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Enlisted 24th May 1940, service number 2661559. Throughout the campaign, Guardsman Hawkins served in the Battalion HQ unit as a Hull Gunner / Co-driver in the Commanding Officer Churchill tank called ‘Eagle’
Like many veterans, Guardsman Hawkins spoke very little about his time during the war but if he did it was only ever the humorous moments such as, when in Celle, a tin of beans being heated on a stove exploded and covered him! Additionally, he once acted as a dispatch rider but this did not go well – not being a great motorbike rider, an accidental short cut was taken through the flower bed in the middle of a roundabout!
Only snippets of war action were ever told to close relatives. He did demonstrate the sound of his machine gun being fired and the enemy bullets ricocheting off the tank. He also recalled a time when ‘Eagle’ was leading the tank column however hit mechanical trouble so another tank took its place at the front but almost immediately got taken out – a twist of fate meant Guardsman Hawkins did not become a casualty of the war. He gave the impression this event happened in Holland - it is recorded that two tanks from Battalion HQ were knocked out in the attack on Overloon so it could have been at this time.
Guardsman Hawkins often mentioned a Guardsman Harold Scragg therefore it is assumed they were close friends during the campaign.
Finally, Guardsman Hawkins remained in occupied Germany post VE-Day therefore did not retire from service until 28th May 1946.
Battalion HQ tank column in transit during their assault on Geijsteren Castle,
29th Nov. 1944. Guardsman Vincent John Hawkins can be seen in the turret of lead tank wearing a beret
A photograph of the “Eagle” tank crew and Battalion HQ Officers sent by Guardsman Vincent John Hawkins to his beloved wife simply saying “The Lads, the ‘Comie’ is a Brummie sitting third from left”, date and location unknown however it is thought to be Guardsman Rolley Coyne stood up reading the newspaper with Lt. D H Featherstonhaugh behind him
Guardsman Vincent John Hawkins seen here second from the left with a cigarette in mouth and his handwriting on the back of the photograph saying “A Group, taken on the road to Münster. Note my pistol, its one I picked up some place. I’ve gone back to the 1850’s”. Sat in front of Guardsman Hawkins is believed to be The Battalion Padre, Rev. A P Tremlett
Guardsman Vincent John Hawkins (kneeling 3rd from right) with members of the Battalion Football Team
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