- Contributed by听
- Katherine-WW2 Team
- Article ID:听
- A1921240
- Contributed on:听
- 27 October 2003
The 大象传媒 asked WW2 Members to add a short anecdote on the subject of WW2 Remembrance Tributes.
We asked the following questions:
- How did you know them - were they a friend from school, your town, your workplace?
- Were you in active service with them? Or did you know them from the Home Front?
- What special qualities did they possess?
- How would you like them to be remembered
Read members' responses in the forum below.
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These messages were added to this story by site members between June 2003 and January 2006. It is no longer possible to leave messages here. Find out more about the site contributors.
Message 1 - Rememberance Tribute
Posted on: 28 October 2003 by wtr27513
In loving Memory of our Father
He was the best Father any child could have or hope to have. He passed away on September 6th 1983 and we miss him terribly.
He was a S/Sgt. in the 8th Air Force, Second Air Division, 14th Combat Wing, 491st Bomb Group, 852nd Bomb Squadron, Crew #R27 stationed at North Pickenham, England. He was in the crew of a B-24 Liberator Bomber.
Rememberance from his children with Love,
Barbie, Bo, Tim & Johnny
听
Message 2 - Rememberance Tribute
Posted on: 11 November 2004 by wtr27513
HAPPY VETERANS DAY DAD!!
We Love YOU and We miss YOU!!
B-24 Crew Member
491st Bomb Group
852nd Bomb Squad
US Army Air Corp
S/Sgt
WW II
North Pickenham, England 1944-45
Love,
Barbie, Bo, Tim & Johnny
USA
Message 1 - My Grandfather, lost on board the Lancastria
Posted on: 29 October 2003 by IWM_Launch
My name is Irene Dimomock and I would like to tell you bout my Grand Father, Joseph Preston. He joined the army in the war by lowereing his age to be able to serve inthe Pioneer Corp and was sent to France in 1940. He was present at the evacuation at Dunkirk, where he boarded the Ill-fated HMS Lancastria. she was hit by not one but two bombs passing right down the funnels blowing the bottom of the hull clean off. Many, many soldiers & sailors tragiclay lost their lives. My Grandfather being one of them. It was a friend of the family who was still on the Dunkirk Beach who witnessed what had happened and told my grandmother what he had seen.
听
Message 2 - My Grandfather, lost on board the Lancastria
Harry McManus, R.E., a friend, who died some years ago, was evacuated with other base troops from St Nazaire, the Biscay coast of Britanny. 57,000 were brought back from there. He should have been in the 16,000 ton Cunard White Star liner 'Lancastria', tons but she was too full and he watched her being bombed as she tried to move out to sea. It was 17 June, 1940.
She went down very quickly. Harry said that at least one bomb went down a funnel and that the loss of life was very heavy. The usual casualty figure is 3,000+ but it might have been more than that because there might not have been under the circumstances a totally accurate count.
It is agreed that she was very heavily loaded.
听
Message 3 - My Grandfather, lost on board the Lancastria
Harry McManus, R.E., a friend, who died some years ago, was evacuated with other base troops from St Nazaire, the Biscay coast of Britanny. 57,000 were brought back from there. He should have been in the 16,000 ton Cunard White Star liner 'Lancastria', but she was too full and he watched her being bombed as she tried to move out to sea. It was 17 June, 1940.
She went down very quickly. Harry said that at least one bomb went down a funnel and that the loss of life was very heavy. The usual casualty figure is 3,000+ but it might have been more than that because there might not have been under the circumstances a totally accurate count.
It is agreed that she was very heavily loaded.
Message 1 - My cousin, lost in France
Posted on: 29 October 2003 by IWM_Launch
Posted by Irene Dimmock
I do not know much about the death of my cousin. What I know was reported to me by his brother, another cousin, when he came back on leave.
My cousin was a despatch rider in France. He was 19 or 20 when he was called up. He was delivering despatches from one post to another on a motorbike. He was driving down a road where the Germans had laid booby traps by threading wire between the trees. My cousin was decapitated by the wires as he was driving along.
Message 1 - Lest We Forget...
