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This story was contributed to the site by James Nichols as a tribute to Wyndham Fletcher's contribution to the war.

As a territorial 2nd Lieutenant Wyndham Fletcher volunteered for service in France - so as not to miss out (!). He joined a heavy ack-ack regiment in January 1940 and, following rearguard action during the German advance through Belgium, was evacuated from Dunkirk on 1st June.

Whilst waiting on the Dunkirk beach he met up with a friend who he had not seen since his 'prep' school days. This friend asked, "What do you think of this lot Doggy?" (Wyndham's 'prep' school nickname). Wyndham replied "Not a lot" - or words to that effect; they were both dubious as to their chances of rescue. In the event Wyndham embarked from a mole which was under attack (guns and bombs) without getting his feet wet!

Following several days of half rations, the Navy's hospitality on HMS Icarus, comprising a strong mug of tea and a thick wadge of bread and butter was most welcome. They crossed the Channel to Dover at 30 knots; HMS Icarus, a destroyer, survived the war.

Wyndham was soon in action again during the Blitz, based on the Isle of Dogs, an uncomfortable experience. Thereafter he transferred to the 73rd light ack-ack regiment as a battery commander with whom he landed at Normandy on D-Day. Subsequently he served through to VE Day, which happened to coincide with his first spell of leave.

Many years later, whilst sorting out his third wife's deceased husband's personal papers he found that he too, a regular soldier with the Buffs, had been evacuated from Dunkirk, not only on the same day as Wyndham but on the same ship!

On his return to civilian life Wyndham joined the well-known wine and port shippers Cockburns, eventually retiring as Chairman. Wyndham was a keen cricketer but not a keen groundsman and in 1948 founded the Shepway Stragglers, a touring side, which remains very active to this day. He retired as President after 50 years in 1998.

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