大象传媒

My father told me many stories of his time at war from 1942-1945, but one in particular has always stuck with me, which in some ways brings a smile to my face, even though the penalties could have been worse.

My father's squad/group were resting up in an old barn overnight. The following morning he was ordered to collect water from the stream near by. He wondered off with an old biscuit tin to collect some water for the morning brew and a shave. No problem one might say in normal Daily Duties.

Has he approached the stream, he heard the unmistakable sound of an enemy aircraft coming in. He though initially as a reconassaince mission, wrong, the aircraft open fired and bullets began to straddle his path, to which he dropped the biscuit tin, and jumped into the stream. He dodged from bank to bank to take cover until the aircraft disappeared.

Obviously when the coast was clear he ran back to the barn. On arriving at the barn, the senior rank in charge, oblivious as to what had happened, asked where the water was, my father, throwing down pieces of biscuit tin, in his colourful language said, "If you want water, you can get it yourself, I'm not shaving, and I need something stronger than tea".

If you knew my father, one could image the scenario and how he really reacted to this and to the comments of his superiors.

Unfortunately, my father passed away in 1998, and one can now only remember the stories he told. I am now trying to delve deeper into to his military background and service, in conjunction with a family tree. I am also trying to get copies of his medals as a momento to my hero, my father.

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