I shall probably post some background information tomorrow, but the top-fermented ale is catching up with me this evening and I felt an inclination to post some of the phoney-war images that have recently appeared of this much-ignored and under-researched corps in 1940. The BEF went to France in 1939 with a colossal need to improve infrastructure such as docks and railways. These men were the unsung backbone of the Expeditionary Force.
Very interesting Family members of serving Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps killed 001 CLARK FL - - 31/08/1940 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD 002 CLARK MB - - 31/08/1940 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD 003 HANLON M - - 13/03/1941 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD 004 KEOGH M - - 01/06/1941 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD 005 MOORE A - - 04/10/1940 CIVILIAN WAR DEAD
Hi Rich, I'm rather glad you have posted these attachments. I really do hope you come back with some more photos & has much background information has possible? I would really appreciate it. I say that because i spent at least (eight weeks of my life in transcribing the war diaries) of the following Coys of the AMPC. My Aunts Father was with them. I attach a page from his Service Records. Andy sent me the War diaries. I nicknamed them the dogs bodies, or the slaves of The BEF after reading what they went through. Regards, Stu. 66 Coy did not get back to Plymouth till about the 19th June - I will have to double check that? Edit. Correct. They embarked at St Nazaire at 07.00 hrs on the 17th & picked up survivors from the Lancastria - 2600 on board (with no life belts!) If you are interested in seeing what I've done, then I will send them on..
I wondered if shown on Post #1 last photograph was Lancastria survivours being landed at Plymouth....included appears to be French soldiers. On the other hand the group does not appear to have been rescued from the sea,looking at the gear they are wearing.
Trying to ID which AMPC Coy my late grandfather served in. I have his cap badge and a single AMPC shoulder slip, along with his paper discharging him from military hospital in Scotland after his evacuation from France - family rumour suggested Dunkirk but there's nothing to confirm. He was medically downgraded and discharged from the Army as unfit for future service in Oct 40. Mind you he had been a volunteer in 1914, joining the Royal Navy and serving until 1922, he was 42 when he was discharged. My grandfather was: Albert Edward Littlejohn Cpl 13001293 The MoD Army Service Record hasn't arrived yet, I'm afraid, so any info warmly received. Aye Mark
