Morning, Researching L/Bdr. 1061143 Thomas Boot, 205 Battery, 52 AT Regiment KiA 22 May 1940 Struggling to decipher what happened to him. As far as I can see the 205th Battery moved into an anti-tank position under 138th Brigade on Sunday 19 May 1940 along the River Scarpe at St. Amand-les-Eaux. I think then that there was some sort of British counter attack at about the time of his death. Wondered if Andy could help, please, with the WD, to help clear up the matter, Many thanks, Regards, Graeme
Hi Andy, Once again, many thanks for posting the diary, really appreciate it. As you say, not a lot however it is what they deemed correct to record at the time so just as important, Cheers and regards, Graeme
Graeme, do you have access to any of the newspaper archives? His death is announced in the newspaper named in the attached.
Hello Nick, would you be able to furnish me with a few pages from the 206's War Diary? I'm after a few details on their actions alongside 17th Infantry Brigade under Stopford on the 26th-28th May. Particularly the name of the commanding officer and also any information on their locations. (I have an unconfirmed local diary that says 4 guns were set up alongside the 2nd RSF BHQ in the Vergotte Farm (near the 1918 bunker). much appreciated. Iain
thanks Drew and Nick. I think I've finally worked out who it was. Unfortunately it looks like he didnt survive the action as I have found his temporary grave reference not far from their gun line. Major Hewett was noted as killed by artillery on the 27th as the troop was limbering their guns to withdraw from the Vergotte Farm road. One more question, if you can help? do you have a copy of "MTP 19 - Tactical Handling of Anti-tank Regiments"? and if so, can you tell me what the manual says about the typical layout of the gun line? thanks again and best regards to you both Iain
Iain, its just a thought, have you tried asking on a different part of the forum for this book? Two members I can think of,are idler & dryan67. These chaps have more books than the British Library. Someone will have it. Regards Stu.
MTP 19 = Military Training Pamphlet No19. Copy at Kew reading and waiting for a somebody to place an order with Drew5233.
Iain, the attachments are from The History of the Royal Scots Fusiliers 1919-1950. Not sure if they are of use, but I thought I would post them. The war diaries of the 2nd Battalion & other papers were captured when the Headquarters was overwhelmed, and they were never recovered. I'm dipping my toe into something that I know not much about . Regards Stu.
Cheers Stuart. (and Drew and Nick) I'm re-writing the history of these fine fellows and have the original letters that this book was based on! I've also spoken to two survivors who were there and one German who was in the area at the time. It's fascinating stuff, especially as you say the records were destroyed before capture, but also the re-created records were destroyed in a fire at the HHQ in 1980. So it's been a 15 year project to get this far! RSF1940 P.S. Drew, the book is slowly tickling along, work keeps getting in the way!!
Not bad thanks Drew. I've had a bit of a bad run on the health run of late, so haven't added much! Would you like to cast an eye over it, perhaps if there are bits I'm missing, be great to have someone as knowledgable as yourself point them out? cheers Iain
I'd loved to but a ongoing house move and trying to study for a place in Uni next year is stopping all play. Can I recommend Rich Payne to have a look-I trust no one more on the BEF than him. I like to think of myself as the chap with a shit load of resources but little knowledge.
Sounds like you are a really busy man at the moment! Awesome news on the Uni place. good luck. I'll get hold of Rich Payne and see if he might be interested in having a read through.
I should point out I'm trying (badly) to get a place in Uni, I don't have one, the fact I'm 50 years old in a few months is my main excuse this year