My uncle served with the above unit prior to WW2, from 1929 until 1937, and was listed as A1 reserve on discharge. On the commencement of hostilities, or maybe even before, he was recalled and went with the BEF to France. He was amongst all the fortunate troops to escape from the encirclement of the BEF in Northern France and on his return to GB, he resigned from the Army, as he was a regular not a conscript and joined the RAF, stating that he thought the War would be won in the air, not on the ground. Training as an Observer in Bomber Command, he served in 102 (Ceylon) Squadron and died whilst on active duty, when his aircraft was attacked and exploded with the loss of the whole aircrew when on a raid to Germany. I have read a good number of books about the BEF, their time in France and the escape through Dunkirk. As yet, I have never been able to find many references to the Middlesex Regiment, even less about the 1st Batt, Duke of Cambridges Own. I am making the assumption that my uncle went back to his old unit when he was recalled, especially as he was on reserve. Can any of the learned members of this forum throw some light on this unit and its time in Europe with the BEF? Handyman
How do, 3 Middlesex Battalions went to France in 39/40 2 Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) 1/7 Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) 1/8 Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) All three were Vickers MMG Battalions. Cheers Andy
1st batt Middlesex Regt the Middies 1st batt was at their peace time station in Singapore at the outbreak of war and were mostly all prisoners of war after the fall of that area to the Japenese niccar
