大象传媒

My late Uncle , Walter Jackson URQUHART,was evacuated from Dunkirk,in 1940. He was serving with the British Army.
I have seen a ( poor quality ) photocopy of a photograph of Walter in Army uniform , taken in London during his ten-day post-Dunkirk leave.It is impossible to identify the badge worn on his beret , in the photo.

One of Walter's brothers wrote that Walter served in The Scots Guards at Dunkirk. However , I am advised that The Scots Guards were not involved in the "Miracle of Dunkirk " , ie. Operation Dynamo.
Another brother,also now deceased , had thought that Walter had served in The Scots Guards as part of some compulsory ( National Service )call-up , prior to the War.
In 1937 ,Walter Joined the Leicester City Police.He was seemingly subsequently called-up to serve in the British Army.Hence his presence at Dunkirk , in 1940.

Recently,an interesting fact came to light : I obtained a copy of my Uncle's Marriage Certificate.The certificate recorded that Walter Jackson Urquhart was married in Sunderland , on the 27th March 1941. Under the certificate's column headed " Rank or Profession " , the entry read : " No 2695074 Lance Corporal Military Police ( Borough Police Constable ) "

All of the above may seem straightforward,and "add up " nicely... But back to that poor quality photocopied photo of Walter on leave in London.............. Included in the photograph,and also in uniform ,is his London Metroplitan Policeman brother.So we have the two brothers,side by side ,one in British Army uniform,one in Police uniform. And the Policeman is later adamant that his brother was in The Scots Guards,with no mention of Walter being a Military Policeman.

One last piece of information : I have been told , unofficially , that my late Uncle , Walter J. Urquhart , was briefly reported as Missing ,during the retreat to Dunkirk.He had apparently been riding a motorcycle when a bullet hit his boot , knocking himm off his machine , and slightly injuring him.

Officialdom ( both Police and Army ) have been unable / unwilling to help clarify my late Uncle's military service.