Historicaleigh - Leigh's Tragic Link Between the Great War and Dunkirk

July 17, 2017 by Carole Mulroney

In May 1915 Bombardier George Maurice Dorkins of Leigh was a local hero, for he had been stationed at Purfleet Garrison with his brother, Reginald, and it was he that was named as the soldier who brought down the Zeppelin L15. The men involved in the incident were all awarded a special medal by the Lord Mayor of London for their part in protecting the capital from attack. George went on to continue living in Leigh.

Reginald moved to St Albans and on 17 June 1940 was a Sergeant on board the HMT Lancastria, which was sunk off St Nazaire whilst taking part in Operation Oriel, the evacuation of British troops and nationals from France, two weeks after Dunkirk. News of the terrible loss of life (some say nearly 6000) was suppressed by the British Government for fear of the effect it would have on morale, but the story appeared in American newspapers.

One survivor recalled ' I didn't see the Lancastria go down but I saw the hull. I saw those clinging to it as the hope ebbed away and I could hear them singing. They were singing 'There'll always be an England' and 'Roll out the Barrel' for a long time afterwards I didn't want to hear those songs. Then I looked and it had gone so quickly, there was nothing, just a void.'

The loss of the Lancastria is stated to be the greatest sea tragedy of all time and among those who died was Sergeant Reginald Leonard Dorkins. His name is recorded on the Dunkirk Memorial.

This article is by Carole Mulroney of Leigh Lives
Website: www.leighlives.co.uk
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