played a capital role in halting the German advance.

After some years of research, I can only emphasize the importance of these combats: if the Germans had managed to break through, there wouldn't have been a 'Miracle of Dunkirk'... In my opinion, the outcome of these combats has and still is sorely been underestimated by British historians and researchers.

A couple of months ago, I guided a forum member (John West) along the battle sites. I am sure he would confirm that there's no substitute for having seen the grounds with your own eyes in order to gain situational awareness. Only then can you really grasp how hard it must have been and what could have happened is the line had been broken...

Though the scope of my research does usually not include the whereabouts of individuals, I would be happy to help if I can.
I surmise that if Pte Dobson got wounded after Arras, there is indeed a very good chance it happened near Bulskamp, where 8/DLI and 9/DLI were fighting together (151 Brigade).

It could even be very plausible (worth checking! ) that Pte Dobson was one of the many wounded that were evacuated from the frontline by Father Tom Duggan.

Would you need some present-day pictures of the grounds for your research (other that those I already posted in the Bulskamp-thread), let me know.

Kind Regards,
Christian

 

Agree with Christian- there's no substitue for walking the ground, and enjoying local beers after- here's one of many landscape photos I have of the perimeter... Christian will confirm whether DLI were in action here....

 

Hi Christian / John

I have spent some time this afternoon reading through the links to the Bulskamp information which I have found very interesting. As you suggest, it is always difficult to try and determine the exact location where injuries occurred as I discovered when researching my Great Grandfather.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

Ian