507th Field Company, Royal Engineers War Diary May 1940
In view of the complexity of the War Diary for this crucial month in the Brigade's existence it is recommended that the Diaries for each of the Units concerned are read alongside each other, so as to form as accurate a picture as possible of what was a confusing few weeks. The entries are kept in date order and, where clarity would be helped, the reader is referred to parallel entries from other Units. It is suggested that the Diary for the 23rd Division is read first, followed by that for the Brigade HQ and then the Infantry Battalions and Engineer Companies. There is a considerable amount of material to cover, especially as Units were in many cases broken into small parties and served as part of temporary groupings, such as Petreforce. The author has tried to be as faithful as possible to the original documents.
1 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille. All Sections working on Bn Camps and Brigade HQ.
I paid visits to all Sections and lunched at 11th Bn DLI Mess with Lt Col Bramwell and his Officers, who have kindly invited Messrs Miller and Edgar to mess with them. Work on Camps nearly complete but water fittings not yet available, so ablution benches remain incomplete.
Royal Engineer Construction Companies completed handover of Camp accommodation to 507 Company last night and today and are finishing off their work. They have made a splendid job from the Engineering point of view.
14:00 hours. Captain Blench visited all Sections regarding Stores (Engineering).
17:05 hours. Captain Blench returned.
18:00 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ after inspection with Brigadier Kirkup.
18:30 hours. Section Officers Conference held by Major Cameron.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
2 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for Company.
07:30 hours. Major Cameron left to inspect all Sections Nos 1, 2 and 3 with Brigadier Kirkup and Brigade Major, Captain Fillingham.
11:00 hours. Captain Blench left to visit Section No 1.
12:00 hours. Captain Blench returned.
12:30 hours. Sgt Mogie and Driver Pearson left for Miraumont for motorcycle at D.A.D.O.S.
16:00 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ.
17:50 hours. Sgt Mogie and Driver Pearson returned to Company HQ.
18:00 hours. 2/Lt Sharp, 2/Lt Miller and 2/Lt Edgar reported to Company HQ for Conference held by Major Cameron.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
3 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for all Sections and Company HQ.
09:30 hours. Captain Blench left to inspect Stores of each Section.
10:15 hours. Major Cameron left with Brigadier Kirkup to inspect all Camp sites after the worst thunderstorm known by French people since 1916 – it completely flooded the Camp sites.
12:00 hours. Captain Blench returned to Company HQ.
12:20 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ.
14:00 hours. 2/Lt Miller and 2/Lt Edgar reported to Company HQ for transport with Major Cameron.
Captain Blench and 2/Lt Shirrefs and 2/Lt Sharp to report to 23rd Div CRE HQ at Miraumont. 2/Lt Edgar remained behind as Orderly Officer.
15:30 hours. Arrived at Miraumont, CRE 23rd Div HQ
21:10 hours. Captain Blench, 2/Lt Sharp 2/Lt Miller and 2/Lt Shirrefs left to return to Company HQ, Herlincourt.
23:00 hours. Captain Blench and Officers arrived at Company HQ, Herlincourt. Major Cameron remained at CRE 23rd Div HQ.
00:20 hours. 2/Lt Miller reported to me that L/Cpl Scott and Cpl Little W.T. and Sapper Little S.R had been knocked down by a Despatch Rider. L/Cpl Scott was admitted into hospital and Cpl Little and Sapper Little to his Section, No 2, at NUNCQ.
4 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for all Sections and HQ Section.
07:30 hours. All Sections working on Camp structures.
11:30 hours. 2/Lt Shirrefs left for CRE North for authority to draw materials.
12:00 hours. 2/Lt Shirrefs returned to Company HQ with a nil return.
14:03 hours. Major Cameron returned from CRE 23rd Div HQ Miraumont.
17:01 hours. Major Cameron reported to Brigadier Kirkup at 70th Brigade HQ.
17:20 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
5 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for HQ and Nos 1,2,3 Sections.
09:00 hours. O.Cs. Inspection of Sections at Herlincourt, No 1 at BEAUVOIR, Nos 2 and 3 at NUNCQ.
