Original diaries written by Jack Cox.
Transcription and editing by Diane Cox ©2023
The 7th Battalion of the Royal Norfolk Regiment was a second line Territorial Army Unit formed on the outbreak of war in 1939. It served with the 51st Highland Division. On 12th June 1940, more than a week after the last British troops had been evacuated from Dunkirk, under heavy attack and with no food, ammunition or hope of sea rescue; the Division was forced to surrender to General Rommel’s 7th Panzer Division at St Valery on Caux. At least 1000 men were killed, 4000 wounded and 10000 taken prisoner.

This is my father Jack Cox’s account of the lead up to these events, how he escaped en route to a POW camp and his subsequent journey before recapture.