508th 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.
The citation for Company Sergeant Major Alfred BALDWIN’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 7920. 2208942 CSM Baldwin was Company Sergeant Major of 508 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
“On 20 – 21 May at a bridge near BETHUNE, was in charge of demolition and road blocking, although subject to continual bombing and air machine-gun attacks, carried the work through with exceptional coolness and personal courage, setting a splendid example to his men. At all times from 10th May until evacuated from Dunkirk he showed great efficiency and courage in all his duties, which were carried out with cheerfulness and promptitude.
The recommendation was put forward by 2/Lt H.F.N. Scott and endorsed by Lt Col Kennedy, Commander Royal Engineers of 23 (N) Division.
The citation in respect of Company Quarter Master Sergeant John William Clarke COLE’s Military Medal award was gazetted on 11th July 1940 and can be found within The National Archives file reference WO 373/15 Piece number 7918. CQMS Cole was Quartermaster of 508 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers.
The citation reads as follows:-
From 19/5/40 to 31/5/40 was constantly engaged in supplying R.E. Stores and rations to his own Company and attached details. On 24/5/40 near BETHUNE he led a party to save valuable stores from a lorry which had broken down. This work was completed under heavy shell fire and this NCO’s personal courage and coolness was an inspiration to all ranks.
The recommendation was made by Lt Col Kennedy, Commander Royal Engineers, 23 (N) Division.
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