- Contributed byÌý
- ´óÏó´«Ã½ Scotland
- People in story:Ìý
- Annie W Ferguson Nee Stewart
- Location of story:Ìý
- Dumbarton and Glasgow
- Background to story:Ìý
- Army
- Article ID:Ìý
- A7013620
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 16 November 2005
This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Mairi Campbell of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ on behalf of Annie W Ferguson and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the sites terms and conditions.
The last day of the War for me was not in 1945 it was in the autumn of 1946 when my husband came home.
Captain Ronald Ferguson had volunteered for the Scots Guards early in the War. After initial training he was commissioned to the Highland Light Infantry. He served with them for some time, then volunteered for a new special unit being formed by Brigadier Mills — THE COMMANDOS!
After the gruelling training undergone at the Achnacarry Castle in Scotland he joined No 4 Commando. The exploits of these wonderfully brave men are well documented. However, when the war in Europe ended, the Commandos were disbanded and returned to units. He was flown to Ghent to rejoin the HLI. Unfortunately these troops had been sent to Palestine. With no leave Captain Ferguson was immediately flown out to join them. There he spent more than a year involved in rounding up the Stern Gang and Ben Garion and generally keeping order
At last demob was here!
On the appointed day I went to Glasgow to meet him, as a surprise. He was coming from the south. I waited patiently for a long time, wondering how it would be after such a long separation. We had not seen each other since our wedding. Eventually it looked as if my surprise had failed, I had to go down to the dismal lower level of Queen Street Station to catch the last train to Dumbarton, the train arrived and I got in great disappointment. The guard appeared, preparing to flag the train off. Then he stopped looked up at the long stair leading down to the platform. He went forward to the train and opened a door. A soldier laden with kit came into view and was bundled into the train by the guard. It was my husband and I was next door!
I nearly wrenched the handle of the door trying to get out. Trains in 1946 had separate compartments. Fortunately the guard cottoned on and helped me out — and in!
Captain Ferguson, looking bronzed and handsome, was very surprised; one glance and all doubts vanished. That really was the last day of the war for us
© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.
Recommended story
Story with photo