I can't find a mention in the LG of a comission or promotions etc. The reason I'm asking is I purchased a little 150 page book today by the above called -Third class to Dunkirk;: A worm's-eye view of the B.E.F., 1940 that was published in 1944. As ever curiosity got the better of me just to have a quick flick through and I noticed there is no synopsis which intrigued me more so at least find out what Bn he was in and I can't seem to find any mention of his unit by name. Even the units Orbats officers are listed by nickname rather than rank and full name. I did begin to think it was a fiction book but that doesn't seem to be the case as the author says its about his time in France in the foreword. I'm now wondering if the detail was deliberately omitted due to security reasons? Two copies available on Abe-As you can see it wasn't cheap for 150 pages: Third class to Dunkirk - AbeBooks Any help appreciated, A curious Andy
Hi Drew, I have `A Thousand Miles to Freedom` the story of Jack Horsman`s (Military Medal)escape in 1940 published in 1942 it has a note which states all proper names which may give a clue to those who aided in the escape/story have been made ficticious or transposed to protect their identities perhaps its a similar situation to your publication? The identity of the author is correct though but other names may have been changed.2nd Lieutenant Peter Hadley, 4th Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment if it helps the National Archives have a copy on file (I think1)
Andy, could it be the 1944 staff officer referred to in this piece about his wife ? http://www.lizardpeninsulaheritagetrust.org.uk/Newsletters/Newsletter%2037.pdf If so, then he must be mentioned somewhere. I can find no record of an obit for him in 1996 though.
It must be an Infantry Battalion as it has the following at the beginning: The CO Digger Second in Command Eggie Adjutant Don Intelligence Officer Freddie MO Headquarters Company Lyn Signals Officer Pat Carrier Officer Peter Transport Officer A Company Christopher Jack B Company Francis Cecil Alan I No.10 Platoon The Author No.11 Platoon Alan II No.12 Platoon C Company John D Company Gerry Safe to say they were an Infantry Battalion I think. I'm getting a bit anoyed as I'm reading too many bits - They deployed to France on April 8th.
I think that Verrieres' 4th Royal Sussex officer is probably your man. 44th (Home Counties) Division were posted to France in April 1940. 4th Sussex were part of 133 Brigade. If you get the war diary then it should be possible to link the nicknames to the records.
On further inspection (I've put it away now) it appears to be his diary with detailed daily entries. On the 21st they were on the Escaut being supported by MG's from the Middlesex Bn.
Just found this: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7939640&queryType=1&resultcount=1
This is the entry from the Sussex archive relating to the 4th Battalion war diary for the period - So was the CO Whistler and was Major Ashworth 'Digger' ? "Enclosed: (i) 1939. Ordnance Survey Maps of north-west Europe. Scale 1:250,000 (8 sheets); and (ii) 28-29 May 1940. Copies of War Messages from Lieutenant-Colonel L. G. Whistler and Major J. B. Ashworth, 4th Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, to 133rd Infantry Brigade. (3 docs.)" Let us know when you find out !
Ten years late to the party, but I'm half way through this book having picked it up very cheaply on ebay (£5 delivered). I was looking for an RAF book with a similar title, but I'm glad I stumbled on this as it's been enjoyable so far.
Verrieres, I hope your still in this forum. I an retracing Jack’s route across the Pyrenees, from Jack’s book would you be able to describe his character?
Markyboy, please tell me you still have a copy of Jack’s book, I’d like to exchange on his character.
bear.cub, Alas Verrieres has not been aboard since August 2014. Markyboy is still active, so a PM to him should work.
Verrieres no longer posts but current forum member Kyle seems to have informal contact. A PM may be worthwhile.
Spot on Rich! I have his email it used to be on his website, it has been removed now and contact is now through the website itself. I contacted him and advised him of` bear cubs` request on `Jack Horsman` `character` to which he answered :- Kyle
Hi, just logged on. I still have a copy of Third Class to Dunkirk on my shelf. Happy to part with it if you're interested?
I am retracing Jack’s escape/evasion route from France to Spain to walk it, I have his MI9 report, I’ve made a reasonable stab at the route. The book may add more about the route and give more about his character, I want to understand the man, motivation, etc. when I do walks such as this it adds meaning and I lay a poppy to commemorate these brave men. I’ve retraced and walked numerous routes across the Pyrenees. The DLI Association highlighted a book called Cpl Jack by David Scott which has just arrived in the post, it adds more but it would be awesome to view the book that Jack wrote. Cheers, BC