Hollway, Stephen Muir (Oral history)

British officer served with Field Park Coy, Royal Engineers attached to X Force in North West Europe 1940. Evacuated by small boat from Dunkirk, France c6/1940

REEl 1 Family and educational background. Service as territorial with Royal Engineers attached to 55th Div in Lancashire, 1931-1939: experiences; reaction to outbreak of war, 3/9/1939; state of Territorial Army, 9/1939. Recollection of service with Field Park Coy, RE attached to X Force on Gort Line duties in France, 10/1939-5/1940: role of X Force; role of FPC; journey out; billets; weather; deficiencies in training; fraternisation with French civilians; daily routine; unit's role; lack of training; convoy driving problems. REEL 2 Continues: convoy driving problems; false alarm of German attack; impressions of Maginot Line; preparations for possible move to Norway; restrictions imposed on movements. Recollections of operations in Belgium and retreat to Dunkirk, France, 5/1940: German attack; move into Belgium; welcome from Belgians; refugees; briefing conferences; morale; poor state of French troops; retreat to Lens sector; preparations to defend village; German air attacks on roads; food and water supplies; abandonment of equipment. Recollections of evacuation of Dunkirk, ca 5/1940-6/1940: chaotic scene on coast. REEL 3 Continues: construction of vehicle piers; story of being abandoned for dead; crossing Channel in small boat; reception on arrival in GB; behaviour of troops on beaches; suspected fifth column activities; impressions of German Army; training and equipment deficiencies; bitterness of French soldier towards his French High Command.