Alfred Charles Geary

Alfred Charles Geary, born 15th September 1903, joined the Army and on leaving Whitton (near Twickenham, Middlesex) on the 24th July 1941 he returned 25th February ’46, having spent almost the whole time overseas. Here is a record of his service in his own words:

"The first day of my army life was spent in Chesterfield, a training centre for R.A.S.C. drivers, learning to handle heavy vehicles. Course completed, was sent to Walton-on-Thames and joined the 24th Company R.A.S.C. – altogether around 100 men. Later took a ‘Water Course’ at Guildford.

Returned to Walton, given ‘Tropical Kit’, and without even a day’s leave, taken to Woking, where a train took us direct to Liverpool. At Liverpool Docks, joined by thousands of others, packed like sardines into a liner, sailed the same day, knowing nothing.

Christmas Day 1941 we entered Freetown harbour early morning. By evening we were off again. Whilst a number of our convoy went into Capetown, we proceeded to Durban. Put ashore and camped on their racecourse.

Ten days later we embarked and sailed for an unknown destination, reaching within 1 days sailing off ill-fated Singapore, the convoy reversed its direction. After much speculation, we found ourselves in Bombay, and put under canvas.

Early in Feb ’42 found ourselves in Poona and stayed there in military barracks; all we did was foot bashing. (Pictured above 24th Company R.A.S.C. December 1942)

Dhorid (?) was our next camping place, and with a group of mixed Indians, we became 2nd Indian Tank Recovery Company (the Company are pictured below with Alfred seated front row second from right).

Now conversant with Urdu, drivers were given a crew of Indians, and our main object was tank transporting. Later water became a problem, so I was given a Bedford tanker and kept camps and road convoys watered.

Calcutta became our next base, many daily missions with my tanker in and around the city (frightful). Chittagong became our new operating area, and after much slogging, mud and sweat got into Dimapur (near miss from a Japanese sniper).

Next offensive Kohima, (thank God I was not a foot soldier).

Later, most of the Company including myself, were air-lifted into Imphal, and found ourselves surrounded. Spent our time in the wired box known as the Oyster; provisions came by air.

After being freed, flown to Calcutta for engine spares. Arriving back, caught up with the advancing lines and went into Shwebo (Burma) about 30 miles from Mandarlay. This was the furthest I went. Orders came from command to proceed to Coconada in the province of Madras.

I was detailed to go to an old camp of ours at Ranci and collect personal belongings of several members, and as usual found they had been stolen.

On reaching Coconada shared a bamboo hut with eight others and started learning to handle amphibian transport.

Here met my first hurricane. Our hut was blown to pieces.

Repatriation came through, and getting back to Calcutta, put on a liner that took us back to Southampton via Suez Canal, finally arriving at Guildford, middle of February 1946."

Alfred had three army leaves during the whole time.

1st - 7 days in Poona. Slept in someone’s front garden, eat in various canteens.

2nd – Calcutta – at Talbot House, Chowringhee for 7 days.

3rd – 7 days in Calcutta, Talbot House again. Slept on one of the outside balconies. Eat in restaurants."

Alfred Charles Geary died 8th October 2000 aged 97.