Hello, I am French and allow me to appeal to the lights and the help of the different members of the forum. In 1940, my grandmother was a photographer north of Nantes, in Guéméné-Penfao in western France. In this village there was a British presence (British expeditionary force) until the debacle of May – June 1940. She was brought to meet and associate with several British soldiers belonging to the 113 AMPC (Auxiliary military pionneer corps) who came individually or in groups to have their picture taken. This mixed unit was composed of soldiers with little military experience and used as manpower. They were supervised by a few military cadres (in particular a veteran captain of 1914-1918 from the South Wales Borderer) and seconded non-commissioned officers from the Cheshire Regiment. Before she died, my grandmother had given me the name of these soldiers. While conducting research, I was able to find some of them - William Mann, soldier in the Cheshire Regiment. Captured in 1940, he was a prisoner of war at Stalag 20A and died in Berlin on 19 February 1945. - Corporal Thomas (Tom) Carruthers (No. 4029274). Prisoner of war at the beginning of June 1940, sent to Stalag 20B. Prisoner number 13674 - Another wishing to remain anonymous was called Tommy Ackins !!! - Private Henry A. Smith, died on the Lancastria on June 17, 1940 On the other hand, I have never been able to find a soldier belonging to the Cheshire regiment in the 113 AMPC. His name was (but did he give his true identity?) Harry Broomhall. He had indicated that he was from Liverpool. He was a corporal lance in 1940, rugby player and cook by profession. Prewar service I colony (but I don’t know what colony). He seems to have survived the debacle because a letter from Corporal Carruthers of May 29, 1940 indicates that he is still alive. I then lose track of him. So I have two questions to submit to specialists on this forum: 1) Would anyone have any information about this Harry Broomhall by chance? 2) Does anyone know what happened to the 113 AMPC during the may-June 1940 debacle? For example, do we have our walking diary? Thank you in advance Jerry
Jerry, Welcome. It is always worth checking if names and units appear on the site. Broomhall except for this thread does not appear, but 113 AMPC does - though possibly not for the period you are after - and it does refer to a war diary: 4189181 Private Charles Leah Cheshire Regt attached 113 Coy AMPC
