e-mail Extracts from Issue 107 Dec 06

MAJ GORDON JOHNSON 7 R NORFOLK
Nick Johnson’s grandfather, Major Gordon Johnson, was 2IC 7 R Norfolk in 1940. Nick wrote: ‘In the obituary for George Chamberlain in B&C 104 Jun 05 was a reference to the ‘Major Johnson Shield’. I wondered who the Major Johnson in question might have been.’
E-mails to various contacts brought a rapid response from Valerie Root, the Webmistress {can I say that ?} of the majestic Rotary Club of Aylsham site [www.aylshamrotary.com]
'I enquired at the Legion Club and was informed by someone who knew both George Chamberlain and Harold Johnson that the shield was the Major Harold Johnson Shield. Harold did not have any children.'
Nick followed with: ‘I wonder if anyone has a photo of the 7th Norfolks in France before June 1940, particularly a group photo of the officers?’
[B&C 107]

4TH BN OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION ORIGINS - ANSWER
Chairman WO2 Pat Budds asked in B&C 106 Jun 06 concerning the origins of 1/4th Norfolks OCA.
Maj Tom Eaton OBE TD DL provided the answer: 'The 4th Bn served in Palestine and Gallipoli for most of WW1. Camaraderie was very high and linked through civilian work. Col John Jewson MC, later CO 4 R Norfolk in WW2, was a director of Jewsons in Norwich. A need was seen to keep Old Comrades together so the 4th Bn OCA was formed. Col Jewson held regular evening events at Margate Hall, Braconash, eg indoor bowls. After WW2 it was agreed the OCA invite WW2 Veterans to join, thus strengthening the OCA numbers. ‘The “Keep Going FEPOW spirit” kept us going.’ They came from Attleborough, Gt Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Norwich and Wymondham. The impetus only faded as members died off or became too infirm to attend. Despite TA soldiers from A (R Norfolk) Coy 6 R Anglian and A (Norfolk and Suffolk) Coy the East of England Regt joining the Association, dinner numbers continued to drop. For some years the OCA Dinner was held in Gorleston but when the venue was changed to the Norwich TA Centre in 2006, the cumulative effect was seen when there were 54 present. Now, 3 R Anglian have the responsibility of maintaining the OCA. Anyone with a link - 4th Norfolk, A (R Norfolk) Coy 6 R Anglian, A (Norfolk and Suffolk) Coy the East of England Regt and A (Norfolk and Suffolk) Coy of 3 R Anglian, the successor TA Bn, are welcome.'
(Thanks Tom. Ed)
[B&C 108]

LE PARADIS CHAPTER IN DAVID LEE'S NEW BOOK
David Lee wrote: 'I have included a chapter on Le Paradis in my book published in May 2006 - see :
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1853676683/203-8066987-0515950
Apart from using the material in the IWM, I included the material collected by the British after the War from the SS witnesses, much of which I have reproduced verbatim.'
(Thanks David. Ed.)
[B&C 107]

GEORGE EATON KERR C 1901 - 3 (V) BN NORFOLK REGT, A COY (KING'S LYNN)
Trudie Kerr wrote concerning her great grandfather, George Eaton Kerr.
'I have a letter, dated 1 Feb 1901 or 02 (writing is a little unclear!) written by what looks like 'Lt Col S Cresswell MVO, Commanding Lynn Detachment, 3 (V) Bn Norfolk Regiment. It is a testimonial to my great grandfather, George Eaton Kerr who (to quote the letter) ‘served in the 3rd Bn for many years.’ For a considerable time he was a Cpl in A Coy.
Is there any way of finding any details of his service with the Regiment ?
George was born 8 Aug 1858, I believe in Leicestershire, and died in 1913 in Peterborough. He was engaged as an engineer, in various positions throughout his life, arriving in King’s Lynn somewhere between 1871 & 1881. He was a bicycle maker in 1881 but was working on torpedo design at the time of his death.
George married in 1894 but his wife died in 1899 leaving him with a young son, which may have been the reason for leaving the Regiment.
His son, Frank Millis Kerr, married the daughter of a Royal Artillery driver who had served in the 2nd Afghanistan War and I have that campaign medal - but nothing to indicate what George's military life may have involved.'
Note from Webmaster Trudie was advised to peruse : Seeking Old Comrades and Service Details of your family ? and contact Kate Thaxton, R Norfolk Regt Museum (Assistant Keeper Social History - Military), The Shirehall, NORWICH, NR1 3JQ. 01603 223649. kate.thaxton.mus@norfolk.gov.uk
[B&C 107]

Editorial Rule
To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened.
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.