207759 S/Sgt. Frank William "Tiny" Bray British Army Royal West Kent Regiment from:Crystal Palace Frank William Bray, had been based in Cheriton with Regular Army and was sent to France as part of the BEF, British Expeditionary Force. For a period of time his experiences were peaceful with visits to Lille. He was reminded that his regiment spent some time in the same area during the First War. His regiment set up a defensive position in Petergem, Belgium. He said that the Buffs and a Guard's regiment were close by.
He was the senior NCO in charge of a listening post situated in a forward line ditch aside a railway line. In front the roadway lead down to a main road and some farm buildings were being watched for occupation. There was some enemy activity reported nearby during the night by other forward posts. He reported a German officer, oblivious to the the danger had made his way towards them down this road. His platoon bren-gunner fired a burst and this officer was instantly killed. He lay on the road. Small arms fire was experienced coming from the farm house and it was thought that it had been occupied. The platoon laid down some heavy fire on the occupants. It is thought that minor contact occured during the course of two days by which time the platoon had no food or water.
A regimental bren gun carrier had been seen trying to approch their position from the rear but heavy shelling prevented success and it was forced back to shelter behind the high ground and battalion position.
At this time an order had been issued for strategic withdrawal but this never reached their position. A decision to forage for water and food was made and Frank crawled his way towards the farm. He got in through a window and found three or four German solders all with wounds. He leant his rifle up against a wall, got out his field dressing kit and tried to help the wounded solders. Later his platoon members told him that they had watched his movement to the farm and the occupation of the farm area by a significant German force. They thought he would be shot.
A group of German solders entered the room where Frank was and he believed were about to shoot him until a wounded solder shouted something.
He was taken to a German Officer who had a perfect British accent. The Officer told Frank his Regiment and said that Frank was obviously a regular and asked him what he expected to happen. Frank said he expected to be treated according to the Geneva Convention Agreements. The officer asked Frank about the condition of his platoon and at this time Frank had assessed the size and scale of his opposition. He negotiated the surrender of what remained of his platoon without bloodshed. Those captured at this point were marched to Stalag XXa in Poland. On route he said he witnessed some very sorry sights of both comrades and refugees. He was shot at for trying to pick up a potato.
The camp, mentioned by others here was originally a fort and Frank said that a number of men were unable to take the prolonged strain, some jumping to their deaths from the towers. After a short time a letter was sent from his British officer giving information about the Brigade and events that occured when it was overrun.
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