Catalogue

Interview
2249, LR/04
Leicestershire Regiment

Speaker: Berry, David, 1918 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Farmer; Soldier;
Speaker: Hyde, C, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Outlines family background, father being tenant farmer at Meadow Farm, Thorpe Langton, Leicestershire. Mentions apprenticeship in drapery shop. Recounts how enlisted with Leicester Regiment, joining mortar platoon in Loughborough, guarding Rolls Royce factory in Belper. Mentions officers being Symmington brothers of Market Harborough, comments on local nature of Territorial Army. Describes training in Scotland, aborted attempts to sail to Norway, chaos of eventual landing, being overrun by Germans. Detailed account of escape to Sweden. Outlines repatriation to Britain via Iceland, experience of London blitz. Explains how mistake led to missing boat to Singapore where men all captured by Japanese. Mentions training in Norfolk, then Kent. Talks about feelings for Regiment. Describes being anti-tank officer in North Africa, action at Katarina, move to Italy where contracted jaundice. Details Saint Marino night attack, injury from mortar fire, rescue under fire. Talks briefly about being on sick leave, discharge from army, regimental reunions, social life of army.
Place of birth: Thorpe Langton, Leicestershire
Education:
Marital Status: Widowed, Children:
Father's Occupation: Farmer
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Thorpe Langton
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 24/2/2004
Playing time: 1hr 56 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.