12:00 hours. O.C. returned to HQ of Company.
14:00 hours. All Sections including HQ left for Vimy Ridge to see the sights.
15:00 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Blench visited No 1 Boring Well Company under the command of Captain Stowe.
17:15 hours. Major Cameron, Captain Blench left.
18:40 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Blench arrived at Tinques to see Captain Byers of 508 Field Park Company.
22:30 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Blench returned.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
The Field Returns for 5th May are filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
6 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for all Sections.
10:00 hours. Work on Brigade area Camps.
O.C. visited Lt Col Swinburne, 1 Tyneside Scots, Lt Col Marley and Lt Col Bramwell 10th and 11th DLI for Engineer requirements. Showers now being investigated. Call for work to be done on Passive Air Defence in all Battalions and 70 Brigade HQ. 10 DLI. 11 DLI and Tyneside Scottish.
11:20 hours. Captain Blench left with Cpl Telford to inspect all stores of Sections 1, 2 and 3 and returned at 18:05 hours.
17:30 hours. All Section Officers reported to Company HQ for a Conference held by Major Cameron.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
7 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for all Sections and HQ Section.
07:30 hours. Company Parade.
09:45 hours. Major Cameron left to inspect all Section at NUNCQ and BEAUVOIR with CRE Captain Smith and staff.
10:30 hours. Captain Blench with CSM Urwin and CQMS Howard for Sections to issue Mk 6 respirators to all ranks except the odd sizes.
12:50 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ with CRE and HQ staff.
13:10 hours. Captain Blench returned after all Sections equipped.
18:30 hours. 507 Field Company played 70 Brigade HQ including 10, 11, DLI and 1 Tyneside Scottish, the result a draw.
23:00 hours. Lights Out
8 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for all Sections.
07:30 hours. Company Parade.
11:00 hours. Captain Blench left for Tinques regarding stores.
11:40 hours. Captain Jacques arrived to see to any sickness.
13:00 hours. Captain Blench returned.
14:30 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Jacques left to lecture all Sections on VD.
17:00 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Jacques returned to Company HQ.
18:00 hours. Captain Jacques examined HQ staff.
20:10 hours. Captain Byres visited Major Cameron regarding stores.
20:15 hours. A Concert held by 70 Brigade HQ also for our Company too. A very good show indeed.
22:00 hours. Captain Jacques and Captain Byers left for Tinques.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
9 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for Company and Company Parade 07:30 hours.
09:30 hours. Major Cameron left to inspect all Sections. Captain Blench left at 09:50 hours to inspect all stores.
10:50 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ.
12:30 hours. Captain Blench returned to Company HQ.
13:15 hours. Air Raid Warning sounded.
14:05 hours. All Clear sounded.
17:00 hours. Section Officers Conference held by Major Cameron.
23:00 hours. Lights Out.
10 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for Company and Company Parade 07:30 hours.
10:15 hours. Major Cameron left to meet Lt Col Bramwell of 10 DLI for inspection and continued to all Sections.
12:30 hours. Air Raid Warning sounded.
13:00 hours. Major Cameron returned to Company HQ, at 13:30 hours All Clear was sounded.
14:30 hours. Major Cameron, Captain Blench, 2/Lt Miller, 2/Lt Edgar, 2/Lt Reid, 2/Lt Shirrefs left for 23rd Div CRE HQ for a Conference. On our way we were stopped at Doullens, an Air Raid Warning was sounded at 15:10 hours, All Clear at 16:00 hours – we proceeded on and arrived at 17:15 hours at CRE 23rd Div HQ RE, all but Major Cameron returned at 23:00 hours to Company HQ after leaving at 21:10 hours, 2/Lt Sharp was Orderly Officer.
11 May 1940 Herlincourt
06:00 hours. Reveille for Company, Company Parade at 07:30 hours.
12:20 hours. Major Cameron left to see Brigadier Kirkup.
13:00 hours. Major Cameron returned after inspection of sites.
16:00 hours. Major Cameron left for HQ.
