1 ROYAL NORFOLK 1942 TO
1945
Ray Portsmouth, from Durham, wrote: 'I have recently
read John Lincoln’s 'Thank God and the
Infantry - from D-Day to VE Day with the 1st Battalion
The Royal Norfolk Regiment'. This was of great interest
to me as I served in 1 Royal Norfolk from 1942 to May
1945 when I was posted to 185 Brigade HQ and then to 1st
Corp HQ in Iserlohn, where I remained until demob in
1947.
As you can image, I knew a large number of people
mentioned in the book and the events listed. In fact I
am sure that I am the 4th man in the picture on p 26,
being Batman/Runner to the Adjutant, Capt WEG Bagwell.
(After note May 05 - see Berlin 1941
for more on
'Teddy Bagwell.')
I was called up in Dec 42 and reported to Britannia
Barracks where I completed my 6 weeks training before
being transferred to Nelson Barracks to do a Regimental
Signal Course. I then joined 1 Royal Norfolk who were
stationed in Belford, Northumberland, B Coy under Maj EA
Cooper-Key.
I remained in B Coy until just prior to D Day when I was
moved to be Batman/Runner to the Adjt, whose Batman was
too old for Overseas Service.
HQ Coy were split for the landing between various boats.
We landed from LCT with 9 carriers from the Bn carrier
section, and then of course joined the Bn.
Many things to come to mind when reading the book. Bn HQ
is mentioned on p79 and it was whilst here we were
issued with fly spray which I proceeded to use with
great gusto when food had been prepared on the tables.
The result - inedible - not very popular!
When entering Helmond, the Bn HQ was in an hotel in the
centre of town. Amongst the staff was a young lady whose
husband was a policemen and we became friends. I still
have a photo of them at their wedding and it was been
signed on the back by them and the bridesmaids. I
intended to send it to the Police HQ in Helmond just to
see if any of the people are still around but have never
got round to it. Perhaps the members who still visit
Helmond would like to take it along on their next visit?
Harrie DeRooij, who joined the Bn as an
Interpreter, took over a car which I had managed to
obtain. This was when there were not so many private
cars and the order came through that they were to be got
rid of. As mine was the most modern, he was allowed to
have it and took it back to Helmond.
The COs departure to command 6 Air Landing Bde I
remember well. He was going to take the Adjt with him
and I was to go as well but unfortunately the Adjt
stepped on a mine. I was on leave at the time and when I
returned Capt TJ Harrison had become the Adjt.
This had happened once before when Maj Bagwell had been
wounded and was away from the Battalion for a short
time. As a result, I stayed with the Bn and Capt
Harrison, until we both transferred to Bde HQ on VE Day.
When Corps HQ had been located in the Flax Barracks in
Iserlohn, we were posted to D Mess. Within a short space
of time Capt Harrison was posted, I think to the Far
East. I however remained in D Mess and took over as Mess
Sgt.
When it was arranged that families would be joining the
men, I became Accommodation Sgt for Corps HQ, clearing
various houses which had been commandeered, having them
re-decorated and then furnished according to the status
of the families moving in.
On completion of this task I was put in charge of the
Railway Hotel which had been taken over to accommodate
officers who were attending Corps HQ for conferences.
The only resident Officer was the Camp Commandant, Maj CF
Hedley.
It was from here that I was transferred to the Army
Reserve on May 10 1947.' |
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B&C Norfolk Editor