Arthur Turner, Corporal, 48 Provost Company, Royal Military Police ©
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Read this introduction to Arthur Turner's story, then listen to him describe his experiences, using the links at the foot of this page.

Corporal Arthur Turner joined the army in 1930 when he was 17. He says he wanted to join the army because he thought it sounded an adventurous life and he really wanted to join a good regiment. He was put in the 17 / 21st Lancers and was in the Reserves in 1939 when he was invited to train for service in the Military Police. He was sent to France, via Dieppe. His job was to unload troops and their vehicles from their carriers and send them on their way.

During the 'phoney war' his unit was sent to eastern France On 10 May, when Hitler invaded Belgium and Holland, he was on duty at the local railhead to stop the pilfering of food from trains. The men in his unit were excited, sure that they would be able to prevent Hitler's forces from invading France. Then, in what seemed no time at all, they found they were in retreat, making for the Belgian border. From then they were pushed back and back - to 'wherever they were told'.

Arthur Turner's job was to shepherd refugees and keep the roads clear for troops and ambulances. Neither he nor his colleagues knew what Dunkirk was at that time - they hadn't even heard of it. Communications had broken down almost completely.

	Refugees in flight from German forces Play audio Read transcript

	Return to England Play audio Read transcript
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