18:00 hours. Football Match (Final Inter-Section Cup). HQ vs Section 3, HQ won 7 – 2.
19:00 hours. Order received – no man to leave the area.
22:30 hours. Lights Out.
12 May 1940 Herlincourt
03:45 hours. Stand to.
04:45 hours. Stand down.
07:00 hours. Reveille.
10:30 hours. Captain Blench inspected Sections with Brigadier Kirkup, Brigade Major and Lt Col Marley for movement of 10th DLI.
12:10 hours. Captain Blench returned to Company HQ and reported to Major Cameron.
14:30 hours. 10th and 11th DLI Bands played to troops.
16:30 hours. Major Cameron and Captain Blench left to visit 508th Field Park Company (Captain Byers).
21:30 hours. Company paraded, ammunition issued and patrols detailed for look out for parachutists.
22:30 hours. Lights Out.
23:00 hours. Major Cameron, Captain Blench, CSM and guard toured Camp area.
Field Returns for 12th May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
13 May 1940 Herlincourt
03:00 hours. O.C. and 2 i/c returned to billets after tour of Camp area.
03:45 hours. Stand to and 04:45 hours Stand down.
06:00 hours. Reveille.
No 1 Section (2/Lt S.Sharp) in support of 1 Bn Tyneside Scottish (BW) Lt Col Swinburne. R.E. training temporarily suspended and Section used as Infantry – patrolling. Nos 2 and 3 Sections in support of 10th and 11th Bns DLI respectively also doing patrol work. Seven parachutists reported landing at BEAUVOIR turned out to be large birds. Otherwise everything normal.
O.C. 507th Field Company visited all Sections, Battalion Commanders and Brigade HQ to ensure co-ordination of R.E. work with Infantry.
Weapon training and A/C drill proceeds.
22:00 hours. Lights Out for all Sections.
14 May 1940 Herlincourt
03:00 hours. O.C. and 2 i/c visited Nos 2 and 3 Sections and found them employed as Battalion Reserve for 11th Bn DLI near NUNCQ as 10th Bn DLI had gone.
04:00 hours. O.C. and 2 i/c visited No 1 Section at BEAUVOIR. This Section stood to in slit trenches for 10 minutes and then remained in tents dressed and equipped for a further 50 minutes, under Battalion arrangements.
No entry in the War Diary for 15th or 16th May has been traced.
17 May 1940 In the field.
Orders received from CRE 23(N) Division to proceed to Canal du Nord and prepare bridges for demolition. 507 Company HQ to be established at QUEANT (6287). The orders from Division were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
Major K McK Cameron and Section Officers and 1 NCO each left as advance party. Passing through BAPAUME the town was heavily attacked by German aircraft. Bombs were dropped on the town and roads machine-gunned. We suffered no casualties.
16:00 hours. Arrived at QUEANT. Established Company HQ in farm. Arranged billets in QUEANT for men.
23:00 hours. Recce parties went out to vet bridges and report stores and explosives required. All roads blocked with refugees.
Notes made by Major Cameron covering 17/18/May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
18 May 1940 QUEANT.
04:00 hours. Demolition parties left to prepare bridges. Captain Blench endeavouring to obtain explosives.
10:00 hours. Stores began to arrive.
14:00 hours. First meal for the men in 24 hours. All bridges were bombed during the day but the Company was amazingly lucky and suffered no casualties.
After charges were placed, guards were left on bridges and men withdrawn to Company HQ (on approach of evening).
19 May 1940 In the field near QUEANT.
05:00 hours. Orders to blow bridges received from DLI Captain on right and later from Brigadier Kirkup and CRE. Proceeded with blowing.
Notes made by Major Cameron covering 19/20th May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
07:30 hours. Seven bridges blown over Canal du Nord. 2/Lts Miller, Edgar and Reid with their men did great work. All ranks have had no rest for nearly a week and little food for two days. Captain Blench has retired to Remy with the Company. I await with 2/Lts Miller and Reid, CSM Urwin, Cpl Bain and Driver Dryden, the return of 2/Lts Sharp S.H. and Shirrefs W.S. who are blowing two bridges at Ruyalcourt. Mr Edgar with great courage has gone forward to crater the road at Sains with no covering party at all. Swarms of refugees, but we managed to deflect them before blowing.
