大象传媒

Like most of us born after WW2, I'm guilty of taking my own and my families freedom for granted...I blame the state education system during my own school days in the years after the war. (although I understand this is now being taught in schools)

My story is about my late father-in-law Johnnie Cowan he was a bren-gunner, and his platton officer, a Captain of The Royal Norfolks. Johnnie was a St.Dunstaner having been totally blinded in action just south of Bremen in April 1945 by a German 'Spandau' MG42 machine gun. I think I'm the only one he ever told any of his combat stories to, but with the anniversary of Dunkirk the first part of my story is about his platoon officer before he took on that role after 'D' Day.

Recently I went to visit the Captain (who won the MC (Military Cross) at the battle for the west German town of Kervenheim) to try and piece together the stories my father-in-law had told me. I started by asking the Captain for his own account of his war service, but after he told me of his 1944 campaign, I asked what he had done prior to 'D'Day?...Almost as a 'bye the way' he casually mentioned he went to Dunkirk and rescued B.E.F. soldiers in an old ferry! The Captain now in his late 80's proceeded to recount in perfect detail no less than 3 trips across the channel in the London/Margate paddle steamer ferry The Royal Eagle. This craft was one of three 'Eagles' to rescue soldiers off the beaches, and was the only one of the three ferries to survive the dive bombers. Having started out in the T.A the Captain started the war on search-lights then was transferred to the Royal Eagle which had been fitted with search-lights and anti-aircraft guns to patrol the Thames against mine laying German planes, when they got the call to cross the channel.

With astounding modesty the Captain casually mentioned that he made no less than 3 crossings, rescuing no less than 3 and a half thousand British and French men!

I believe I'm correct in saying that he didn't get any decoration for this act of duty, I forgot to ask as I was so lost in admiration as he recounted the tale just as if it was a trip to the Supermarket!

I don't think he would like me to mention his name...a true British gentleman officer. 'A Hero of Dunkirk'

I will tell his and my father-in-laws story of their part after the 'D'Day landings in part 2 at a later date.

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