Author Topic: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.  (Read 5018 times)

Offline taliesin

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retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« on: Tuesday 27 March 07 10:26 BST (UK) »
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.

Offline Romilly

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 27 March 07 10:43 BST (UK) »
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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Offline IMBER

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 27 March 07 13:01 BST (UK) »
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.
Skewis (Wales and Scotland), Ayers (Maidenhead, Berkshire), Hildreth (Berkshire)

Offline Wendi

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday 27 March 07 14:47 BST (UK) »
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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Offline taliesin

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday 27 March 07 16:40 BST (UK) »
Hi Wendy, Thanks for the information,i will definately look into the sources that you mention.

Offline teecee1941

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 22 July 12 20:00 BST (UK) »
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.

Offline barryd

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #6 on: Sunday 22 July 12 20:26 BST (UK) »
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".

 

Offline broadway138

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #7 on: Tuesday 26 March 13 14:55 GMT (UK) »
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

Offline Drew5233

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Re: retreat to Dunkirk,battle at river Dyle.
« Reply #8 on: Friday 29 March 13 09:23 GMT (UK) »
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