The 10th DLI are holding Riencourt under Lt Col Bramwell and I am staying here pro-tem and hoping to rejoin my Company in reserve at Remy. Have lost contact with CRE who has moved, and am operating independently.
Heavy bombing on ARRAS-Cambrai today but we were not hit while destroying bridges. For the last four days we have been bombed incessantly and machine-gunned from Bosche planes which were rarely opposed.
10:00 hours. The Officers and Other Ranks of this Company have been beyond praise since the battle started. They have had no bed or good food for days and have worked like demons. Particularly the M.T. under Sgt Mogie have done very well. My two Despatch Riders, Driver Hopper and Driver Dobson deserve decoration for their tireless, cheerful and dangerous work. Altogether, 507 Field Company has taken its baptism of fire well and I am glad to say with no casualties up to now, though many narrow squeaks.
Captain Blench has done excellent work organising supplies with shortage of transport and equipment hampering everything. (Note e.g. we had not a single exploder in the unit, only safety fuse for firing). For so ill-equipped a unit, the work done and guts shown have been remarkable.
11:00 hours. Sharp and Shirrefs have just now reported that the enemy are up to us on the right. Have sent them to rejoin the Company.
14:00 hours. 507 Company withdrew to a wood on way to ARRAS where Major Cameron and the demolition party joined them. Cpl Howard pluckily returned to QUEANT for maps left when main stores were dumped there. He returned safely with the maps.
On orders from 23rd (N) Division Major Cameron and 2/Lt P. Reid went as Advance Party to THELUS, North of ARRAS.
2/Lt L. Edgar was sent with transport to an abandoned RASC dump to get what food he could. Main body left in single file, each side of road 10 yards between men to go to THELUS. No other withdrawal permitted by M.T. or on foot before 20:30 hours. Then transport went to THELUS, dumped loads and returned and picked up men.
12:30 hours. Divisional Traffic Control at Gavrelle.
Divisional HQ at Vieille Chappelle (4434).
70 Brigade HQ at Ricoult (4035).
Tilay des Mafflaues has rations.
20 May 1940 THELUS.
10:00 hours. Orders received to hold ridge above THELUS at all costs as enemy attack expected. 507 Company took up position in fringe of wood and issued ammunition (40 rounds per man only available). We were withdrawn before the attack materialised and the Green Howards took over our task (69th Infantry Brigade).
507 Company then travel to Villers au bais. There we learnt that 70th Infantry brigade had been intercepted by the enemy and that all our transport was urgently needed to extricate what was left of them. Captain Blench left with the transport and the remainder of the Company proceeded on foot under Major Cameron to Essars (about 25 miles away). Near Moeures les Mines when the men were nearly exhausted, 2/Lt Davidson arrived with three 3-tonners. As many men as possible embussed the few remaining miles to Essars. Remainder were ferried there in turn.
22:00 hours. Billeted for night. All ranks worn out.
21 May 1940 In the field.
07:00 hours. Many sore feet. Captain Jacques RAMC and the Medical Orderlies did a lot to relieve them.
Two spies caught last night were taken to GHQ, interrogated and executed.
Enemy planes flying very low. Move ordered to Seclin. Major Cameron prepared a route off main roads owing to refugees and Bosche planes.
18:00 hours. Major Cameron organised a ferrying service with what vehicles were left and the remainder started marching to Seclin. One or two drivers fell asleep at the wheel but no serious damage. Lights everywhere. French Passive Air Defence non-existent. Major Cameron and Captain Smith (Adjutant to CRE) drove ahead to recce the route. In a village near Seclin a strange Tank swung across the street and they thought it was all up as they were in an 8cwt truck and no room to turn. The Tank however, turned out to be British. Main body reached Seclin about dawn.
