My grandfather was in demolition during WW2 we never knew what that meant until just recently. The Kent Fortress Royal Engineers, tasked with destroying all the oil reserves stored in refineries in the ports along the Continental coastline, thus denying the Nazis vital stocks. Mounted at very short notice and in extreme secrecy, such was the importance attached to them that no plans existed for the unit's evacuation. A book describes the trip over in destroyers, frequently under air attack, the chaotic conditions ahead of the advancing Germans, the difficulties faced in carrying out the tasks and the drama of getting back to England. This is what i found out from reading a book, also when talking to Grandad he told me stories about Libya and such like trips Create Italy North Africa Rotterdam the list went on. This little know group of men were highly awarded, with my own Grandad being mentioned twice in despatches and getting the British Empire Medal. This is only the stuff that he would tell us about but I do have photograph of a Nazi flag flying on a building in Italy this was taken before any troops arrived. Well this grand old man Died 1st December 2006 aged 89. I just wanted to share a bit about his secret war. I do know he was mentioned in the London Gaxette but not sure what day.
Thank you Lynnebee for sharing the information on your grandfather. An eventful life by a brave man. His BEM was gazetted on 16 April 1942. "CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD. - . St. James's Palace, S.W.1.. . ' 16th April, 1942! The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards of the' British Empire Medal (Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.during the period July, 1941, to October, 1941, to the undermentioned :— No. 2068123 Corporal Walter Edward Paige, Corps of Royal Engineers,(Dartford)." I have attached a copy of the London Gazette which you could save as a momento.
Have you tried contacting the RE Museum in Chatham? They may well have some records of this unit and photographs.
Thats an idea Paul I am new to this side of family history. I do know that he has his name in Aldershot as he was moved there in 1944 as RSM and stayed and re-patreated (sp*) prisoners of War from the Far East.
Corporal Walter E Paige BEM, Detachment, Kent Corps Troops, Corps of Royal Engineers. Awared BEM. This NCO was a member of the party concerned with the demolitions in the Salonica Dock area on April 8, 1941, and with the demolition of S.S. Quiloa in Eleusis Bay on April 23. On both these operations, and on the journey from Salonica to Crete, he proved himself of very great value to the officer in charge of the parties. He personally performed much of the actual demolition work, with which he carried on at Salonica although he received a splinter wound early in the operation. Dated 16.4.42
