1939 Army camp at Wilmington, Sussex

[RoyW46]

Can somebody help please.
I have carried out a lot of research into my Father's History: GEORGE ALFRED WILLARD b.1911-d.1997.  He was born in Robertsbridge, Sussex.

In one of my photos my Father in 1939 is at an Army Camp, probably Wilmington, East Sussex.  I can identify some of the men from the photo because I knew them in Robertsbridge after WW2, but a friend has also identified two others as: NEVILLE SKINNER and TOM SPILSTEAD. 
Their names 'ring a bell' but trying to establish where they lived in Salehurst or Robertsbridge has been difficult, also their Army service.

My Father was in C Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment and from the photo I think the other men in the photo are as well.  I can display the photo if it helps.  My Father is back row at left, NEVILLE SKINNER and TOM SPILSTEAD are in front at right kneeling.

Grateful for any help.
Thank you
Roy Willard

[nanny jan]

Army service records for WW2 are held by the MOD and not online. You can apply for a copy, cost £30.00.

 
www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records 

[hanes teulu]

Hastings & St Leonard Observer, 30 Oct 1943
Thomas Spilsted, son of Mr and Mrs Spilsted, 21 High Street and Private S Crouch, son of Mr Crouch, of Vine Hall Farm. They were captured at Dunkirk while serving with the Royal Sussex Regiment.

[hanes teulu]

FindMyPast -British Army Casualty Lists 1939-45

List No 247 - Expeditionary Force France
Missing - The Royal Sussex Regiment
6400737 Spilstead, Pte, T E  5Bn  Surname should read Spilsted

These details are also on Forces War Records - the incident is dated 5/7/1940 and 1/8/1940

[hanes teulu]

Hastings & St Leonards Observer, 12 Dec 1942
An article about the Royal Sussex fighting in the Middle East mentions a number soldiers including "... ; two 'Quarterblokes' Neville Skinner from Robertsbridge and "Tedder" Quaife from Hastings; ..."

Intrigued to read the description "... another Dunkirk - only the other way around this time."

[RoyW46]

Thank you for your help.
After all this time searching records I never thought to spell the name: SPILSTEAD differently, I can only blame the heat or another mental block.
I have looked at each of the 'sources' you suggested-thank you.
I will have to delve deeper for: NEVILLE SKINNER.
Roy Willard

[ShaunJ]

Robertsbridge news in the Hastings and St Leonards Observer of 27 May 1939 includes the marriage of Neville Skinner to Mary Staples. He was the only son of Mr & Mrs William Skinner of the White Horse.

[RoyW46]

ShaunJ
I was born in May 1946 in Robertsbridge, just 50 yards from the White Horse!
Memories coming back.
Thank you
Roy Willard

[Comberton]

Marriage
1939
Battle
Neville Skinner
Phyllis M Staples
1939 Register has Phyllis with his parents

Birth
Thomas E Spilsted
1912
Ticehurst
mmn Willard