At 0100 on 12th June 1940 my father Tom Pooler (known as Badge) escaped with a small group from mixed regiments, from St Valery in northern France, just as Rommel closed in and captured thousands of men particularly from the Scottish Regiments. After several days in the channel they were picked up by a Dutch ship twenty miles off the English Coast and were landed at Ramsgate. My father's Regiment - 23rd Field Regt Royal Artillery was virtually wiped out and my father joined the 17th Field Regt for a period until the 23rd began to be rebuilt. I would like to hear from anyone who has more information about my father's experiences during the escape if anyone can help. I would also like to understand why he was recommended for an award for escape and evasion but does not appear to have received it. The details were listed to appear in the London Gazette but I can find no trace. Any help help would be appreciated as Dad is no longer around to ask and I didn't ask enough questions when I could have done. Thanks Bob
Hi Bob and welcome to the forum. Have you seen this? The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details Don't pay for it if you haven't, some of us know how to get the infomation for free. Assuming this isn't and Escape and Evasion Report have you checked the National Archives for one in London-You would have to go there in person and check the files for it. Regarding the 23rd Regt RA they have a diary but it only runs from Sept 39 to Apr 40. May and Junes diaries were probably destroyed or captured. Regards Andy
Have you got or applied for a copy of his service records yet? Here the recommendation-Not sure why he wasn't awarded anything.
Sorry I can't help really with your request Bob. I'm sending this message as I trying to find out more about my Dad's time in the Royal Artillery. He joined the 75th Field Regiment (TA) 300th Battery on 3 Sept 1939. He like your father escaped France but via Le Harve a few days after St Valery. I am trying to find out more about what he had experienced and any help anyone can give would be great.