Posted on: 30 October 2003 by alanbrooks66
To all those brave men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives fighting for our freedom, and those who are still tormented by the memories today accept my very humble gratitude. We will be for ever in your debt. My Grandfather was a Rough Rider (City of London Yeomanry) and fought in many theatres within Europe and the East, I was lucky to have him for my childhood,though he never spoke of the war he always silently watched the rememberance service with me, what thoughts he had and horrors saw I will never know or experience. To each and every one of you, thankyou.
听
Message 2 - Lest We Forget...
Posted on: 05 November 2003 by john711
My Father and three Uncles served in the 1939/45 war . My father and two of my uncles returned, Now they are all dead and YES I WILL REMEMBER THEM
Message 1 - Dunkirk
Posted on: 02 November 2003 by Bubbles
William Tilley was my aunt's fiancee and was killed in the evacuation of Dunkirk when HMS Wakeful was hit. My aunt died before the end of the War aged only 22. Billy is remembered by Joan my mother today and always.
Message 1 - Writing Workshop: A1921240 - Collaborative Article: Remembrance Tributes
Posted on: 04 November 2003 by Yoda66
Entry: Collaborative Article: Remembrance Tributes - A1921240 Author: Katherine - WW2 Team - U238879
++
Message 1 - Dunkirk heroics
Posted on: 04 November 2003 by memories
Both my grandfathers served in different capacities in the war. My maternal grandfather was in REME and took part in the evacuation from Dunkirk. Whilst on his way to the site he was part of some dangerous events. He and his fellow travellers narrowly escaped capture and death. He managed to break his wrist during the manouvres arriving on the beach injured. He told the story that a young officer gave up his place on one of the vessels due to my grandfathers injury. A humane and courageous gesture that may well have caused his own death - my grandfather never saw him again. I think that our eventual victory was made, in part,due to many such heroic gestures between individuals.
Message 1 - 11 of 11th
Posted on: 04 November 2003 by HelenHicks
I did not know my brothers, killed in the war, but know them from the stories my mother told me. As a child I could not always understand why she talked about them so much, but now having children myself - I can fully understand her need and how she wanted to keep their memories alive. They gave the ultimate price, as did so many - let us never forget.
Message 1 - In Memory Of Uncle Tom
Posted on: 04 November 2003 by patthomas
Let us never forget the young men and women who gave their lives protecting us.
I was only 13 when news came that Uncle Tom had been killed on May 12 1944 at Cassino. I will always remember that day and that young man. He was 21 years old.
Message 1 - My grandad
Posted on: 04 November 2003 by geordielass5
hello, my grandad served in world war 2 in the navy and was on board several ships like HMS Vegeance. I am very proud of what he did, my grandad died in 1999 and I never got the chance to ask him about his experiences with being so young at the time and my mam has said that he and my grandma (who worked on communications here in england) never liked talking about the war. My grandad was on a video made for the Imperial War Mueseum as well. He was called Les, did anyone here know him? As I would like to find out more about what went on in his time serving for our country. Granda I am very proud of you, we all are xXx Rachel, your loving granddaughter xXx
Message 1 - remembrance
Posted on: 05 November 2003 by drivingdenise
Smith, William Arthur Leslie, Cpl R.A.S.C. Normandy Veteran D Day + 1.
in memory of a wonderful father who passed away 20 October 2001. He never spoke of his wartime memories but to me he will always be a hero.
Gone but never forgotten, his loving daughter Denise and widow Ellen
Message 1 - FANY & SOE Tribute
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Andy Forbes
For the girls who served in the FANYs and gave their lives during (WWI & WWII) and the women of the Special Operations Executive who did not return (WWII).
The Flames still burn.
Message 1 - a message from the Netherlands
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by Nienke
This is a message from the Netherlands.
I want to commemorate the soldiers who fought in and around Arnhem in 1944.(The Battle for the Rhine
Bridge, part of the operation 'Market Garden')
5 years ago I visited the airborne museum and the soldiers'graveyard in Oosterbeek.
I can still clearly see the image of hundreds of white crosses in that graveyard.
I thought of all those young men who lost their lives fighting to liberate my country
and most of them were British.
If you ever visit my country, try to visit the airborne museum. I quarantee you will never forget it.
(and it should never be forgotten)
Airborne Museum Hartenstein,
Oosterbeek The Netherlands
www.airbornemuseum.com
We commemorate WW2 each year on the 5th of May and I always think of that graveyard
and the men who lost their lives.
