BEF rearguard action at De Moeren/Bulskamp (May 29th till May 31st 1940)

Hi Kyle,

It took me some research and translation of the Frenglish to learn that it is the 'Kasteel Sint-Flora'.

I firgured it was essentially translated as Chateau/Castle/Kasteel and St Flora is Sint Flora. Lots of flowers I believe.

It is the Chateau that is mentioned much in the war diaries. The various battalions had set up their forward HQ's there during this rear guard action and it came under heavy artillary and mortar fire.

Search Kasteel Sint-Flora in google maps and you'll find it easily. I've been having a good look around on street view.

Cheers

Chris

 

Thank you.

Kyle

 

Kasteel Sint-Flora- I'm sure Christian will soon be posting a map and the fascinating history of the place - he and I visited Ch St Flore on one of our Perimeter tours ...

 

Before we further discuss Kasteel Sint Flora, allow me to honour Sgt Herbert Waterworth's memory.

Since no picture of his grave is to be found on the CWGC's website, I took the afternoon off and drove to Adinkerke in order to find his last resting place.
This proved somewhat more complicated than I had anticipated, because there are several military cemeteries in Adinkerke and the CWGC's website does not specify which. You should know that, during WW1, Adinkerke was close to the frontline and, as you can imagine, casualties were numerous. After 1940, the B.E.F. casualties were buried in the same cemeteries as their WW1 brothers-in-arms. Subsequently, there is no cemetery allocated specifically to the men who fell in 1940. I eventually found Sgt Waterworth's grave in the last cemetery I visited.





Sgt Waterworth's final resting place is located near the Nieuwpoort-Dunkirk canal, next to the motorway, not far from the road British and French troops took to retreat in the direction of Ghyvelde and Bray-Dunes (both just over the border in France).

In the coming weeks, I shall try to see if I can find any complementary information that could shed some light as to the circumstances of his death. I can't promise anything as, apparently, during WW2, the municipal archives of De Panne (that merged with Adinkerke in 1977) were partially destroyed. I find it strange though that Sgt Waterworth was buried in Adinkerke. As Chris' documents clearly show his grandfather was KIA near Sint Flora, I would have expected him to have been buried in Bulskamp which is much closer.

I hope this brings some comfort to Chris and his family.

KR,
Christian

 

Christian,

I'm extremely humbled and astonished by your act of kindness. We've had a photo of the grave from quite some years ago, however for you to visit today and provide photos gives me an incredible sense of connection. Thank you.

Warm Regards,
Chris

 

I spoke again with Jim and he pointed out an interesting fact which I don`t know if anyone picked up on regarding Sergeant Waterworth . He (Jim) told me Pte Raitt (6DLI) had written home stating Sgt Waterworth was definitely dead (giving the impression that he may have witnessed this perhaps ?) However the Germans record Sgt Waterworth as `captured` on the 30 May 1940 and dying the same day ? It is not unusual to find a card for a British Casualty (as the Germans also recorded bodies they uncovered ?) what is unusual in Sgt Waterworth`s case was the `capture ` date was filled in and not just recorded as died ? (I`m relaying as best I can my conversation with Jim so apologies if it`s a little confusing ) If Sgt Waterworth was mortally wounded when the Germans found him and he died later that day would that explain why he wasn`t buried at Bulskamp ?
He (Jim) also said Robert Ramm who was also killed has a card too and he is at Le Panne but is just the basics with no capture date ? Just a thought

Reference: WO 416/381/77
Description:
Name: Herbert Waterworth.
Date of Birth: 02/08/1913.
Age: [27].
Place of Birth: Sedgefield.
Service: [British Army].
Rank: [Sergeant].
Regiment/Unit/Squadron: [The Durham Light Infantry, 6th Bn].
Service Number: 4449186.
Date of Capture: 30/05/1940.
Theatre of Capture: [unspecified].
Camp Name/Number: [unspecified].
PoW number: [unspecified].
Date of Death: [30/5/1940].
Number of Photographs: 0.
Number of Fingerprints: 0.
Number of X-rays: 0.
Number of Cards: 1.


Kyle

 

Sounds like a good explanation Kyle.

