212359 Lt. Ronald Hugh Eastman British Army Royal Tank Regiment from:Buckinghamshire I have a few letters from a Lt. Ronald Eastman of the Royal Tank Regt, he was a prisoner in Oflag Vb. He corresponded with a calligraphy teacher in London and I believe he used to forge documents for prisoners to escape. I also have a photo showing 9 officers in the camp dated 8th August 1941. The names on the rear of the photo: Pat Cambell, Harrold Hopper, Hugh Mundy, Reed, David Ross, Patrick, Stan Hardy and the last one looks like, Robin Saele-Matiner. Additional Information: | I am Ronald Eastman's daughter. Yes, he was a POW throughout the war and forged letters and documents to enable many to escape. A few of these survived and are now in the Imperial War Museum, London along with a jumper that he knitted and a skirt that he wove. My two brothers and I share the book of heraldry that was his cover for the forging activities. I would very much like to see the letters that you have, please do get in contact. Jill Pearce
|
| Ron Eastman was a personal friend and I used to play bowls with him before Alzheimers Disease claimed him. I understand that he and his small tank squadron stayed behind to defend the BEF from the Germans while the Dunkirk evacuation was ongoing. I understand his tanks destroyed three German tanks before he was captured. He was a schoolteacher at the the Freemasons School teaching handicrafts (hence his special skills) he met his wife Pauline there, who I believe was the Matron.Geoffrey Bartram
|