I just had to write this,
groetjes Nienke Westerhuis
听
Message 2 - a message from the Netherlands
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by Chris2003
Thank you very much for your kind words and rememberence of the British Forces who fought and died to liberate your country ,and we will never forget them, as these were the very best of british. I have freinds from the Netherlands and it brings a tear to my eye when they give thanks, such as your post did.
I have also seen the rows and rows of graves, and I will never forger, and make sure generations to come never forget the courage and sacrifce of these men, but also spread brotherhood.The graves really brought it home to me, the numbers of men and reading the names of the fallen. I look up to these men as heroes, fallen angels, and the best of british..
听
Message 3 - a message from the Netherlands
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by FrankB
I am Dutch and have been living in the UK for nearly 15 years. All these years I have actually been very surprised to see how Britain remembers the soldiers who died in conflict.
I grew up in Nijmegen, which is close to Arnhem, a town many people know from the film a 鈥淏ridge too far鈥. It is a place where far too many soldiers lost their lives.
After the WW2, my Dutch godfather was actively involved in helping families from the Allied Forces to visit the war graves in Holland. It was one of his life鈥檚 achievements and he was, although Dutch, rewarded with a MBE. Unfortunately he died 6 years ago. During these 6 years many British people have visited his grave and quite a few heart warming messages were left behind on his grave.
Based on these messages, it would have been nice to see on the 大象传媒 how people liberated by British soldiers have been looking after (And are still looking after) these war graves. I think it would have helped the families who had to suffer the loss of a close relative or a good friend. Nearly 60 years after WW2 people are still showing how grateful they are!
I am sure that this, and similar stories for more recent victims of war, would have been a very valuable addition to the program (Or a program in addition to the Remembrance). My personal opinion is that this would help family and friends of British soldiers who died during a war.
I am telling about my personal experience, but I am sure that similar stories exits for the other countries were British forces were involved.
听
Message 4 - a message from the Netherlands
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by Annie Marks
I am English, and was born at the end of the war, but my grown-up son now lives in Amsterdam and is engaged to a beautiful Dutch girl. During the war, when her father was only a small boy, her grandmother and grandfather ran an escape route for British airmen through their basement, whilst being obliged to feed and offer beds to Nazi Officers in the main house.
I have huge admiration for your race, we cannot fully understand what it means to be occupied, and many brave Dutch adults and children risked appalling consequences in an effort to drive out the aggressors.
May the British and the Dutch always been friends, and always have a bond between them.
And as this is Remembrance Sunday: 'WE WILL REMEMBER THEM'.
听
Message 5 - a message from the Netherlands
Hello Frank B,
I remember a program a year or two back about the real story of a bridge too far. It described the bravery of the Dutch civilians during the event and of one lady in particular who looked after a large number of the British wounded, though there were many others who also did that. It must have been horrific for the Dutch people living there and yet the program also showed how they cared for the graves of those long dead soldiers so it has been done before but I would agree it could be done again.
I was a boy during the war and we always referred to the Dutch people as those brave Hollanders and having a good number of Dutch seamen up here in the North East they were not exactly strangers.
Our neighbour at that time Bob Boyston was on the Destroyer that brought Queen Wilhelmina out and was wounded in the process. I myself have visited Holland several times and found the people had a soft spot for us as we had for them.
What I am really saying is the Dutch people are honoured and loved over here and we do remember their sacrifice.
Frank Mee.
听
Message 6 - a message from the Netherlands
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by Arthur Whitng
When in Holland, in 1945, our Unit being rather small were not given Military Accomodation, so we were lodged with local Dutch people.
I was fortunate to be with a Family named"HIDMA", living in the Floralaan Eindhoven. Mother, father and four daughters ranging from 17 to 7 years of age. My time with them was a very happy one and I became almost a brother. After the war, I spent many summer holidays with the family in their rented holiday house at Bergen on Sea.It is now 2003 and I am still in touch with the eldest daughter who lives in Baarn.
Message 1 - A Royal wound.
A long hot August Saturday afternoon, the year 1940 dad and I doing the maintenance on our truck so it is ready for the road again on Monday, At 11 years of age I was probably just getting in the way but Dad liked me around. Bob from next door home on leave from the Navy comes round to watch and talk to Dad.
