大象传媒

The Winter of 1939-40 was the worst in living memory, and the whole of Northern Europe was under snow and ice. Leaving the AFS I volunteered to join the Royal Army Service Corps as driver/mechanic. After some training and a severe bout of flu, I was sent to France in the BEF to a transport company in Albert. Our company comprised mostly of 10 ton lorries and we worked in the open. Our small billet had no water, or heating. Washing was with a handful of snow. There was a cellar below the kitchen,which had a tap with enough to supply the cooks. Many civilians had been moving through the town in all sorts of vehicles.Then the Stukas came over and bombed outside Albert. Then it was deemed time to move. I was given the workshop wagon, and told to be at the end of the convoy. En route the engine broke down twice, and luckily,there were 3 mechanics in the back. We were left behind and a DR sent back to find us. At our first stop for the night, volunteers were asked to go back to collect a Humber car, spares,and - believe it - some coal! We were in the back of a lorry, with rifles and ammo and the news came that the enemy was already in Albert, so the mission was abandoned.

Let me now press on to a forest about 9 miles before Calais. Most of our drivers had had no experience with big vehicles, and it was quite a performance for the CSM to get them reversed into the forest. Before this we had been leaving lorries blocking the road, in an effort to delay the Germans. Major Dunlop and the CSM and Padre went into Calais for orders. We were left with a gaggle of useless NCOs. Nobody was taking charge and men were standing about the narrow road,just doing nothing. I had thought I was the last British soldier between myself and the enemy, but along came a Colonel of the West Yorks, who organised us to some degree. He put a lorry half blocking the road, and men were behind trees with rifles at the ready. It made us feel like real soldiers - but no use whatso ever against armoured cars! The colonel left and we were soon back to normal. Then a DR was sent to look for the Germans. From where we were stopped there was a sharp corner and then a steep hill. In the distance the DR saw some vehicles and thought he could get some information. He found them to be a great help as they were Germans! His rifle was disabled, as was his bike. He was likely told, "we haf vays of making you valk". Anyway he was allowed to go, and having to get back some distance via the forest, the Germans knew they would be with us before he got back.

So we were standing around when the German spotter plane came over. It was ignored, but a few minutes after, there was such a noise and an armoured car came around the corner all guns blazing. I dropped into a shallow ditch and put a round into the car. I couldn't miss as it was only about 2 yards away. And that was my only shot in anger for the whole war! Very soon we were as before just standing in the road. Then another armoured car came through and there was such a noise. We would have all been shot, but at that time of the war the enemy was benign.

After this second car, and us not having any leaders, I decided to move back into the forest and hid behind a tree. I had been there only a few minutes when I heard running feet and our workshop captain rushed past. I was astonished and we were not aware he was with us. Apparently, he was in the staff car hidden in the trees and away from the rest of the group. I realised that he was deserting and should have shot him, but that needs some thought. He next appeared on parade at Blackdown Camp, a few days after evacuation. Yes, I know that I should have spoken to Major Dunlop about this, and it irks me still. Often I wonder how many soldiers he put in jeopardy during the rest of the war.

Soon after this the padre came back and he took over. we were to line up and drive in an orderly convoy into Calais. I was to be at the rear, of course. Jack Gregson was with me and I told him I expected the enemy to be waiting in the trees to shoot as we went past, and what I was intending to do. It never happened. I was disgusted with the rest of the drivers who panicked and drove down the hill at great speed. I kept to 30 mph and they lost me. When approaching Calais one of our lorries came towards me with the Major hanging on the side gesturing. It was my impression that he wanted me to go back. This I did, but never saw him again. So I reversed and not knowing where the rest of the party were, we parked in the first street and stayed there for the night.

Next morning a DR found us and led us further in to the city and I parked behind the rest. We were outside a house with a small garden and a cabinet in the middle. I needed to use the facility and knocked at the door. A man opened it and in the centre of the room stood a small group of people and they were petrified. They knew that we were leaving and that the Germans would soon be there. That picture is still in my mind.The Germans were attacking the city as we drove in and it was being defended by the Queen Victoria Rifles.

There was a small Square a short distance where everyone was congregated, so we joined them. Food and drink was available and there was a lorry, engine running and a driver part way across the road. I had just had some food and the driver called out "could you sit here for a bit mate, while I get some grub" That was no trouble. He told me that I had to watch the bend about 600 yards away and if the Germans came around there, I must drive the lorry to block the road. Easy enough. But I sat there watching that bend and realised that I would be their first target. So a chap was walking past and I called out. "Can you sit here while I get some grub mate" ...The job was delegated. Soon after that we were told to do what damage we could to the vehicles in 5 minutes. There is plenty one can do given time, but I had no intention of going back to my wagon and chance missing the lorry which was waiting to take us to the docks.
Next stop Dover.

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