AS another ex Dunkirk veteran, I was interested to read about Mr Allvey from Harvington, who also was in the RASC when Dunkirk fell.
I joined the service at Plymouth, Devon, in 1938, and was posted to Rushmoor Arena, near Aldershot, for kitting out purposes etc, then given a three ton open-back vehicle brought in from the streets, (W H Smiths) I believe, painted and camouflaged it, drove it down to Avonmouth Docks on the day war was declared to be shipped to France.
Once there, which took a few days crossing the Bay of Biscay, we took up our position within the working 2nd, British Division RASC until one day we were ordered to make for the coast and evacuation from Dunkirk.
I, with my loaded vehicle of supplies for different units, made off to Dunkirk, then ordered by officers to abandon the vehicle in a field, take out the rotor arm and destroy it if possible.
Not knowing where one was you simply tried your best to get towards the sea where ships etc were burning. After some days and nights one got on to the beach and kept trying to get away. Late one afternoon a British destroyer came close to the shore and took several of us aboard, quickly down under for a cup of tea and some new bread and butter, how wonderful that was. What a relief. It was like hell there. Once back in Britain, a spot of leave, then re-equipped, for the Far East, India and Burma, until 1946.
I have never met up with Mr Allvey, but it seems we both led similar lives. I am sorry the Dunkirk Veterans Association has finished, my latest branch was Malvern. I shall miss you all as time goes by, please remember me to the lads. My address is below and I would be pleased to meet any of you anytime.
Good luck and good health.
n EDWIN T WARNE, 1a Old Post Office Lane, Badsey, Evesham.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article