Private Papers of Lieutenant R Baxter

Word-processed transcription (42pp) of his diary and notes (May - August 1940) covering his service with 140th Field Regiment RA in France, in particular the advance into Belgium and withdrawal through Cassel leading to his capture and imprisonment at Laufen, Germany (May 1940), including notes on the regiment's posting to France in 1939 and activities until May 1940, their mobilisation, conditions in the towns and on the roads of Belgium and France, the difficulties of travel owing to congestion of military traffic and civilian refugees, action on the Escaut River and the defence of Cassel, the rapid evacuation of Cassel and his surrender at Watou, the journey to the prison camp at Laufen, and notes on prison conditions, morale, food, entertainment, war news and rumours, and discipline; together with a copy of two photographs showing the destruction of Cassel.

Cataloguer PJB

Catalogue date 2007-12-05