 

That throws a different spin on things and maybe a little disturbing. Who would have buried him in this case?

I have a copy of the letter Pte Raitt wrote home, dated 18th June 1940. I haven't scanned it in properly yet. I've attached a photo of the 1st page of 8 in which he makes the comment about Sgt 'Peb' Waterworth being killed for definate. An interpretation of the complete letter for ease of reading is attached, it makes for interesting reading. The translation into text is courtesy of the following website https://durhamlightinfantry France 1940

I have a copy of a letter of condolence to his next of kin from his Captain. I'd like to speak with family before I share it but what I can say is his Capt. said he was near him and assured that he felt nothing. This is maybe a template style letter but I have to hold onto hope it's true.

Also, a very old photo of the gravesite. Year unknown.

 

Gentlemen,

I'm afraid some of the provided inputs related to Sgt Waterworth don't add up.

Let's assume that he was indeed KIA on May 30th 1940. At that time, the stretch of the Dunkirk defence perimeter allocated to the 151 Brigade (aka the 'Durham Brigade'), which comprised the 6/DLI, was located on the banks of the Bergues-Furnes canal. On that same day, the Germans made their first attempts to break through British defences. If they had succeeded, the road to Adinkerke and La Panne would have been wide open and most ot the BEF between Nieuport and La Panne would have been irrevocably trapped. Fierce combats took place at the Nieuwpoortbrug, 't Zwaantje and the the brigde on the road to Houthem. In post #13 of this thread, Andy confirms that 6/DLI was entrenched nearby Houthem bridge. They arrived there on May 29th at 23h30. This position is located at about roughly 1,5 miles form Sint Flora.

As it happens, John (West) and I visited the Houthem bridge position during his last visit. I posted photos of this location in post #92.

I find the scenario where Sgt Waterworth, after being wounded, was captured by the Germans rather unlikely. If that had been the case, he would have been transported to their field hospital at Wulveringhem and buried there (cfr. post #220) after dying of his wounds. Also, being very methodical, the Germans would have documented the incident. It also doesn't fit with the statements of his mates being adamant him being killed.

As I see it, following possible scenarios remain:

• Sgt Waterworth was KIA on the frontline. This, however, raises the question why he was not buried in Bulskamp.
• He got severely wounded on the frontline and was evacuated to a Regimental Aid Post on the rear, (perhaps by Padre Duggan and Cpl Fletcher? cfr. post #17) but died of his injuries shortly thereafter.
• He got KIA during a German artillery barrage somewhere between the frontline and Adinkerke.

Personally, I am inclined to favour the artillery barrage scenario as the Germans repeatedly shelled the main road leading from De Moeren to Adinkerke.

Of course, at this stage, this remains a pure conjecture on my part. Indeed, we may never know what really happened. The only way to make sure would be to find the official record of Sgt Waterworth's reburial which would describe the state of the victim's remains, the probable cause of death, the inventory of his belongings and a list of everything that helped identifying the victim. IF we're lucky, that record MAY still exist and MAY also contain the exact site of his initial field burial. I'm afraid there's no guarantee though. Some records were very thorough, others much less...

Wishing everyone a nice weekend,
Kind Regards,
Christian

 

Christian, the continued use of your valuable time is amazing and greatly appreciated. Plus the level of knowledge you possess is incredible.

I don't wish to hijack the thread with my grandfather's story. Since it's your thread, I'll let you decide.

I have more hard copy evidence to provide, but I agree, for now have a great weekend.

Best Regards,
Chris

 

The website you quoted is Jim`s it was he who translated the letter . I briefly messaged him with the question `Who would have buried him?" he replied " The German`s or Belgian`s under German supervision " He also points out there were NO field graves recorded by the CWGC simply because when they were buried the BEF were in full retreat and on the verge of full evacuation . In the case of German`s being methodical he said they were indeed and DID record Sgt Waterworth capture and death the records are available at the National Archives ? He has looked into the other DLI casualties who lie with Sgt Waterworth at Adinkerke (some have eye witness accounts of deaths too) Anyway he shares the following facts :-

THOMAS BROWN
Serjeant
Service Number: 22545
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 31 May 1940
39 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 13.
Belgium
More details :- No further details

