Account of Roy Prior

In April 1940 at the 20 years age, I found myself with Erquinghem-lys, with several of my friends. We formed part of the 131 3rd Regiment of Ambulance of Countryside of the R.A.M.C. (Royal Army Medical Corp), when the clouds of the war appeared and after our drive in England, we embarked for France and via Cherbourg, we arrived to Erquinghem-Lys.

Our unit was composed of 8 ambulances. My work was of a medical nature. I lived and slept in my ambulance and I was responsible for the medical equipment and first aid to the casualties before they are not transferred in a medical unit.

Two drivers were assigned to each ambulance and the vehicles were parked around the place of the village. But it was the time of "funny of War", not of combat, of not wounded and thus we had time to make knowledge with the population.

I remember particularly the coffee "Excelsior" located on the contour of the Place (currently Floralys). My friends and me were invited by the owners, Mr. and Mrs. WEXSTEEN for aperitifs. We appreciated the heat and cordial family atmosphere. Their two sons had as a Charles first name and Andre. I still have the small piece of paper on which they wrote their first name and their date of birthday. Charles had the same date birthday as me: "December 1". There was as a girl, I think as its first name was Veronique.

I remember another coffee on the road of Merville, where there was an accordionist and where one danced. But the great attraction of this coffee, for us young people was the chip and egg plate "".

And it is with Erquinghem-lys that we, with 19 and 20 years, we made the knowledge of most exotic liquors and that we learned how to make the difference while ordering between "Beer and Byrrh". I appreciated my stay in this cordial French village, but as all the good things have an end, May 10, 1940 our unit travelled towards Belgium.

The true war was started. Little time after, with much of other soldiers of my unit, I was captured and I spent the 4 following years in various German prison camps. But it is another history. I had chance and I survived it.

And maintaining more than 50 years after, my family and me let us have French friends who have relations with Erquinghem-Lys "the result of a twinning between Birchington and the Vault of Armentières". I find that certain things changed with Erquinghem-Lys, but the friendship of its inhabitants is always faithful, like my memories.

Account of Allan HANSON

"Soldiers in the 131éme Regiment of Ambulance of Countryside (R.A.M.C.) we crossed the English Channel in direction of Cherbourg in April 1940 and carried on our road towards the Belgian border.

For the needs for the drive, each section in turn, was to cover the distance from the day to foot and I remember newcomer with exhausted Erquinghem-Lys and the face streaming sweat. Some among us were placed in a large part contiguous to a coffee which was I think on the northern side of the principal street.

We were at the end of April 1940. The Germans had not launched their offensive yet, therefore all was calm, even if environment were in charge of apprehension. In spite of that, Erquinghemmois wished us the welcome in a friendly way, but while being as anxious as us. We were to remain with Erquinghem-Lys for several days, therefore it was necessary to make provisions for various things such as: a ground of parade, carparks for the vehicles, delimitation of ground for the troop of service and except service, choice of the coffees for the various ranks, etc...

Authority of these various things, as well as safety depended on a small group of soldiers identified by their arm-bands RP (Regimental Police).

Thus 5 of largest and coriaces soldiers were selected and to my great surprise, indeed I came to be named soldier of 1ére class and in more of my small size, I have the heavy task to order this small detachment and to return account directly to the sergeant chief each morning, or immediately in the event of problem or emergency.

There were very few difficulties in our work, with share to make leave the coffees with the "old hand" soldiers because of the late hour. I am sure that the kindness and the tolerance of Erquinghemmois contributed much to the good agreement which existed between them and our soldiers.

The only moment when I was afraid, it was the last evening of our stay on May 9, 1940. The villagers were convinced that the Germans were going to advance and being able to arrive from one moment at the other. Fire covers was issued in the village, but one of my subordinates announced me that a light shone in top in the bell-tower in direction of Belgium.

I thus decided to begin the investigations. Another military police officer joined us and we started to climb on the scale inside the bell-tower which led to a trap door in the ceiling. I was in first and I had a kind of apprehension. My men followed me. We continued to climb on a scale to arrive on the higher floor.

Gently, I raised few centimetres the trap door and there, I saw several men in great conversation... Suddenly the trap door was raised and with our great relief, these men helped us to go up in the part. With my limited French, I understood that they was local councillors who looked at if there were troop movements in the east in order to be able to give alarm. I suggested to them hiding their lamp and left we them.

Early the next morning, May 10, 1940, my intention was to return account of this fact to my superior, but the order to leave immediately was given. The sorrow of the inhabitants showed sorrow. In spite of our hasty departure, I was invited by a man to drink a bowl of coffee, abundantly vigorous of rum and we cried while drinking.

At the beginning of our convoy, much of inhabitants on the step of their door made us sign sadly. 18 days later, after some engagements in Belgium, we were back not very far from Erquinghem-Lys, and the majority among us were made prisoners by the Germans.

Jack THORPE