Philip Smith’s account of his trip through France and eventual escape by boat is quite remarkable. We can imagine the Smith family setting out each on the bicycle they would normally use to go on picnics in the St Germain forest just west of Paris. We can strongly identify with his ten year-old self as he tells us about his hunger and his sense of excitement about his experiences along the journey. Other historical sources suggest that this was often an exciting time for children who were perhaps less acutely aware of the potential dangers they faced than adults. We learn a good deal about what Philip ate on the journey as he describes in loving detail the meals he had along the way.

It is also noteworthy that Philip’s family encountered kindness from all sorts of unexpected quarters. For example the French cavalry officer in Fontainebleau who left them his keys so they could sleep in his home and freshen up. Further along the way, a local woman treated his sunstroke by plunging his feet in hot water combined with mustard. New to me and one to remember for future use. While their English nationality caused some French people to be hostile to them, others immediately warmed to them, took them in and fed them generously.

I’ve never heard about the French fighter pilots ditching their aircraft before, so that came as news to me. Later in the account he cannot hide his shock at what he conceived as the cowardice of the French soldiers he saw in St Jean de Luz throwing their ammunition and rifles into the sea.

One of the remarkable things about this account is its attention to deal. The remembered dialogues  must have made a huge impression on his 10 year old self.  We also relate to his fear when he believes they have been overtaken by German soldiers who in fact turn out to be Flemish Belgians. The detail and vividness of this story makes compelling reading.

You can read about Philip Smith’s adventures heading south by clicking here.

Hanna Diamond

October 2012