Has anyone got any photographs of the Royal Irish Fusiliers in France when they were part of the BEF in 1939/40? Personal photos especially that I would not have come across. Group photos of men in the battalion before and after the war. The 1st battalion fought a famous rearguard battle against Rommels Panzer division at the Battle of La Bassee Canal. At Dunkirk beach, a large portion of the battalion found themselves caught out on the open beach for a day and night before being evacuated. This after a long retreat from Belgium. Also, any photographs of Major Brian Somerville. Thanks
I presume you have seen 'Say Not the Stuggle" - John Horsfall's account, but a few references to but no photos of Major Somerville... obviously the Faughs went to Tunisia and Italy and Austria from 1942 to 1945 - not many made it through all tthe way. and, of course, Guy Gough's account.
Two excellent accounts. Also read Major Somervilles War Diary (HQ Company) for the month of May 1940. The original was destroyed at Dunkirk but he wrote a new one upon his return to England. Probably not as detailed as the original had been, but a good account nonetheless to read alongside "Say Not the Struggle" and Gough's account.