GEORGE GAUL
Colour Serjeant
Service Number: 4437417
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 31 May 1940
44 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 7.
Belgium
More details :- Body recovered and logged German PoW Card WO 416/135/109

ALFRED LAIDLER
Private
Service Number: 4454379
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 26 May 1940
20 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 18.
Belgium
More details :- Body recovered and logged German PoW Card WO 416/214/443

GEORGE WILLIAM MILLER
Private
Service Number: 4443332
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 31 May 1940
36 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 8.
Belgium
More details :- Body recovered and logged German PoW Card WO 416/255/261

JOSEPH McNEIL
Private
Service Number: 4449126
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died Between 10 May 1940 and 31 May 1940
42 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
G. 18.
Belgium
More details :- Won MM in WW1 :-Body recovered and logged German PoW Card WO 416/269/189

HENRY PITT
Private
Service Number: 4034236
6th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 25 June 1940
21 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 11.
Belgium
More details :- No details

HERBERT WATERWORTH
Serjeant
Service Number: 4449186
6th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 30 May 1940
27 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
G. 17.
Belgium
More details :- Recorded as Captured by the Germans WO 416/381/77

CHARLES WATSON
Serjeant
Service Number: 4438568
8th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 31 May 1940
45 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
FF. 9.
Belgium
no more details

GEORGE WILLIAM WHARRIER
Private
Service Number: 4457358
9th Bn.
Durham Light Infantry
United Kingdom
Died 30 May 1940
21 years old
ADINKERKE MILITARY CEMETERY
G. 13.
Belgium

More details :- Body recovered and logged German PoW Card WO 416/387/30


From the above Sgt Waterworth wasn`t the only man transported from the Chateau RSM Gaul was killed in an Artillery blast at the Chateau ? .

I asked about " 6/DLI was entrenched nearby Houthem bridge " and was told:-

The 6th DLI held a line there at 0400hrs by 11.00am elements of 6th /8th/9th DLI had withdrawn to the Chateau and surrounding woods . This is documented in the war diary ,however this was not the whole of 6th DLI . Some had been sent to Coutrai to secure Gold Bars . Others like Pte Raitt who first notified his family of Sgt Waterworth death was with the 2nd Royal Northumberland Fusiliers at this time . One Hundred and Eighty men of 6th DLI headed to Boulogne independent of the rest of the battalion and were some of the first to arrive back in England on a destroyer ! RSM Gaul who was believed Killed was recovered mortally wounded by the Germans but died (despite official confirmation that he was killed in action ) shortly afterwards ,he`s at Adinkerke too .
Early on 1st June 1940 the `6th DLI` were in a position 1 mile N E of Houthem . Please note the 6th DLI War Diary (Original) was lost the diary which survives was reconstitute after the return to England using 151 Brigade and 50 Division Diaries as reference . "

The situation was `confused` to say the least .

Kyle

 

Before we proceed further, I would like to correct a persistent misconception.

In 2019, the British author/historian Jerry Murland published ‘The Dunkirk Perimeter and Evacuation 1940’ (Pen & Sword Books Ltd. - ISBN 978 147385 223 5), which is, by all accounts an excellent work that I strongly recommend to anyone who’d like to retrace the B.E.F.’s whereabouts in the region and are seeking a comprehensive Ariane’s Thread. In his book, however, on page 73, Mr Murland states (I quote):

“He (Major Ross McLaren, in command of 8/DLI since May 21st 1940), along with LtCol Harry Miller, commanding the 6/DLI, and Jos Percy, commanding the 9th, established their headquarters at Château Sint-Flora on Kasteellaan, two miles north-east of Houthem, which was by now suffering under an enemy artillery bombardment.”

Also “Captain Rutherford, the Medical Officer of the 9/DLI, established a joint Regimental Aid Post in the cellars of the Château, which was soon blazing over our heads.”

When I started this thread, I initially accepted Mr Murland’s conclusions at face value. Further research, however, forced me to question and eventually reconsider. I tried to contact Mr Murland through his editor in order to discuss the matter with him, but received no reply.

