RootsChat.Com

For those who might still be following the fortunes of 708 Company RE.

Here is a link covering the memories one of it's members, Spr. G. Maclean.

https://ww2greekveterans.com/greek-veterans/macdonald-to-oneill/maclean-gilleasbuig/

There are four different pdf files that can be read/downloaded.

I have recently actually obtained (second hand), his autobiography (The Long, Long Years) covering his service. Written in a conversational style and following a general timeline, the story meanders back and forth somewhat, and can be a little frustrating to follow at times.The content is good, but readers should be prepared for some quite uncomplimentary, and critical comment on some of his erstwhile comrades and their officers. Most are not named, and has he admits to changing some names anyway, so only general impressions of his version events can be gleaned. However, that aside, anyone wishing to get a more detailed view of the activities and lives of the company in general will probably find it an interesting read. It was well worth the £4.15p I paid for it.

Have just come upon this thread.

My father was 1894600 Sapper J W Chadwick. He served with the RE in 708 Gen Cons Coy from 1940 to April 1941, when he was captured at Kalamata in Greece.

He enlisted with his brother-in-law (my uncle) on 1st April 1940. He was 1894601 Sapper W Mills. he also served with the same company. Prior to embarkation for Egypt in June 1940, they were stained at least part of the time in/around Margate. They sailed from Liverpool in Convoy WS1. A fast convoy of three ships comprising Queen Mary, Aquitania and Mauretania. I'm unsure of the actual date of arrival in Egypt.

I have no recollection of specific dates for their activities in the Western Desert. However, they were probably involved in Operation Compass in some way or other. Both recalled being at the outposts of Buq Buq, Fort Madalena, Fort Capuzzo. They were (it seems) with the Australians at Bardia, then on to  Tobruk and Derna. What (if any) actual construction work they undertook during this period I have no idea. They were then sent to Greece in March 1941. I have no information as to what or where they served there. The only information I have is that my dad told of two events. Being left on the beach as the last ship sailed, and being told to 'fix bayonets' in some ill-conceived plan to attack the Germans. That order was rescinded and he and many others 'went into the bag'. Eventually he was sent to Stalag XVIIID at Marburg and in 1942 to Stalag XVIIIA at Wolfsburg. He was separated from my uncle after becoming a PoW. My uncle finished up in Stalag 383 (Hohenfels). Currently I do not have my dad's service record, as it appears Covid is slowing processing of these to a snails pace. I hope in due course I will get them.