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. The previous entry was posted a fews days ago.
On the morning of the 7th June, what was left of my platoon were told to advance through the woods and to take up fresh positions. We were coming under heavier fire now from the 21st P division who were now bringing up tanks and mortars. Just about noon, as far as I can remember, Captain Mason, told us that we were in position and we began to dig in again, enemy fire was now becoming very heavy and we were very apprehensive of our position.
Captain Mason said to me, "Here we are and here we are going to stay." We then heard the ominous sound of a tank approaching. We had only grenades ... ... light .... would be of no use. I looked over to Captain Mason but he seemed unconcerned. The tank stopped some 100 yards away and pumped shells all around us and quite a number were killed and wounded.
PART 3 tomorrow (or as soon as my fingers can type it).
Showing posts with label grandad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grandad. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 January 2010
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
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
Friday, 28 November 2008
FLASH 55 - MISUNDERSTOOD
I discover a letter from days gone by. Images of Grandad flash before me - marathons, bible readings, games of chess, crossword puzzles, the fear of a nudge from his stick.
Tears flow as I realise why he kept many secrets from me. Stories of parachute jumps, friends lost, the cruelty of war.
A man misunderstood.
BACKGROUND INFO
A copy of a letter to a publisher was given to me after my Grandfather's death.
He was asked to submit to a book regarding his experiences during the War. Unfortunately, the family members I have spoken to have no idea if the letter was ever sent. I hope Grandad won't mind me sharing the letter with you. I would rather post it here than leave it sitting in a draw somewhere. It's rather long and hard to read in places so I'll begin typing it up now and post in a couple of days.
Love you Grandad. I wish I had know you better.
xxxxxxxxxx
Flash Fiction - Every Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss - If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.
Happy reading and writing!
Love
KB
Tears flow as I realise why he kept many secrets from me. Stories of parachute jumps, friends lost, the cruelty of war.
A man misunderstood.
BACKGROUND INFO
A copy of a letter to a publisher was given to me after my Grandfather's death.
He was asked to submit to a book regarding his experiences during the War. Unfortunately, the family members I have spoken to have no idea if the letter was ever sent. I hope Grandad won't mind me sharing the letter with you. I would rather post it here than leave it sitting in a draw somewhere. It's rather long and hard to read in places so I'll begin typing it up now and post in a couple of days.
Love you Grandad. I wish I had know you better.
xxxxxxxxxx
Flash Fiction - Every Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss - If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.
Happy reading and writing!
Love
KB
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
MIND OR BODY?
I was watching an episode of Boston Legal the other night. One of the story lines was regarding an elderly man with Alzheimer's (a topic close to my heart as my Grandad suffered with this disease), his daughter wished to ease his pain with drugs and let him die peacefully and with some dignity. A line from the show which touched me,(I can't remember the exact words), was, we wouldn't put a dog through the misery of soiling itself or crying out in pain and confusion whenever it was touched - we would put it to sleep.
My Grandad was a brave, proud man. He raised a family, fought for his country, he believed in God, he was a marathon runner, never smoked, ate healthy food and hardly ever drank alcohol. He kept his mind active with his work and completed the crossword every day. In other words; he did all the things we are told will help keep mind, body and soul healthy.
I'd rather not share how his mind and body disintegrated became but I will say, it was a blessing in the end that he didn't know what was happening to him because he would have felt humiliated.
My Mum, is a caregiver for the elderly. She shares many stories of her time at work; some hilarious, others heartbreaking.
One of the ladies she cares for packs her bag every day and waits for her son to take her home. He never arrives, in fact, he doesn't even bother to visit anymore. She will forget this by morning and wake up expectantly with the same hope.
Another of Mum's ladies is as sharp as a tack. She's intelligent and wise but her frail body doesn't allow her out of bed most days.
With all the medical breakthroughs these days, people are living longer. But at what cost? What's the point of having a healthy body if the mind has gone and vice versa?
One of the lessons I have learned from my Grandad's death is it's important to look after our body and mind but not at the expense of living life. Everything in moderation is the key.
You only live once-but if you work it right, once is enough.
Joe.E.Lewis
My Grandad was a brave, proud man. He raised a family, fought for his country, he believed in God, he was a marathon runner, never smoked, ate healthy food and hardly ever drank alcohol. He kept his mind active with his work and completed the crossword every day. In other words; he did all the things we are told will help keep mind, body and soul healthy.
I'd rather not share how his mind and body disintegrated became but I will say, it was a blessing in the end that he didn't know what was happening to him because he would have felt humiliated.
My Mum, is a caregiver for the elderly. She shares many stories of her time at work; some hilarious, others heartbreaking.
One of the ladies she cares for packs her bag every day and waits for her son to take her home. He never arrives, in fact, he doesn't even bother to visit anymore. She will forget this by morning and wake up expectantly with the same hope.
Another of Mum's ladies is as sharp as a tack. She's intelligent and wise but her frail body doesn't allow her out of bed most days.
With all the medical breakthroughs these days, people are living longer. But at what cost? What's the point of having a healthy body if the mind has gone and vice versa?
One of the lessons I have learned from my Grandad's death is it's important to look after our body and mind but not at the expense of living life. Everything in moderation is the key.
You only live once-but if you work it right, once is enough.
Joe.E.Lewis
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