He has his naval trousers on and a vest, I am looking up and can see through the arm hole a long jagged white scar and being a child ask loudly "whats that Bob" oh my god can you see it I hope Mum has not seen it.
He then told us he was on the Destroyer that went to Holland for Queen Wilhelmina. The landing party of which he was one managed to get the Queen and her group on to the ship but had to fight their way back against some German troops and Dutch quislings. Bob Boyston our neighbour was bayoneted on the quay then thrown aboard by another sailor as the ship cast off, the Captain ordered the guns to clear the quay as they moved away. Bob was home on leave from hospital and I am sure I heard him say he was visited in the sick bay by either the Queen or one of her daughters. Bob went on to serve out the rest of the war in a number of ships mainly in bomb alley and the North sea mine sweeping. He came out after the war and back to his job as a butcher and I never heard him mention any of it again. He is dead now but I remember. Such were the men who fought for this country but they could not all say they helped save a Queen.
Frank Mee Researcher 241911.
Message 1 - Rememberence
Posted on: 07 November 2003 by mrdavid
I am a 29 year old man, two of my grandparents served in the forces during the second world war. I never forget what all the men and women in the armed forces and at home did, so that people like myself could live in England as it had been intended for us too. It saddens me when you hear about young people today hurting and laughing at veterans. I will never for get anyone who helped preserve Britain. God bless all of them and Rest in peace to all of the fallen.
听
Message 2 - Rememberence
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by adrose
Iam A.D.Rose I joined the Territorial Army at fifteen years of age in January 1938,I fought in the Battle of Britain as an anti-aircraft gunner,I went overseas to Iraq and then down to the Western Desert.Following the end of that part of WW2,I volunteered for a quote 'Hazardous Mission' which turned out to be assisting the partisans in the Balkans.I had married my childhood sweetheart before going away and did'nt see her again till 1945.We have just celebrated 62 years of married life.Yes, we are depressed at times at the way in which the aims for which we gave up so much are treated by the ignorant and selfish,but are heartened by the thoughts such as yours which I might add are in the majority.
Message 1 - A musical remembrance
Posted on: 08 November 2003 by katdan
About this time last year I was listening to a local radio station and heard the most simplistically moving tribute ever to the casualties of war. Todays media coverage has veiled the true suffering of those who fight for the freedoms of others and this one song brought it home to me with such emotional impact that I tracked its origin down and now have a copy that gets played frequently as a reminder of that suffering endured in order to make this a safer world. I would highly recommend listening to the song, its difficult to find but I found the track via TWC-FM radio station who directed me to the website About links the song is called Little Tin Soldiers and for me it releases all the feelings that need to be released and brings a poignant tear to my eye every time I play it. There are some very compelling tales on this site and I hope a few of you take a few minutes to listen to the song, I did and now I'm here wanting to read the experiences of others and wishing you all peace.
Message 1 - William (Bill) Colhoun
Posted on: 09 November 2003 by McClure
This is my Dad, William (Bill) Colhoun, born 1918, died this February, aged 84; he would have been 85 on the 7th November past.
He was a wireless operator and gunner with the RAF from 1937 until 1942 and also took part in the 1st flights called the 鈥楩airy Flights鈥, dropping leaflets over Germany. He saw many comrades killed and was wounded himself.
He always marked Armistice Day and would have liked to have been remembered in this way.
Janis McClure, Bangor, Co Down, N Ireland
Message 1 - Pardons for "deserters"
Posted on: 10 November 2003 by shot_at_dawn
The 大象传媒 did a shocking program on the plight of so called "deserters" in ww1 and ww2 who were shot for cowardice. I think it was Omnibus in 1999?
To my knowledge the government still refuses to issue a post humus pardon - even though the French, German, New Zealanders etc have done so.
The 大象传媒 should show that program every year until something is done about it. It is a stain on the national conscience that we summarily executed young boys, mostly volunteers, scared out of their wits by the horrendous situation they found themselves.
No doubt there may have been a few people who genuinely let their country down, but I believe it was wrong for the Army to shoot its soldiers. Apparently the US WW1 force did not shoot a single one of their service men.
In an age where the government seems prepared to say sorry for all sorts of things in the past why can we not say sorry and pardon those men? It would mean so much to their relatives.
