I was just having a random search through some pictures on Bundes thanks to Tom and came across this. The picture is described in German as being French Colonial PoW's but I was instantly drawn to the Lance Corporal Rank which made me think Force K6. The more I look at it the more I think they are part of the BEF - Shoulder titles and possible 37 webbing water bottle? I've got some of their diaries and although I've not gone through them yet I'm sure at least one company was with the 51st Highland Div and was captured along with most of the division. Uniforms etc aren't a strong point of mine so what do you think - French Colonial or British Commonwealth?
Cool - I'm quite chuffed with myself Just checked and it was No.22 Indian Army Animal Transport Company with 51st Highland Division. When the Div withdrew from the Hombourg-Budange sector of the Maginot line the Indian unit stayed behind with a salvage unit to recover ammunition from the artillery positions.
hello, my name is Ali, my grand dad from my mom side was part of the k6 in dec 1939. was late attached to the 22 A.T. Coy., (I dont know what A.T. Coy. stands for if someone could help me?) R.I.A.S.C.; this unit was forced to conform with the general surrender on the 24th june, 1940. I am trying to gather information about his life in the miliary if someone can point me in the right direction, archives, additional records etc. Thank you I have a record of a military cross letter and the cross the obtained for his escape and helping his two additional country men escape on March 1 1943. if someone knows additional information please help.
Hello mate and welcome to the forum. RIASC stands for Royal Indian Army Service Corps. Can you post his full name - If he was awarded a Military Cross I might be able to find a copy of the original citation for you. Andy
Just to add - I've checked the dates of the 22 AT Coy war diary and it finishes in Feb 1940. Most likely due to the unit being captured in June. They were attached to the 51st Highland Div and most of that Division was captured after a considerable part of the BEF was evacuated from Dunkirk.
Hi - we're making a genealogy series for British TV and one of the people we're working with was involved in Force K6 at Dunkirk. I'm looking in particular for any veterans from Force K6 - I'm wondering if Ali who posted about his Grandfather is still following the forum or if anyone else can help. Many thanks Serena
Hi - we're making a genealogy series for British TV and one of the people we're working with was involved in Force K6 at Dunkirk. I'm looking in particular for any veterans from Force K6 - I'm wondering if Ali who posted about his Grandfather is still following the forum or if anyone else can help. Many thanks Serena Hello - They've not been logged on here for nearly a year. You might want to send him a Private Message. Can I ask what channel the documentary is likely to be shown on?
Hi Ali - I've got a lot of info on 22 AT coy (Animal Transport company) and would be very happy to share it with you. I'm researching the RIASC in Europe in WW2. What was your grandfather's name?
The TV programme was aired a few years ago. It was a Chann 5 Doc called War Hero in my family. This particular episode was about Paddy Ashdown's father who served with them in 1940 - It wasn't very good in my opinion apart from highlighting an Indian role with the BEF during 1940.
The NAM are hosting an online event tomorrow at 1200 on the subject of K6: The Indian Contingent at Dunkirk | National Army Museum
Here’s info on the new book by the author holding the talk. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Indian-Contingent-Forgotten-Soldiers-Dunkirk/dp/0750993790
