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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: taliesin on Tuesday 27 March 07 10:26 BST (UK)
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My grandfather,Norman Metcalfe was with the Durham Light infantry special expeditionary force,going into Belgium in 1939. he was made up to company sargeant major and received the military cross for his involvement in the battle at the river Dyle.Richard Annand was awarded the first VC of the second world war at the same time.I have a map of the retreat across France which he used.I would really appreciate any other infomation anyone has about this battle,or the retreat of the Durhams to Dunkirk.
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Hi there,
My late father-in-law kept a journal of his experiences during the retreat of the BEF to Dunkirk in WW2. However, I am unsure which Regiment he was with.
I will ask my husband to look out his father's journal.
Best Wishes, Romilly.
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Get your public library to order up:
Dunkirk - Fight to the Last Man
Author: Hugh Sebag-Montefiore
Published 2006 by Viking
This is an excellent, well researched book and there is an account of the VC action you mention.
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Hi taliesin and Welcome to Rootschat ;D
Have you looked at The Durham's War Diaries? The National Archives hold them and Durham County Records Office appear to have a wealth of information.
Check this out!!!
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01dp/
Wendi :)
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Hi Wendy, Thanks for the information,i will definately look into the sources that you mention.
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Its more than likely I'm too late with my reply but I've only just found your post. I am currently searching for my uncle who is buried in Saint Venant after being involved in the fighting under the command of CSM Metcalfe. My uncle, Private Anthony Corkhill 2nd Btn Durham Light Infantry, was batman to RSM A.Goddard who last saw him alive on the 27th May 1940. He was wounded in both legs and had a neck wound. The injuries were not life-threatening and the fighting had ceased. At the time RSM Goddard and his men were being marched away to a POW camp, the Germans said that Pte Corkhill was to be taken to hospital. He was never seen again and there are no records of him ever being in hospital or a POW camp.
I have a copy of CSM Metcalfe's War Diary from the time they landed in France up to the 28th May 1940. I would be pleased to send a copy to you. I live in Newcastle upon Tyne.
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According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Private Corkhill lived until 29 May 1940. No known grave. His name is inscribed on the Dunkirk Memorial. Richard Annand VC and Private Corkhill were both in the 2nd Battallion DLI.
It's a bit long but from his citation in the London Gazette are the exploits of Richard Annand VC. The circumstances will be similar for all near the River Dyle that day.
"For most conspicuous gallantry on the 15th-16th May 1940, when the platoon under his command was on the south side of the River Dyle, astride a blown bridge. During the night a strong attack was beaten off, but about 11 a.m. the enemy again launched a violent attack and pushed forward a bridging party into the sunken bottom of the river. Second Lieutenant Annand attacked this party, but when ammunition ran out he went forward himself over open ground, with total disregard for enemy mortar and machine-gun fire. Reaching the top of the bridge, he drove out the party below, inflicting over twenty casualties with hand grenades. Having been wounded he rejoined his platoon, had his wound dressed, and then carried on in command. Richard Annand's platoon sergeant said later "Mr Annand came to me at platoon headquarters and asked for a box of grenades as they could hear Jerry trying to repair the bridge. Off he went and he sure must have given them a lovely time because it wasn't a great while before he was back for more. During the evening another attack was launched and again Second Lieutenant Annand went forward with hand grenades and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. When the order to withdraw was received, he withdrew his platoon, but learning on the way back that his batman was wounded and had been left behind, he returned at once to the former position and brought him back in a wheelbarrow, before losing consciousness as the result of wounds".
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Hi. I am trying to find details of The North Staffs involvement in this battle. My late father ( RSM Harold Johnson ) was awarded the D.C.M. for his actions in the battle.
Has anyone got any interesting links or info.
Thanks broadway138
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I have copies of all of the Durham Light Infantry War Diaries for the France and Flanders Campaign and the official regimental histories for WW2 published just after WW2.
I also have the North Staffs war diaries for 1940.
Regards
Andy
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Ps. If the original citation of his DCM still exists I can get you a copy of that. Failing that I have a DCM book that has all the WW2 citations in :)
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Just checked and the original citation exists on my hard drive. He was 2 North Staffs and wasn't a RSM at the time he was awarded the DCM (RSMs got the DSO IIRC) he was a WO 3 (Warrant Officer) which was a 1940 rank of Platoon Sergeant Major that was denoted by a crown surrounded by a wreath. The rank didn't last long as it was used to fill the gap whilst there was a shortage of officers.
The badge is still used today in the Army by RQMS's, BQMS's etc etc.
Cheers
Andy
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Thanks for this; all these little bits of info. are most welcome.
I am somewhat new to RootsChat and sending replies etc.
Am I allowed to give you my email address I wonder to get copies of what you have?
I have asked my Library to get the book, " Dunkirk - fight to the last man ", which I gather will give me more info.
Thanks
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Put my username in front of at hotmail dot com and you can email me.
Regards
Andy
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I believe the Royal Ulster Rifles were also part of a rearguard action.?at Dunkirk.would appreciate any info on what role they played.
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I believe the Royal Ulster Rifles were also part of a rearguard action.?at Dunkirk.would appreciate any info on what role they played.
I believe you have a copy of the war diary that I supplied through WW2Talk?
Cheers
Andy
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I believe you have a copy of the war diary that I supplied through WW2Talk?............I do Drew, but it does no harm in trying to find any other tid bits of info from other sources ;)
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Hi. I am trying to find details of The North Staffs involvement in this battle. My late father ( RSM Harold Johnson ) was awarded the D.C.M. for his actions in the battle.
Has anyone got any interesting links or info.
Thanks broadway138
Original Citation emailed to you and details on the 1939/40 war diary.
Cheers
Andy