Taylor, Anthony Donnithorne (Oral history)

British officer served as adjutant of 15/19th Hussars in North West Europe, 1940. Captured and escaped, 5/1940; Evaded in Belgium and France prior to return to GB

REEL 1 Recollections of immobilising of tank and subsequent capture by Germans whilst Adjutant of 15/19th Hussars during withdrawal across Dendre, Belgium, 18/5/1940. Recollections of period as POW, 5/1940: good treatment by Germans; loss of personal property; parade through Brussels; move to Tirlemont; intention of escape; escape from marching column near St Trond. Recollections of period of evasion in Belgium and France, 5/1940-6/1940: help from Belgian farmer's family; plan of escape; problem of lack of papers; crossing River Dyle; help from Belgian civilians. REEL 2 Continues: problem keeping warm at night; farmer's suspicions; decision to move south; ability to speak French; shelter with farmer; abortive attempt to salvage equipment from abandoned tank; re-capture by Germans; fabrication of story during interrogation; treatment by Germans; disposal of incriminating army compass; release; avoidance of German headquarters; decision to record notes on German formations; passage through German sentries; crossing River Escaut; seeking help in Toufflers. REEL 3 Continues: view of column of destroyed French transport near Lille; attempt to join French forces; assistance from Cuinchy villagers; abortive attempt to cross Somme; narrow escape from shooting as spy on re-captured by Germans at Abbeville; admission of status as British officer; march south in column; escape from column; mingling with refugee party; passing through French resorts; help from French hotelier; plan to take boat across English Channel. REEL 4 Continues: preparing boat for voyage; narrow escape from German soldiers; attempt to sail from Le Touquet; rescue by British sailors and return to GB; absence of pro-German feeling amongst French civilians.