Thomas Douglas
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
He was the son of Thomas Henry and May Douglas of 21, Glentworth Road, Radford, Nottingham. His father Thomas Henry Douglas died in 1925 from wounds received during the Great War (NEP 24/6/40).
BRUYELLE WAR CEMETERY II. B. 4.
He was killed during th Dunkirk retreat.
On Sunday, 19 May 1940, the 18th Field Regiment Royal Artillery was executing a critical strategic withdrawal across Belgium and northern France.
As part of the 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division, the regiment spent that day retreating toward the River Escaut (Scheldt) line.
The Situation on 19 May 1940
• The Retreat: After being outflanked following the collapse of Allied lines further south, the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) ordered a full-scale pullback from the River Dyle.
The regiment's objective on 19 May was to cross and take up new defensive positions along the River Escaut to try to stem the rapidly advancing German blitzkrieg. This movement was highly hazardous, conducted along roads choked with Allied transport and civilian refugees, all while under frequent threat of attack by the German Luftwaffe.
By the end of 19 May, the regiment and the rest of the 48th Division were establishing their new gun positions along the Escaut, preparing for the intense defensive battles that
would take place over the following days before their ultimate withdrawal to Dunkirk.
Thomas Douglas
Photo: Courtesy of the Nottingham Evening Post 24/6/1940