[2002] SID’S WAR

0055 - Sidney Lane War Diary 6

[this is an extract of the war diary, 'An Ordinary War', by my uncle (Sid Lane, my mother's brother) which covers Dunkirk & gunsites]

6/5/40

Oh calamity:- "The hour of departure has arrived". We must leave this Eden Weathersfield and are to be cast into the outer darkness: Back to the Battery. Back to the gun-sites. Oh lamentation!

Of course we had been expecting this for quite a while, but that hasn't made it easier. "Weathersfield" is a paradise at the moment. Everything fresh and green, the apple blossom in the orchard, the cherry tree on the lawn, the rhodedendrons in bloom in the shrubbery. They say each cloud has a silver lining but what compensation can a gun site offer for the loss of all this. Crikey! I'm getting maudlin.

There were 17 men of 288 on this course, but only 12 will return since five have won their way to higher walks of army life and are now attending further advanced courses, The latest one to depart was Les McCormack and he's gone to Kent - Good luck to him - and that reminds me (though the connection may seem remote) of a very painful incident. Last week we were all inoculated against something or other, and the following days were spent groaning and cursing each other when we were occasionally touched. We are to have three more of these pokes in the arm, it seriously makes me think of desertion - that it does.

17/6/40

It becomes increasingly difficult to keep this log going. The reverses suffered by the allies have been many and have been great, and it is hard to attach the true value to each incident as it happens. But I feel I must commit to paper the events of the past few days, in order that, in time to come, I may recapture some of the sensations I am now experiencing. But first a short cold-blooded review of the war as seen by me at this moment.

Poland was ruthlessly invaded and, despite our declaration of war, Germany and Russia carved up that country between them. We did not declare war on Russia? The BEF [the British Expeditionary Force which was sent to repel the German invaders] which went to France started to fortify the French-Belgian frontier against a possible break-through by Germany. Our navy met with certain successes at sea. Our Air Force continually dropped leaflets and conducted reconnaissance flights over Germany and Austria. Then Russia decided to invade Finland. Finland resisted valiantly and gave Russia something about. We offered help to Finland but it was rejected, mainly I think because the Finns knew we could not send troops through Sweden and feared that if she accepted she would have Germany against her. Finland ultimately made certain concessions to Russia. The next step was a lightning invasion by Germany of Denmark and Norway. Denmark did not fight. Norway resisted and we landed troops. But we were too late, the Germans had got too great a grip on the country and we were forced to evacuate. From then on things moved rapidly. Germany invaded Holland and Belgium, obtaining a foothold in these countries by parachute troops and 5th column methods. The B.E.F. advanced into Belgium and there was some very bloody fighting, and then the order was given by Leopold - king of Belgium and his people laid down their arms.

This capitulation of the Belgians threatened our left flank and with it came the break-through of the Germans on the French front. They had succeeded in forcing a point at the end of the Maginot line and, once behind the French, their tanks and armoured divisions played hell. The French fell back leaving the whole of the B.E.F.'s right flank exposed. In order not to be surrounded and annihilated the B.E.F. retreated to the sea. This retreat to Dunkirk will rank as one of the finest military retreats in history. Practically the whole B.E.F. were evacuated and brought back to England. But it was a retreat. In the weeks of fighting that followed the French were unable to hold up against the tanks of the enemy and they retreated step by step.

Paris was declared an open city and lost without fighting. Italy declared war on France. France appealed to the democracies of the world and Britain frantically tried to send troops to France. That is the position at the moment and now comes the announcement. France has ceased to fight.

The situation is certainly bewildering and I think that those who have been responsible for some of the incredible mistakes which have taken place should be punished. And in this category I include the British ministers, who by their misrepresentation of this country's position have allowed us to come to the pitch where it would seem we are unable to strike an effective blow.

At the moment I am experiencing rage and futility at not being able to strike at Germany. Disappointed that France should find it necessary to pack in, but I would not pass judgment on her action. Supreme contempt for Leopold and the Italians and anger, most of all anger. Anger at ourselves and our ministers which so far have bungled this war. This I think is the blackest hour and the darkest hour comes before the dawn.

We will triumph because our cause is the right cause. We are fighting for all a man holds sacred. I find great solace in thinking of a sermon given by a clergyman two weeks ago. He took for his text "Even though they slay me yet will I trust him". I should like my faith to prove as great as that.

Well I think all this seems remarkably solemn and a few remarks about our own activities during the last few weeks would not come amiss. After all, that is the main idea behind this log.

It is now six weeks since we left "Weathersfield" and came to Litherland [on the outskirts of Liverpool]. Six weeks of glorious sunshine, ideal camping weather. We are in tents and are right bang on top of the equipment which we have to man. It is our duty this as well as man it and so the routine of duty is as follows.

One day manning, which incorporates a 24 hr. rifle guard. One day resting and one day fatigues. This kind of 3 day rota seems to allow time to slip by unnoticed. Shortage of leave is the most serious grouse, and the confinement here is having its effect on the tempers of the "Weathersfield" gang. Incidentally we are referred to in the camp as the G.L. [gun-laying, a code for radar] section. A week after arrival here Bob was given his three stripes and put in charge of the outfit, and in this capacity of L/Sgt. he has proved himself very able.

A further L/Sgt. in the person of Colin Booth was foisted upon us and this rather soured a number of us who were hoping to get the appointment. Brian and I had been hankering for long time to go abroad, and at this juncture we applied for such a transfer. Two weeks ago we were informed of vacancies on a No1's training course at Watchet. We were told that if we accepted we would have one month's training and then be posted to some other regiment with the possibilities of overseas service.

-Did we accept? You're telling me -

We are to go to Watchet on the 15th. of July and we are looking forward to the move.

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