大象传媒

My father was John Fredrick Watkin of Great Barr near Birmingham.He was called up to the Royal Irish Fusiliers. I don't why that particular regiment since his family had know connection with Ireland.

He became private 7044835 Watkin. Luckily for my mom, brother and myself he survived the 6 years fighting in Africa, Sicily and Italy and returned home safe.

The amusing story I should like to relate, is one that happened right at the beginning of his war. He had done his basic training, on the south coast by Southampton. At the end of his training, he was on parade with all of the other conscrips. The sergeant major stood in front asking for volanteers for the differant units. MORTARS he yelled out. Thinking that he had called out motors, and that he would have an easy time driving a truck, my father stepped forward. He was horified to find out that he would spend the war firing a 3 inch mortar gun.

His campaigne was hard, including the famouse battle of Monte Casino. Who knows if he had not have miss heard that sergeant, maybe he would not have been able to tell me that tale.

P C J Watkin

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.