FOR GRANDAD - Part 1

My Grandad was asked to contribute to a book which was being written by soldiers about their wartime experiences. Unfortunately, my Grandad passed away before his story could be published. I would like to share some of the first draft he wrote with you here. The writing is in long hand and is difficult to read at times but I will do my best Grandad.


I landed with the 2nd Battalion O & B light Infantry, 6th Division on D Day 6th June 1944.

Our job was to capture the bridge over the river O and also a bridge over the c Canal. This was the main purpose of the exercise and to keep the way open for the seaborne forces who were to land on the beaches 4 to 5 miles away.

We experienced hand to hand fighting, grenades and small arms, I remember that as soon as we landed by glider that I was fired upon by small arms fire. My platoon led by Captain Mason were detailed to go to a place called R, which we did, and on the night of 6th June we dug in on the outskirts of the woods.

I remember that during the night as it quietened down a bit, I was lying in my foxhole and I heard footsteps approaching through the woods. I looked around to find all my mates were asleep. As I looked towards the approaching men about 6 or 7 in number I could not see in the dark who they were. I picked up my S gun and felt the button which controlled single shot or repetition and found that it was on single shot. The men approaching stopped, as they did I raised my gun and pressed the button to repetition. In the quiet of the night it seemed to make a loud click. After what seemed a long time the men gradually retreated much to my relief, and I never found out if they were friend or foe.


PART 2 tomorrow