Recorded memoir of John Rex, part 1 of 2 (side A of cassette) (MC 371/882/6/1/1)
Document Information


Recorded memoir of John Rex, part 1 of 2 (side A of cassette)

1


MC 371/882/6/1/1


1 side of audio cassette

28 Jan 1983


Support and Other Units/987th Military Police Detachment


John Rex

Image Information

Description
[00:00-05:00] Describes service as military policeman, 1943-1945 [background noise: clock striking]. Describes journey to England on SS Argentina and arrival at East Harling base, Norfolk. Describes base and volunteering for military police service. [05:00-10:00] Service continued: duties and jeep; leisure time; voluntary service until December 1943 and absorption into 987th Military Police company. Describes 987th company headquarters and training. Mentions American Army Station Hosptial, Morley, Norfolk. Relates memories of East Harling. [10:00-15:00] Comments on depressing things about England including black-outs, bad weather and rationing. Describes relationship of local people with military police. [15:00-20:00] Mentions role of security personnel during war. Comments on places visited outside Norfolk. Anecdote about theft of military police jeep recovered in Bournemouth [Dorset] and remarks on sea bathing in Bournemouth. [20:00-25:00] Describes military police sweep of London, 1944 and VE day in London. Describes Norwich: relationship between British and Americans; Haymarket Theatre; Samson and Hercules club; boating on River Yare; fish and chips and military parades at Carrow Road. Comments on end of his military police service and police headquarters, Rosary Road/Lower Clarence Road, Norwich. [25:00-30:00] Continues about detention centre for soldiers now [1983] La Roen restaurant. Describes journey back to United States and impact of departure of Americans on Norwich. Mentions girls he met in Norfolk. For continuation recording, see MC 371/882/6/1/2 (on Norfolk Record Office catalogue as not included on this site for rights reasons).