A couple of years ago, I was exceptionally granted access to the Château Sint-Flora, which is now a private property.
Being fully aware of the place it holds in my country's History, I am still very grateful for having been granted this rare opportunity.

To keep a long story short: the Château has (fortunately) never been ablaze and nothing indicates any damage by artillery fire. Apart from the fully intact old wooden beam structures, this can also been proven by pictures of the Château during the 1944 floodings.
To the amazement of the proprietor, I asked permission to visit the Château’s cellar. Access is only possible through a very sinuous staircase from the entrance hall or via a narrow opening where coal used to be brought in for warming. Finally, the cellar is very cramped (I am 1m82 and continuously bumped my head). It would be the worst place imaginable to use as an RAP.

My conclusion: Château Sint-Flora was NOT the site where the ‘Durham Brigade’ had established its HQ.
I can hear you thinking aloud “But what about the various accounts and the entries in the War Diaries?”

During my extensive survey of De Moeren, I discovered another site. It is located close to Sint-Flora and ticks all the boxes.

At the end of WW1, from August 1917 to August 1918, King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth lived at Sint-Flora. The King’s military household and staff, however, were billeted in a nearby estate called ‘La Cense’, which, for all intents and purposes, was a small Château. It is my conviction that ‘La Cense’ was confused with Château Sint-Flora.

Let’s put this theory to the test and judge for yourselves. First, let me invite you to check out a picture of ‘La Cense’ prior to WW2.
Now, check out these two photos of the same location taken after the combats: 'La Cense #1' 'La Cense #2'

Pretty conclusive, wouldn’t you say? In late May 1940, the stables that were flanking the estate would have been ideal to conceal vehicles and equipment form aerial observation. Moreover, ‘La Cense’ is next to the main road leading to Adinkerke/De Panne, allowing for a swift retreat.

Naturally, I visited the site. The old burned-down estate does no longer exist ; a new, more modest house was constructed post-war on its ruins. The domain is now a hotspot for people seeking an ‘unplugged’ holiday retreat. It is also very popular amongst cycling tourists. The old stables that must have been used by the Durhams have now been converted into comfortable vacation lodgings (perhaps an idea for your next holidays?)
Source/Info: La Compagnie des Moëres

Mystery solved? Not quite yet!

During the course of the German offensive in Bulskamp/De Moeren, their artillery shelled about every house, farm, stable where the BEF could possibly have been entrenched (e.g. St. Charles windmill). Even though artillery regiments belonging to two separate Wehrmacht infantry divisions (216.ID and 56.ID) were involved, Sint-Flora, being the tallest building around, seems never to have been hit nor even targeted… Clearly, I'm not done yet with Sint-Flora!

I rest my case…

 

Please find hereunder the Dunkirk defence perimeter area where 6/DLI (alongside 8/DLI and 9/DLI) was deployed between May 29th and June 1st 1940. The distance between the Houthem bridge and the Ringsloot bridge is approximately 450 yards.
If you explore the region on Google Maps, you'll see that the overall lay-out has not changed that much over time.
The Germans were south of the Bergues-Furnes canal, trying to break through to the north in direction of Adinkerke.

 

Hello folks,

I have a lot of study to do to get a good understanding of the rearguard action discussed at length here.

Notwithstanding the research Christian has been undertaking in relation to the actual Château that's discussed in this rearguard action. My journey of discovery about my grandfather has opened my eyes to some things that I maybe wish I hadn't started in the first place. I had always been of the understanding that my grandfather was buried at the site Christian shared photos of. With all I've learnt now plus maybe being a little naive to the fact we're talking about a battle of war. They were in retreat and proper burials couldn't take place. Also considering the possible cause of death being an artillary barrage, you only have to use your own imagination.

Firstly, in response to an earlier post. I do have a record of personal effects that were returned to my grandmother. Please see this document attached. I wonder whether these would definately have been on his person.

Secondly, and it comes as a surprise to me. The methodical nature of the Germans in their recording of the British dead.

Is it concievable then that when my grandfather was hit, the belongings on his person were collected and his body remained to be dealt with by the Germans later? To that effect, is he likely to be actually buried at the Adinkerke cemetary or just commemorated there?

