Pages

Tuesday 29 December 2009

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

5 comments:

  1. Missy - I wish he'd told me more about his war days but he kept most of it to himself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loved that story Karen!

    Happy New Year, and will we see you Friday?

    Loved your Christmas pics....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your lucky...wish i was there...it must hav been an awesome experience!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. G - Happy New Year to you too. My 55 is up too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Naz - Wish you were there? Rather you than me I guess. Thanks for your comment now perhaps you could explain it to me? Hehe.

    ReplyDelete