PILOT A. C. DEERE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1940, Page 8

PILOT A. C. DEERE

HAS A CRASH SAW DUNKIRK RETREAT LONDON, June 27. The story of how he crashed in his Spitfire' after being shot down near Nieuport, and eventually retiirhed to England, was told by Flying-Officer A. C. Deere (Wanganui) 'on his arrival. “While on patrol over the Belgium coast with my squadron of Spitfires," he said, “we sighted some Dornier 17 bombers, which we attacked. I positioned jnyself behind one, but after firing my ammunition I was hit badly in the engine’. It caught fire immediately, but I landed on the beach—or, rather, crashed near Nieuport —and was fortunate to 'escape with slight head injuries. “After completely destroying my machine I found mj’ way to a village called Oostdunkerke, where I had my head dressed by a waitress; She spoke perfect English. I inquired for British and French troops, but I could get no satisfaction from Belgium Soldiers, so I set off along the beach to Ostend with the intention of catching a. boat back to England. “I found this unsafe, as on two or three occasions I was fired at, without warning, by Belgium soldiers who were hiding behind various sand dunes. I made my way inland* to the main road and manged to get a lift on a Belgium troop bus to Nieuport. “Then I met a corporal in the British Expeditionary Force, with the remains of his company—himself and three privates. He was trying to get to Dunkirk, which was safer than Ostend, which was surrounded by Germans. “On his advice I changed my plans and decided to make for Dunkirk, too. Outside Nieuport I found lots of deserted cars and helped myself to the best I could find, I had been unable to get food and water the whole time in Belgium. This car took me for a few miles and then ran out of petrol. “Another was soon forthcoming, as there Were dozens to be had. I think the signposts showing Dunkirk must have bten moved to mislead parachutists, because I found myself lost. Eventually I got on the right road mounted on an army despatch cycle. Ten miles outside Dunkirk there was complete chaos—retreating Belgium and British Expeditionary Force troops, discarded mechanised units of tanks and various vehicles, burning houses, huge bomb craters, aild refugees with their belongings, or what was left of them. All were moving towards the coast. "Heavy bombing made me spend many hours in ditches and any shelter I could find. The Huns were bombing not with the intention of hitting any particular object, but just for effect. German bombs make a terrific whistling noise, like shells, . and always give the impression that they aije 1 about to land on your bead. I had to walk, as the outskirts of Dunkirk were congested with cars and troops, all in retreat. Dunkirk itself was just a town of fires £Pnd fallen buildings. ’ “Finally 1 reached the beach and saw about 12,000 tired and thirsty British Expedtionary Force troops, some of whom had had no water for 48 hours. The uns were still bomb!jnd British fighters, although heavily outnumbered, appeared to be ’ taking heavy toll. “I saw some wonderful dog fights and watched two or three M.E. 109’s on their way to a watery grave. After three hours on the beach I got on board a destroyer carrying about 1000 troops and 40 officers. I thought my troubles were over, but we had no sooner pulled out than we Avere attacked by a Heinkel bomber. Tt was brilliantly shot down by the naval gunners. ' “All was quiet for the first halfhour, when nine Junkers 88s appeared and bombed us relentlessly for about two hours. Due to wonderful seamanship and expert gunnery we escaped with one slight hit, which alone was terrifying, as it put the lights out and turned the destroyer very dangerously on her side. “British fighters eventually appeared on the scene, and the Huns, with their tails between their legs, beat a hasty retreat. We arrived at a south-east coast port after taking five hours for a trip which a destroyer normally does in an hour. “The spirit of the troops was magnificent throughout the crossing, particularly as they had been bombed ever since their entry into Belgium. There were afyout 30 seriously wounded on board for whom the crossing must have been a nightmare. 4 I cannot say too much for the skill of the Navy and the accuracy of their gunners. I shall never forget seeing the white cliffs of Dover and the cheers from the troops when we sighted them. “My squadron accounted for 40 machines confirmed and unconfirmed in 10 days of action. We lost four pilots and eight machines.” It was announced on June 12 that Flying-Officer Deere had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.