| Place | Europe: Greece, Crete |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | MSS2051 |
| Collection type | Manuscript |
| Measurement | 1 wallet: 2 cm |
| Object type | Manuscript |
| Maker |
Gibb, Norman Stanley |
| Access | Open |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Gibb, Norman Stanley (VX5842, Private, 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion)
Description
Manuscript entitled "World War 11 Memories of Normal Stanley Gibb Service No. VX5842 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion".
The manuscript details the experiences of Private Gibb through the Greece and Crete campaigns of the Second World War. The author's experiences of service in Greece are summarised with additional information being provided on the withdrawal to Crete. The sinking of the 'Costa Rica' is described in detail as is the rescue of personnel from the 'Costa Rica' by an unnamed Royal Navy Destroyer. The author's experiences of service on Crete are detailed, including: Preparation of defences near Retimo, the experience of being bombed by the Luftwaffe, actions against German Fallschirmjagers, and the tasks performed in battlefield cleanup. Additional information on the service of the 2/1st Machine Gun Battalion was provided by Major I. Manson (VX62). The actions undertaken by members of the 2/1st Machine gun Battalion after the surrender of Commonwealth forces is also described, including their withdrawal across Crete and escape on board a barge. An encounter with an Italian Submarine while on board the barge is detailed, including the removal of officers. The manuscript ends with the arrival of the barge near Mersa Matruh. 99 page untitled typescript manuscript, 56 page transcript included.