Notes made by Major Cameron covering 21/22nd May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
22 May 1940 Seclin.
03:00 hours. Enemy planes active. Men billeted in Seclin and fed on purloined food. The Co-op stores proved a goldmine in Sgt Mogie’s hands.
British Anti-Aircraft fire heard here – the first so far.
Company ordered to Bellezeele. Major Cameron and 2/Lt Miller went ahead to recce bridges from St Omer northwards on the Canal. 233 Company were to take over from the coast at Gravelines to near Bellezeele.
Completed recce of bridges down to St Omer and were there interrupted by Bosche Tanks shelling. Col Gulland of 23rd (N) Division took charge of such transport as had arrived.
23 May 1940 Bellezeele.
12:00 hours. Colonel Gulland ordered us to withdraw to Seclin again to contact the remainder of the Division.
13:00 hours. Convoy started about 13:00 hours and although artillery fire was heard all round us at times, made Seclin by the evening.
Slept in bed for about 8 hours – all ranks ready for it.
A Divisional Operational Order was filed with the War Diary on 23 May – for details see below.
24 May 1940 Seclin.
09:00 hours. Ordered to move to Les Meures and arrived there by nightfall. 115 Other Ranks of Field Company missing in M.T. having been misdirected last night.
25 - 27 May 1940 Les Meures.
Part of 507 Field Company and 508 Field Park Company billeted on a farm here. Good billets.
Major Cameron ordered by CRE to report to Brigadier Usher commanding Usher’s Force in BERGUES. Reported at 12:00 hours and commenced recce of the numerous bridges into BERGUES. Very heavy dive-bombing attack on BERGUES. Brigadier Usher’s HQ not hit as yet. ? and casualties in the town.
26 May 1940 Dunkirk.
Sgt Ward with a party of 65 Other Ranks left Dunkirk on the Evacuation, also small parties.
Messages sent by Captain Blench dated 26 May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
27/28 May 1940 Dunkirk.
Parties being evacuated when boats available.
28 May 1940 BERGUES.
CRE 23rd Division ordered Major Cameron to return to Les Meures and leave a Subaltern in charge of the bridges. 2/Lt Miller was left, with a small Sapper party on each bridge. (These parties rejoined us later in England).
Remnants of 23rd Division R.E. left for BRAY DUNES under Major Cameron. CRE remained at Les Mueres with Lt Burgess to hand over to 1 Division who were withdrawing on to our front. Approximately 300 Other Ranks and 6 Officers of 23rd Division R.E. were on the beach for three days as no-one could get off from Dunkirk although we marched twice along the shore.
Notes made by Major Cameron covering 28th May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
29 May 1940 Dunkirk.
Major Cameron and Captain Blench left after seeing all of 507 Field Company safely away.
Notes made by Major Cameron covering 29th May were filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
30 May 1940 Dunkirk.
02:00 hours. CRE ? Agent de Liaison and Captain Blench and some men joined us. About 260 men and 6 Officers got away before dawn in a paddle steamer.
12:00 hours. Major Cameron, Captain Smith and Captain Blench with 6 Sappers, one wounded Infantryman and an RAMC Private launched a F.B.E. boat and tried to reach a Minesweeper. Owing to too much sea the boat swamped and a Naval cutter arrived and rescued us. This party boarded MHS Veda (Minesweeper) and were safely landed at Margate. Remainder of Divisional R.E. under CRE came off in another ship. We were then sent to various refit centres and did not become a unit until reaching Fort Scraesdar in June. Main body of Company left Dunkirk and BRAY DUNES beaches for the English coast and were being landed at South Coast Ports between Folkestone and Ramsgate.
Major Cameron and Captain Blench landed at Margate.
31 May 1940
Parties of various numbers after landing in England travelled to Special Camps by trains to parts of England, Scotland and Wales. Most of equipment was being taken away from the men.
Appendices and Documents filed with the May 1940 War Diary of 507 Field Company.
Field Returns dated 5th May 1940.
