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| 'Bill' Linge |
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Robert (Bill) Linge joined the 1st Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment in December 1943. He landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and saw action in Europe until the war’s conclusion in 1945 where his Battalion were based in Northern Germany. Bill was awarded the Military Medal on December 11th by Field-Marshal Montgomery 1944 and the following account has been taken from the book, 'THE SUFFOLK REGIMENT 1928-1946' by Colonel W. H. Nicholson. |
| "Private R. K.
Linge. Awarded Military Medal.
On 18th October, 1944, Private Linge’s Company were engaged in cleaning the woods to the West of Venray. The enemy, approximately 500 strong, were established around cross-tracks in the centre of a wood with machine-guns and ‘bazookas’. The tanks supporting the operation were moving up one of the approaches when suddenly a bazooka opened fire on one of the tanks. It’s position was located by Private Linge who, regardless of the fact that he was in full view and under heavy fire from the enemy machine-guns, immediately ran out into the open and clambered on to the turret of the tank. From this position he directed the fire of the tank on to the bazooka which was destroyed. Enemy machine-gun fire was being directed all the time at the tanks and at Private Linge himself. His cool determination and courage undoubtedly prevented damage to the tank and his action was an inspiring example to all who saw it."
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His story received some notoriety when it was featured on the front cover of a boys’ comic ‘The Victor’ on 5th September 1970. It was titled ‘The Dangerous Rabbit’ and detailed his story as a "poacher turned sniper" in a comic strip.
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While researching for Brandon at War I do come across some news stories that at the time I am undecided whether to include them in a public domain or should they just stay in my notes, for example information that may well embarrass an individual or their relatives. However my current thinking today is that researcher, or historian, should not make subjective decisions that could be seen as biased, or at worst censored. And so after much thought (I have sat on this for 5 years) I have decided to include this entry for 'Bill' Linge. From speaking to people abut Bill it seems that he was certainly a character ...
- Darren, 9th April 2007
Local lad charged with assaulting a policeman
On 29th March 1943, Mr Robert Kimberley Linge (21), a tree feller, was charged with assaulting policeman J.A. Adams and was released on bail to appear at Brandon Police Court on April 5th.
In April Mr Linge's step-father applied for an adjournment because Robert had re-joined the Army and he wished for his son to be properly defended. The Magistrates however decided to continue with the court case.
The court heard from Mr Robert Lumsden, headmster of the Brandon School, that at about 9.45pm on 27th March 1943, a social event was organised for the local ATC & GTC. The entertainment was by invitation only, but Mr Linge and a sailor friend tried to get into the room. Mr Lunsden prevented them because they had not been invited and the sailor seemed to be drunk. Mr Lumsden gave the two men three minutes to leave and after they failed to do so he then called for the Police.
Police Sgt Adams arrived on the scene and asked the two men to move on and the sailor replied "Hello Matey". Sgt Adams repeated for them to go home and then a scuffle erupted between him and Mr Linge, after he apparently pushed Mr Linge, and both men fell to the ground. Sgt Adams called for assistance and Mr Stanley Cator went to summon some Military Police who were nearby. When Mr Cator got back to the scene it had calmed down but Sgt Adams was cut and bleeding. Sgt Adams had attempted to use his torch in self defence and although he did not hurt Mr Linge he had received a broken nose for his troubles.
Mr Linge was taken back to his home at 163 London Road by Sgt Adams andSpecial Constable Steggles, where he lived with his mother and step-father. Mr Linge was then taken to the Police Station in London Road where he was charged and detained in a cell.
Mr Linge pleaded not guilty and told the court that the two men had a drink and then went on to the ATC dance where they were not admitted entry. They then walked down School Lane and stood on the corner. They had been there for about five minutes when someone came up to them and pushed them with a torch. His sailor friend had told the person to "Mind what you are doing there matey". He was then pushed and struck on the head with the torch. He then lashed out in self defence, but did not know at the time that it was Sgt Adams.
Despite the defendant's mother giving her son a good character reference the court found him guilty and sent him to prison for two months. Upon hearing the sentence Mr Linge's step-father asked for leave to appeal and the Clerk, Mr Geo. Carter, replied that it would be in his interest to seek a solicitor.
This website was designed and developed by Darren Norton, Brandon, Suffolk