Cassel 1940

Discussion in '1940' started by jerrymurland, Jan 17, 2016.

  1. jerrymurland

    jerrymurland Junior Member

    I am currently writing a book on Cassel and Hazebrouck as part of the Battleground Europe series for Pen and Sword and three questions have popped up - so to speak.
    first: Does anyone have the typescript document produced by Brigadier Nigel Somerset (that I might have a copy of) about his time at Cassel in May 1940? The original is in the IWM in London document No. 2303.
    Second is a question about the meeting held at Cassel on 27 May at which the top brass decided the make-up of the Dunkirk perimeter. One source says the meeting was held at the Hotel de Sauvage in the main square while local historian Jacques Messiant says it was held in the Casino Building (now demolished) by the statue to Marshal Foch. Who is the correct source?
    Third, did the area of the so-called Keep include the Casino building as well as the Place Plumer - or Place Vandamme as it is now called?
    Just for interest the first book in the 1940 series 'Battle for the Escaut' is due to be published in May 2016.

    Jerry
     
  2. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Just in time for my next trip....Does the forum get a mention in the credits ;)
     
  3. jerrymurland

    jerrymurland Junior Member

    It certainly has! Any thoughts on my Cassel queries? The Escaut book should be out on May 30th 2016, I would be interested in your thoughts on its content.

    Jerry
     
  4. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I've only read accounts being sourced at the Sauvage Hotel. I've tried to get in there a few times but the restaurant has always been closed when I've tried. The BBC reported it to be the location in 2010 and were filming from there for the 70th anniversary. That said one account in a book and everyone copies it. Have you checked Sebag's book for a source? He's pretty good like that.

    I think Somerset's WO 217 account (held at TNA) has been transcribed and is on this forum?
     
  5. Bazer

    Bazer Member

    I have this but imagine that you have got hold of a copy by now.
    Jerry
    Thoroughly enjoyed your book on Cassel, where my uncle died in 367 Battery.
    Could I ask if you know anything of the authors' of Grand Party - Lt Col Graham Brooks and John Gordon? I would like to ask them or their relatives if I can quote bits of the book in a account I am doing of my uncle's time in France.
    Regards Barry
     
  6. jerrymurland

    jerrymurland Junior Member

    Barry, the 70 year copyright law has expired on this book so you can quote as much as you like. Merry Christmas
     
  7. Bazer

    Bazer Member

    Jerry
    I hope you are right but I thought the copyright was 70 years after the death of the author, not 70 years after the book was written.
    I have written and self published a couple of quite successful books (under pen names) and have just completed one describing my Uncle Arthur's journey from the East End slum of Silvertown to Cassel, where he was killed. It has all the vital components of a film or documentary so am trying to find a screen writer who would work with me to turn it to a form where I can approach an agent. Just wondered if you could help me with any contacts?
    Thanks Barry
     
    John West likes this.
  8. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Quite right Bazer. For most written work, photographs etc.,Copyright lasts until 70 years after the death of the author(s)/photographer.
    Tim
     
  9. jerrymurland

    jerrymurland Junior Member

    Whoops! Looks like I've broken the law! As for films etc I have no contacts.
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  10. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    I believe its 70 years after the first publication IF the author and/or publicist is unknown


    Commons:Anonymous works - Wikimedia Commons
    70 years after publishing[edit]
    In most European Union countries due to the harmonization of copyright terms, an anonymous work is given 70 years of protection from the day it was published (which can often make anonymous works published before 1947 be considered to be in the public domain). Albania, Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Norway, and Paraguay also use 70 years

    TD
     
    Lindele likes this.
  11. The Hen

    The Hen Junior Member

    Rather late to this party - as my husband has just bought the book! I have a copy sent by Somerset’s son to me some years back.
    I wonder if I can ask a question! Who would best do a guided tour of this battle / area? Thanks so much!
    I also would like to see if we can identify the rest of the officers in a photograph.... but will post separately. H
     
  12. Sheldrake

    Sheldrake All over the place....

    Try the International Guild of Battlefield guides. I am a battlefield historian and guide and have taken groups to Wormhout, Hondeghem and Cassel.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2019
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I had a meeting with the head of tourism covering Cassel this year with my mate. They are looking to do quite a bit in the town in time for the 80th anniversary so people can self guide around the town using Jerry Murlands book.They now own the Blockhouse which they hope to open up as a visitors centre on the 80th anniversary. Me and my mate have used the book twice in the last two years, there's a few minor errors but in the main the book is excellent and a great guide for walking around Cassel. There's two walking tours in the book and we did one per day in slow time. You could do both in a day if you didn't stop a lot like us to discuss stuff.
     
    The Hen and John West like this.
  14. John West

    John West Active Member

    Andrew , at this stage are there any ideas for potential 2020 dates? Regards
     
  15. The Hen

    The Hen Junior Member

    Thank you! That is very helpful!
    I think the Husband will do the H4H cycle ride and we will go with the ancestors for a separate visit.
     
  16. John West

    John West Active Member

    Dear Bazer
    I've done something quite similar following my dad Eric's journey in the Regiment from joining up in 1939 to his liberation in 1945. Maybe we could compare notes?
    Regards John
    140th (5th London) Army Field Regiment, Royal Artillery – Their story between the 10th and 31st May 1940
     
    Rich Payne likes this.
  17. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Last time I spoke to her she said the end of May. I imagine it will be the 28th as a guess.
     

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