The Return of Other Ranks shows 221 men in post, including 2 surplus to requirements and a shortage of 33 men. Six men are listed as being required for return to the unit – most of whom are on technical training. They were:-
4669063 Sapper T Barella,
2075285 Sapper J.N. Brown,
2078712 L/Cpl G.B. Ferry,
1890686 Sapper A. Hall,
2074681 Sapper L. Murphy and
2076666 Sapper T.W. Pearson.
The detailed return showing the surpluses and shortages by employment classification shows that those shortages covered the full range of men in the unit.
The Officers’ Return identifies that seven were in post – including one 2/Lt surplus.
Field Returns dated 12th May 1940.
The Other Ranks Return shows exactly the same numbers as that for 5th May and the addition of one further man – 2075326 Sapper H.F. Slater – to the list of those wanted back at the unit. In this case the Sapper was on sick leave.
The Officers’ Return shows 2/Lt Reid as having rejoined from his Rear Party duties.
23rd (Northumbrian) Division – Operational Order No 2 dated 17 May 1940.
This is the key Order which sets out the positioning of the Division on the Canal du Nord, giving the usual details of which units are to be posted where, with their various areas of responsibility.
In respect of 507 Field Company it instructs them to support 70th Infantry Brigade and to prepare the bridges over the Canal for demolition and to make reconnaissances of defensive positions in conjunction with the Infantry Brigade and to “give whatever assistance is possible”. The Order was prepared by Captain Smith for the CRE.
Notes of Major Cameron –
17/18/19 May. This note includes the text of what becomes the War Dairy entry.
Notes of Major Cameron to Pol Force
This authorises the RE Cpl in charge of the bridge demolition at Merville to blow the bridge on instruction from the Company Commander defending the area or, on his own initiative in a grave emergency.
19/20 May. These notes also includes the text of what becomes the War Dairy entry.
21/22 May. These notes also includes the text of what becomes the War Dairy entry.
23rd (Northumbrian) Division Operation Order dated 23 May 1940.
Major Cameron appears to have noted down on several pages of his notebook the content of this Order.
Information
Enemy AFV’s are operating in the area of Calais and Boulogne. 23rd Division is moving onto line Gravelines – St Omer by M.T. arriving dawn tomorrow.
Intention
To recce and prepare for demolition all bridges on Canal and River lines from the Coast ext Gravelines H0781 to St Nicholas H0973 – Holque H1165 – St Homelin H1458 – St Omer H1451. Exclusive to Watten.
507 Company – Watten inclusive to St Omer inclusive. Recce reports to Divisional R.E. HQ Bellezeele H0066.
Transport
Company Recce Parties and Stores may be moved forthwith. HQ to be established:-
233 Company – Boorbourg H1176
508 Company - Hulque H1165
507 Company – St Homelin H1458.
Communications
Company Despatch Riders will report to Divisional R.E. HQ on arrival of Recce Parties.
Tools and Stores
? will proceed to 109 Company at Bailleul H4750 and draw the following:-
5 tons G.C. or other explosives if G.C. not available, any exploders or wire electric available also detonators, safety fuse and F.I.D. Dannert wire, picks, shovels and Anti-Tank Mines will be drawn after Divisional R.E. is in position.
Divisional R.E. HQ closes Seclin 02:00 hours and opens Bellezeele 02:00 hours.
Administration
Apart from official rations food will be obtained locally by any means.
Captain Blench – messages with the War Diary.
A note of 25th May is the handover document indicating that bridges 5 to 10 inclusive have been handed over fully charged for demolition. The location is not given but the note is signed by both Lt Iley and Captain Blench.
Message form timed at 09:40 hours on 26 May to Rustyforce, informs them that 23rd Divisional HQ is now established in a large school at Beaucamps.
A message form addressed to Captain Blench instructs him, on the DLI relieving the bridge guards, to send his E Yorks personnel back to their Battalion at Ligny and for him to attach himself and his men to the same Battalion. A further form addressed to Captain Blench gives him further specific instructions on taking over bridge guards.
Bridge demolition – instructions from CRE and reports to him.
These first two notes, undated, instruct Major Cameron to blow the bridges listed on the approach of the enemy.
