Hi Just wondering if your diaries from Drew5233 were from the 57th Anti- Tank Regiment, RA? My Great Uncle was with that Regiment from 1940-5 and recieved an MC in May 1940. I am currently doing some research on his experiences and would appreciate any relevant information you may have Thanks Regards Douglas, Sydney Aust
Douglas , I've moved your post to it's own thread. It also might be an idea to change your uer name to something else that is not your email address.
Hi Douglas, I think I may only have a small section of the 1940 diary for May if you have seen it posted on here. If you want any of the units diaries for WW2 drop me a private message as I offer forum members a copying service. If you post your great uncles name I'll look up his citation for you and post it on this thread unless someone else beats me to it. Welcome aboard Andy
Thank you all for your replies- much appreciated. I do have my great Uncle Gavin Orr's recommendation for his MC in the 57th - please find it attached below. I have also drawn up a Chronology for May 1940 based on previous postings on this site. It would be great if there was an official Diary. So any ideas on that would be appreciated. In particular the town where Eschelon B of the 57th was ambushed. Does any one know if the 57th Regiment exists today? Thank you all for your replies. I do have my great Uncle Gavin Orr's recommendation for his MC in the 57th - please find it attached below. I have also drawn up a Chronology for May 1940 based on previous postings on this site. It would be great if there was an official Diary. So any ideas on that would be appreciated. In particular the town where Eschelon B of the 57th was ambushed. Does any one know if the 57th Regiment exists today? Military Cross: WO 373/146 Richard Gavin Orr Rank: 2nd Leutentant Regiments: 57 Army Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery On May 26th, 40, during a reconnaissance in the Bois des Huit Heures …it was reported to this officer that their was an enemy tank in the SW corner o the wood. It was impossible for him to get his 2-pdr gun into a suitable position to take on this tank. Accordingly he armed himself with an ANTI-TANK-RIFLE, which he obtained from Infantry and together with 2 other officers manoeuvred to a favourable positions from which he could engage this tank. The Tank was found to be in a “Hide-Out” and a8 rounds were fired at it by 2/Lt ORR – 5 rounds of which were direct hits. The Tank was put out of action. This officer has throughout displayed great courage, coolness and inititiative in the command of his troop, and the example to all under his command has been magnificent. XXXXXX During the period under review 2/ LT ORRs troop destroyed 5 enemy Tanks Unverified Chronology of Lt Gavin Orr’s May Service in France Arrived in March 17-20 May: Action commenced: “The 2 pdrs of 57 A/Tk fought hard on the Escaut with 44 Div near Bossuit. (No date given but in the section covering 17 - 20 May). 26th May: destroyed tank for MC. Bois des Huit Heures (wood of eight hours!!) and is located about 8ks SW of Bossuit on the North side of the Escaut where the Escaut turns south to parallel the France/Belgium border. Looking at Google maps the wood no longer exists and is now an industrial park! 28th May: 57 A/Tk destroyed all their equipment on 28 May and joined the infantry with small arms before getting away on the 29th. 28th May the Masacre of Wormhout was occurring nearby – 100 surrendered allied soldiers murdered in a Barn. Wormhout - just across the border in France - where the massacre took place is 20ks South of Dunkirk and about 60ks NW of Bossuit where the 44th Division were base 29th May: Appears Eschelon B of the 57th was ambushed heading one way out of a town; remainder went opposite direction and split in two groups. This suggests that Gavin Orr was with Eschelon A. No mention of name of that town – would be good to know – presumably on the way to Dunkirk. Around 29th - POWs taken from 57th Approx 29th-early June: Dunkirk evacuation: returned to UK with barely over a one quarter of its strength (need to verify this source as is unofficial and somewhat unclear)
Hello Douglas I have produced the first of a two volume history of the 57th Anti-Tank which might be of interest. The first book covers the Dunkirk campaign and your great uncle, Gavin Orr, is mentioned on a number of pages, including the action at the Bois de Huit Rues, together with a photo of him (attached) and the MC citation, and his being wounded on the Mont des Cats. The 226 B Echelon was ambushed after it left the village of Caestre for Dunkirk on the morning 29 May. Please get in touch if you would like more information. Regards Ray
Hello Douglas I have produced the first of a two volume history of the 57th Anti-Tank which might be of interest. The first book covers the Dunkirk campaign and your great uncle, Gavin Orr, is mentioned on a number of pages, including the action at the Bois de Huit Rues, together with a photo of him (attached) and the MC citation, and his being wounded on the Mont des Cats. The 226 B Echelon was ambushed after it left the village of Caestre for Dunkirk on the morning 29 May. Please get in touch if you would like more information. Regards Ray View attachment 64981 Ray Details for the book would be most appreciated. I need to enlarge my Gunner library, it hasn't reached 500 books yet!!! Phil
Many thanks Ray, I received my copy yesterday and it does look very good indeed for a 1940 book. Packed with lots of info and detail. I think I'll enjoy reading this one ! Cheers Andy