The story of how a three-man tank crew escaped from behind enemy lines can be told after the radioactive compass that saved them came to light 80 years later.
Brigadier Peter Vaux, Major Stewart Fernie and Lance Corporal Robert Burroughs were in a Light Mark VIB tank at the Battle of Arras in May 1940 when they became separated from the rest of their battalion.
They found themselves isolated and surrounded, with capture seemingly inevitable as German Blitzkrieg forces advanced towards them.
For the next 11 days they dodged German patrols, hid in farms and woodland in northern France and scavenged for food.
At one point they were caught by a German officer who Brigadier Vaux shot dead at close range.
The story of how Brigadier Peter Vaux (pictured), Major Stewart Fernie and Lance Corporal Robert Burroughs escaped from behind enemy lines can be told after the radioactive compass that saved them came to light 80 years on
Fearing capture by the oncoming German forces, the men ditched their tank and were guided by the trusty compass which had radium paint so the markings would show up in the dark
The men were guided by the trusty compass which had radium paint so the markings would show up in the dark.
They made it to the River Somme, although they still had to cross it to reach French lines.
Crossing the River Somme to safety, the trio became separated. Sadly, Lance Corporal Robert Burroughs (pictured) had been swept downstream and drowned
They met a courageous Belgian interpreter who dressed Brigadier Vaux in civilian clothes, claimed he was a Flemish refugee and said they had been ordered to repair fences.
The ruse worked and the pair were able to cut a path to the river while taking notes on the whereabouts of the German patrols.
The trio became separated as they crossed the river at night.
On the other side Brigadier Vaux walked up the river bank clad in just underpants and a beret.
Exhausted, he was picked up by French troops who reunited him with Major Fernie and the compass.
Tragically, Lance Corporal Burroughs was not there as he had been swept downstream and drowned.
Brigadier Vaux was leader of the reconnaissance troop of 4th Battalion, The Royal Tank Regiment, and took part in the first major British armoured action of the Second World War – the counter-attack at Arras in May 1940.
General Gerd Von Rundstedt’s Panzers were sweeping west to the sea whilst the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was struggling to return from their positions in Belgium – the place where the attack had been expected.
Organised in a great hurry, the British attack aimed to cut through the advancing German armoured column south of Arras.
The attack was executed by just two tank battalions supported by infantry and although it failed to make much headway it caused panic in some of the German units.
As the advance of 4th Royal Tank Regiment slowed, Brigadier Vaux and his crew were isolated and surrounded – prompting their extraordinary escape.
Brigadier Vaux later recalled the moment he realised they were in trouble.
He wrote: ‘I was completely paralysed with fear. Our petrol was almost finished so we made for a wood and deep in the undergrowth hid the tank.
Brigadier Vaux (pictured) and Major Fernie were sent home. Brig Vaux later wrote: ‘On 5th June we left France and at 6am on 6th June caught our first glimpse of Weymouth Bay. Never, I think have I ever seen anything so beautiful’
‘We destroyed the wireless set, smashed the guns and generally put the tank out of action.
‘We then removed the P8 compass, the emergency rations and our greatcoats.’
Later, describing the final obstacle they faced at the River Somme, he added: ‘At 1.30 am on 1st June we plunged into the river. It was deep, fast running and we had a bad crossing. Corporal Burroughs was drowned.
‘The Major got across but collapsed on the far bank. I was swept some 150 yards downstream in a half dazed condition.
‘I have a clear recollection of Corporal Burroughs drowning, but by this time was too far gone myself to be of any value to him.’
After reaching safety Brig Vaux and Maj Fernie were sent home.
Brig Vaux wrote: ‘On 5th June we left France and at 6am on 6th June caught our first glimpse of Weymouth Bay. Never, I think have I ever seen anything so beautiful.’
Eight decades later, the compass will go on show at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, when it reopens later this year following the current Covid-19 lockdown.
Since its radium paint is radioactive and has degraded over time, they have consulted with the Defence Scientific and Technology Laboratory on how to display it safely.
David Willey, curator of the Tank Museum said: ‘Compasses made for these tanks used radium paint so the markings would show up in the dark.
The group were in a Light Mark VIB tank (example pictured) at the Battle of Arras in May 1940 when they became separated from the rest of their battalion
‘The radium paint was radioactive and it degrades over time, flaking off the dial into the surrounding fluid. Radium is now of course recognised as a major health hazard.
‘As such an important object we really wanted to see this item on display so we obtained advice from the Defence Scientific and Technology Laboratory on how this might be achieved safely.
‘Like so many objects in the museum – on its own as a Second World War era compass it is of little significance but add the story of its use in the escape it becomes a remarkable object.
‘This battle and Peter Vaux’s account of the escape highlights the courage, resourcefulness and sheer determination of our tank crews in the Second World War.
‘Our new exhibition will include this and other fascinating objects and stories to tell the British tank soldiers story.’
Brig Vaux, OBE, was born on October 23, 1916.
After his escape he fought in the Western Desert, and was then promoted to GSO 2 (intelligence) at General Horrocks’ 13th Corps for the Battle of El Alamein.
He went on to fight in Italy where he was seriously wounded and after the war continued his military career. In 1957 was appointed OBE.
He served in Malaysia and in Northern Ireland and retired with the rank of brigadier.
He died aged 96 in 2013.
The compass will go on display as part of the new World War II: War Stories exhibition later this year.