11 November 2007

Old Soldier And Still Soldiering On!

My Young Dad
&
Rememberance Sunday
We must never forget these brave young men
~~~
Never Have So Many Owed So Much To So FewWinston Churchill~~~
Dad volunteered at the age of 17 to go to War

At the time he was working for Shellmex & BP in London

He was in the 52nd Army Anti Tank Regiment from 1939 they was attached to the 5th army division

In 1939 he went across to France and was evacuated in 1940 at Dunkirk
~~~
This was just the start of things to come


Dad with a few of his with his friends
~~~
They looked out for each other during the 6 years that they were together
A lot of what they saw is not talked about
But one story has always stayed with me
One of his closest friends went through 6 years of hell fighting on the front line
On the day that war was declared over they all rejoyced
His friend jumped from the back of the truck they were travelling in
His gun went off as it hit the ground and he shot himself dead - a tragic accident
Dad had seen his friend die on the very day he should have been going
'Home'

Dad was asked to go to the family of his friend and return the only valuable item he possessed
His wedding ring
He travelled across many countries and to the family of his dear mate, told them the very sad news
They wanted him to keep the ring
He still has it to this day
~~~
They came home grown men and not the young innocent men who left their loved ones behind to go and fight for the freedom of others
But also
We must never forget the women of this beautiful England
They kept this country going while their men went to war
~~~
Mum was just one of many young women who brought up their young babies with little food and no money
They worked on the land and in the factories
They supported the war effort
~~~
When Dad returned he went to find the young girl he had not seen for such a long time and found a beautiful woman and daughter working in the hop fields
Mum knew that he was a different man from the one who went and fought with such courage
They would start over and make a new life together with their young daughter
Jacqueline, my sister was frightened of this new man who just appeared from nowhere!
Slowly they would grow to love one another
~~~
My Dad went through so much during the war but has never ever complained

When he returned home he was grateful for the very little that they had
Together and along with with many others they rebuilt their lives and this country
~~~
They have both given
So Much and taken So Little
~~~~~
Dad has worked all his life
He is 87 years old
And he still pays his Taxes
~~~
This government should feel ashamed of that fact
*
**
***

17 comments:

Carol said...

Thank you Jo at frenchknots for your lovely comments, you really should get an account and make your mark.
Have a lovely weekend.
XX

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Dear Carol
What a remarkable story and I am sure one of many of the heroes that served this country..
You must be very proud and rightfully so, of your dear Dad..
I shall be going to the remembrance parade in town tomorrow.. and I know I will shed a tear for my father and grandfather who both played their part in the war..
XX

Carla said...

It cannot be a coincidence, I.m watching this post and my friend is watching the battle of brittain now. He asked abouth the music playing from your blog. His father was in the Dutch navy during the war and also was away from home six years. And yes, we may never forget what they have done for us. It.s geat that you still have your parents around. I love your blog Katherine. When I have time I take a look at it. You have so many beautifull pictures. And our holiday next year will be to the lakes of Cumbria fo certain. Have a nice weekend.

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic post you have here,i have been thinking about Rememberance a lot this afternoon as we bought our poppies today.
Its horrific what your father had to go through and countless other men and women sadly share same stories.
My father is no longer with us but i will be thinking about him and a long with great men like your father and for what they did for us during the war.
XxX
Please tell your dad THANK YOU!

Louise said...

I really enjoyed reading these war time memories of a man happy to defend his country, related so well by such a very proud daughter. x

ginny said...

just came across your post and read it accompanied by Vera singing... very moving.. we must never forget.
ginny
x

bj said...

i left a message before but it's not showing on here??
pls come over to my blog...i have something for you.

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

What a touching post-the story about your dad's friend was so tragic.x

Alchamillamolly said...

Hi Carol - just having a quick check of my emails for all the stuff I am freecycling! Had a good day packing - must get back in the loft this am and conquer it all! I appreciate your latest blog - being ex-service myself I have a pride in the armed services and still dont think people appreciate them as they should. We wouldn't be sitting here with our lovely lives if it werent for people like our Dads and Mams. Getting rid of a roll of denim, a lamp and two speakers today on freecycle - love it. How is Kate?

Sherry said...

This is a day of remembrance around the world. You've made a lovely tribute.

Country Cottage Chic said...

My grandfather was in the RAF during WWII - he was a rear gunner & took part in the "Dambusters" raid - he made it right through the war but was sadly killed in an accident a few years later when my dad was only 15.

We must never forget these brave men & women (and children) who lived through those terrible times.

Perfectly Lovely said...

Thankyou for sharing your family stories with us, really interesting. I love the music..I felt myself drifting into another time. Jennifer x

Perfectly Lovely said...

Oh, I forgot to say I havent forgotten about the eiderdown pics, will try and do them 2moz.xx

Sandi McBride said...

What a wonderful post and a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Pride in our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines...that's the thing!

bj said...

It was my pleasure to give you the award. Your site always makes me smile.
hugs, bj

OhSoVintage said...

You are rightly very proud of both your parents. It's important for stories like your father's to be passed on to his family members and future generations and for others to appreciate what heroes we have in our midst.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this post it was was very moving. The story you shared about your Dad's friend really made me think.