Hello. During June 2014 I intend visiting my uncles grave. He was only 18yrs of age when he was killed, serving as Gunner 6142550, George Edwin SNELLIING, 228Bty 57 Anti Tank Reg. (with 5Btn East Surrey Rgt). My ageing family cannot help me further with my quest. I have been trying to find out something about how/why he died that day 24th May 1940. He is buried in a WW1 cemetery - Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetary, Morbecque. The location is between Morbecque and Hasebrouck. I believe that rear-guard action was taking place around this area at the time. Although I have written a couple of letters and sent emails to various places in the past I have still been unable to find out any further information. Can anyone on your forum help please. Thank You.
On the 23rd May the Germans were pushing from the West towards Hazebrouck in a attempt to widen the salient. 227 and 228 Batteries were sent to Morbecque to support 137 Infantry Brigade to help stop that from happening. Give me a few days and I reckon I can dig some more detail out for you.
As luck would have it, 57 A/Tk Regt are one of the few who've had a history published: The Story of the 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery (TA) by Ray Goodacre ISBN 9780955578007 It was available direct from the author, who was on here a while ago as Ray57. It will be worth trying to message him via the forum for more details. Gnr Snelling is listed in the nominal roll but I'm afraid he's not mentioned in the text.
Thank you for the information so far. I am reading a couple of books right now that are helping me to understand the position that they were in that day. There is only one book listed as available concerning the 57th Anti Tank by Mr GOODWIN and that is in USA at cost of about £90, beyond my means I'm afraid.
I have now sent a PM to Ray57 and I am keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again for your information.
