My Grandad's story

Grandad enlisted 15.7.1939 into the RASC. He passed as TT driver class III.

He embarked for overseas 19.11.1939. He was mainly involved in Truck and Staff driver as part of the BEF and was evacuated at Dunkirk.

In August 1942 he was involved in a traffic accident due to failure of the vehicle's brakes. This was reported to the senior officer. Douglas was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 1 year in prison less 120 days remission. This was tragically 2 days after marrying Albina. On release he was relegated to the reserves from 4.4.1942 to 1.7.1943.

He was then posted to 246 motor boat company. He passed as 'waterman' Class III at rank of driver 'private'. He was awarded the 1939-1943 star. He passed the exam for Barge engineer and re-mustered to 21st Army Group till November 1945. He remained in the forces after the war and in April 1946 was posted to 647 Co RASC. He was released 12.6.1946 as Class H and put on 'Y' reserve list.

After discharge, Douglas worked for a while in Maldon, occupation unknown.

Douglas lived in Poplar and worked for the Gas Board, possibly as a fitter until his death at the age of 54.

To my memory Douglas was rather bitter after the war.