Major Cameron reported the state of readiness to the CRE of the bridges at BERGUES for blowing and the arrangements made to look after the demolition parties as regards rations etc.
Note from Col Kennedy – CRE 15:45 hours 28 May 1940.
This is a request from CRE 23rd Division to the HQ of 1 Division for the Sappers guarding a bridge to be relieved as they were required urgently for technical tasks.
Note from Major Cameron as Acting CRE – 18:00 hours 29/5/1940.
This was a pass authorising a party of men to go to BRAY DUNES to fill water bottles.
The citation for Major Kenneth McKenzie CAMERON’s Distinguished Service Order was gazetted on 11th July 1940 and can be found in The National Archives file reference WO 373/15 Piece number 7926. Major Cameron (Royal Engineers) was the Commanding Officer of 507th Field Company Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
“On 19/5/40 on the Canal du Nord was responsible for the demolition of 9 bridges. Showed conspicuous courage and disregard of personal safety while supervising the work. The excellent work done by 507 Fd Coy RE between 14/5/40 and 31/5/40 was entirely due to the courage, cheerfulness and ability of this officer, who inspired all ranks under his command by his qualities as a leader”.
The recommendation was put forward by Lt Col Kennedy, Commander Royal Engineers, 23rd (Northumbrian) Division.
The citation for 2/Lt Laurance EDGAR's award of the Military Cross is contained within the Awards and Decorations file at the Public Record Office under the reference WO 373/16 and can be found at item number 426.
It reads as follows:-
"On 19th May 1940 at SAINS 2/Lt Edgar completed a demolition under machine-gun fire from two enemy tanks showing great coolness and courage. After his party had retired he went forward alone to complete a second small demolition which had failed owing to damage by enemy shell fire. On this and numerous other occasions this officer's qualities of leadership courage and cheerfulness were an inspiration to all who came in contact with him". The recommendation for the award came from Lt Col J.M.KENNEDY,Commander Royal Engineers of the 23rd (Northumbrian) Division.
The citation in respect of Sergeant James Septimus HUSKISSON’s Distinguished Conduct Medal was gazetted on 11th July 1940 and can be found in The National Archives file reference WO 373/15 Piece number 7948. 2214892 Sgt Huskisson was a member of 507 Field Company, Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
“At the Canal du Nord on the 18th/19th May 1940 the Coy was destroying bridges under very trying conditions owing to enemy action. Sgt HUSKISSON by his leadership, cheerfulness, courage and technical ability, inspired his section to great efforts and in one case by rapid action retrieved a failure and successfully blew his bridge in the face of the enemy”.
The recommendation was made by the Major commanding 507 Field Company, Royal Engineers and endorsed by Lt Col Kennedy, Commander Royal Engineers of 23rd (Northumbrian) Division.
The citation for Driver John HOPPER’s Military Medal was gazetted on 11th July 1940 and can be found within The National Archives file reference WO 373/15 Piece 7917. 2074680 Driver Hopper was a Despatch Rider with 507 Field Company Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
This DR worked constantly under all forms of fire between 14/5/40 and 30/5/40 his courage and cheerfulness being beyond praise. At SAINT HOMBLIN on 23/5/40 he set out to find a bridge reconnaissance party at WATTEN and was twice fired on by enemy tanks. Each time he escaped under fire and finally reached his objective.
The recommendation was put forward by the Lt Col Kennedy Commander Royal Engineers 23rd (Northumbrian) Division.
The citation for Driver William DOBSON’s Military Medal was gazetted on 11th July 1940 and can be found within The National Archives file reference WO 373/15 Piece 7935. 2091628 Driver Dobson was a Despatch Rider with 507 Field Company Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
As Despatch Rider he regularly and without fail got his messages through, regardless of danger and with complete cheerfulness in spite of enemy attacks and lack of sleep. On two occasions his machine crashed due to aerial attack but he nevertheless procured another and got the message through safely. The principal actions involved were at the Canal du Nord 18/19 May and in BERGUES on 26th May 1940 but at all times his convoy work and despatch riding were excellent.
The recommendation was put forward by the Major Commanding 507 Field Company Royal Engineers.
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