I understand any response is purely speculation, however at ther moment I am all at sea compared to a sense of peace I had a few weeks ago.

Regards,
Chris

 

Sgt Waterworth is buried at Adinkerke . If he was only commemorated it would have been at The Dunkirk Memorial not in a cemetery . It does seem likely that it was the Germans who had your Grandfather they recorded him as a Prisoner rather than finding his body hence the record which survives at the National Archives . In the casualty listings he was initially posted as `Missing` later `Killed in Action` Jim sent me the listings which I have added here:-


Kyle

 

Hi Chris,

Your last entry, seeking answers to your questions, compels me to clarify a number of things which you may find shocking or even distressing.
Please forgive me if that would be the case.

Usually, in the best of cases, the soldiers KIA were hastily buried in a field grave near the place where they fell. However, when British troops withdrew in the early hours of June 1st 1940 towards the French border, they usually did not have the time to take proper care of their latest casualties. Also, at the time, apart from the military victims, there were also many civilian collateral fatalities and carcasses of horses and miscellaneous cattle all over...

Today, the area of De Moeren is quite picturesque but in 1940, after the battle, the scenery was described by survivors as apocalyptic: most farmhouses were nothing but smoking ruins, there was no food left, the air was noxious, the water tainted and the fallout of the burning petrol tanks of Dunkirk darkened the sky...

In order to avoid an outbreak of typhus, the Germans soon put every available PoW's at work. This was not without danger though, because the entire area was littered with various unexploded ordonnance... claiming extra casualties. Civilians were (sometimes forcefully) evacuated and whoever was caught looting was shot on sight. Given the circumstances, you can easily imagine that the burials were not performed in accordance with proper procedures.

Some months later, however, when the situation somewhat got back to normal, the casualties were unearthed and - if possible - properly identified. For the British and civilian casualties, this task was usually performed by Belgian civilian authorities, i.e. municipal personnel, and reburied in presence of a priest in nearby military cemeteries alongside WW1 casualties. This process was officially recorded and registered. Also, the belongings of the victim were retrieved and stored for safekeeping.

The fact that your grandmother collected your grandfather's personal effects suggests that an official record must have been filed. If this document survived the war, it should - in theory - be filed at the municipal archives of De Panne or Furnes. I would also expect the CWGC to have a copy.
I should, however, caution you that you may be distressed by the content. Sometimes it's better to let the past be the past.

I hope this answered some of your questions. Again, my apologies if I should have caused any distress.

Respectfully,
Christian

 

Christian,

You're a very kind human being and I greatly appreciate everything you've done here. No need to apologise that's for sure.

It's all been a wake up call and reality check, however I'm ok with it. Simply naive on my behalf.

Having a level of confidence he is indeed buried at Adinkerke as confirmed by Kyle, is reassuring. My interest in my grandfather's story has increased greatly and as a result I have a desire to visit his grave and all the sites discussed here. May 2026 could be on the cards however travelling from Australia would be a big undertaking. Wait and see if I cool my heels a little before then.

Thank you mate,

Chris

 

As I just have a little free time again:
The place of death will have been a “Truppenverbandplatz” (TVPl). These existed at battalion level and were located in the immediate vicinity of the front. They were naturally very short-lived facilities that were generally not documented. From there, they normally went on to the “ Hauptverbandplatz”, i.e. a field hospital

In other words, Wehrmacht paramedics found him (somewhere between Bulskamp and Adinkerke) and took him to the nearest TVPl, which, as things stood, would have been in Adinkerke. There his personal details were established and he was duly documented as a prisoner of war.
Unfortunately, he then died of his wounds and was buried in Adinkerke

IMHO this is the most obvious explanation, especially as it is in line with the way the military worked at the time

 

Kyle,

I thank you very much for the time you've taken responding and on the research you've done. I sincerely appreciate it.

I also thank Jim, who I haven't connected with, for his website and the work deciphering Pte Raitt's letter.

Best Regards,

Chris

 

Thank you Chris . I shall pass on your thanks to Jim , to be honest I simply asked him the questions and he tried to give me the answers and I try and learn from those .

Kyle