Memories of Dunkirk

DUNKIRK

My memory of Dunkirk is of coming home from school and finding our large canteen kitchen full of soldiers. On looking closer I saw they were very dirty and tired, with very sad eyes. They held their cigarettes and mugs of tea in trembling hands and just stared into the fire
My mother spied me and said, “These lads have had a dreadful time Mary. I am letting them have baths so if you want the bathroom go now and be quick”.
She then disappeared into what we called the bar and said to the Canadian soldiers there (mostly the Toronto Scottish Regiment) “I want you all to go back to barracks and bring me clean socks, shirts and whatever else you can spare. We have some survivors from Dunkirk who badly need help”. Ever generous the Canadians did as she asked, bringing clean warm clothes, cigarettes and chocolate.
Then my Mum said, “We must feed these boys Mary, come and help me.” We set to and cooked batches of eggs and bacon, which were certainly enjoyed.
I remember at one point the gas “popped” and looking round we saw the lads had disappeared under the table or were crouching on the floor.
My Father in 1939 had been given the job of Manager of the Church of England Institute, which was situated, in North Camp, Aldershot. This was a canteen for servicemen My parents had tried very hard to make this canteen a home from home for servicemen, and that is why I think these boys made their way to our canteen. They just knew my parents would help them.
As I looked more closely at the men I suddenly knew who they were. They were some of the same lads I had seen before, from the Cameron Highlanders. My father had taken me to Farnborough Station just some weeks before so that we could wave them off to France. Then they had been fit, healthy smiling boys, with rosy cheeks, full of confidence
I do hope that life has been kind to them — they certainly deserved it.

Mary (Rogers) Emery

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.