I just cannot watch anything to do with remembrance organised by the "establishment" without thinking of their hypocrisy while they continue to enforce this injustice. Perhaps Veterans should refuse to take part in the parade until it is rectified.
Is the only reason they refuse to do this because they might want to shoot their servicemen again in the future in some unforeseen crisis?
For more info visit About links
听
Message 2 - Pardons for "deserters"
Posted on: 10 November 2003 by Roy W Keen
To shot at dawn.
I completely agree with the sentiments that you have expressed.
I would add this: those servicemen who were ordered to carry out the executions, who had had no choice, sadly had to carry the burden of what they had done on their consciences for the rest of their lives. I believe such dreadful actions have gone with the old military way of doing things, I sincerely hope so anyway.
RoyinScot
听
Message 3 - Pardons for "deserters"
Posted on: 17 November 2003 by Annie Marks
When I was young I lived next door to an elderly gentleman who had been a soldier in World War 1. I remember him telling me about shooting so-called deserters. He said that he remembered them as frightened boys mostly, hardly more than children, and some so disturbed with shell shock that they were wide eyed and stumbling. Apparently the firing squad didn't know which of them had live amunition in their guns and which blanks, they could only tell after they'd fired, by the recoil on the weapon!
They weren't deserters, any of them and they weren't cowards, either. They were sick, terrified, damaged, suffering young men and it is disgraceful that after all these years they are not remembered as the heroes they were.
Everyone who fought in those mud filled trenches, and killed, and was killed, for a paltry few feet of mud; because that's what their superiors told them to do, was a hero!
听
Message 4 - Pardons for 'deserters'
i served in aden and northern ireland and i was frightened at times but it was nothing compared to what they had to face in WW1 & WW2.
those men indeed were hero's
听
Message 5 - Pardons for 'deserters'
Posted on: 18 June 2004 by Beniton
I also work with veterans who witnessed the shooting of a night guard who fell asleep.
They were behind enemy lines and took it in turns to guard where they were. The captain stated that if he found anyone asleep on guard he would shoot them no question.
The youngest of them all 17 fell asleep and the rest of them heard a gunshot which awoken them all. The Captain returned and stated that they were to get up and bury the 17 year old he had shot.
In the report he was 'killed in action', they all have suffered with that incident which apparently is common another dirty deep we still have not answered from WW2 regards beniton
听
Message 6 - Pardons for 'deserters'
Posted on: 21 June 2004 by Beniton
Bert Peterson was recorded killed in action and his family always felt that is what happened to him.
He was in the Donbaik massacre in Burma and was left on guard. The captain warned them if any of them fell asleep he would shoot them. Bert was the last one on guard that night. Those with him could here a small pistol fire and saw their captain putting his pistol back into his holster.
After laying Bert to rest in a bomb crater, they were told to report him as killed in action. They have carried that image of Bert for years in their deepest memory. regards beniton
Message 1 - Memories Are All We have
Posted on: 10 November 2003 by AMANDADAVEY
Some Members of both sides of my family served during World War 2, My Grandad John Frederick Davey "Fred" he served in the Royal Signals in Burma from 1939-1945. My Great Grandad George Robert Wilkes served in North Africa, he was a tank mechanic 1939-45. I also had a two great Uncle's Frances Darvill "Frankie" who served in the Royal Navy and the other is Alfred Davey who was in the army and was at Dunkirk. I would love to find out more about my relatives and there regiments if anyone knew them please get in touch i would be delighted to hear about them or any memories you share.
I'm so proud of my relatives who fought during the second world war, im delighted that someone has had the fantastic idea to keep veterans and the public who lived during war time memories of the war on record, as eventually these memories will be all we have these will hold the key to the past for future generations.
I love all my relatives dearly and am so proud of the men that they were and am proud to have been part of there lives and for them to share there memories with me.
Bless you all
听
Message 2 - Memories Are All We have
Posted on: 13 December 2003 by adrose
Dear Amanda,It is right that you should be proud of your relatives who fought for our freedom in the 2nd WW,but remember it really was a peoples war.I was a Territorial soldier from the age of fifteen in 1938 and fought all through that war,but will always remember the people left at home the mothers,the wives the sweethearts who said goodbye and who's heart's still ache at the loss of a loved oneshould be proud.On Remebrance Day,I remember their sacrifice.A.D..Rose
Message 1 - Today of all days
A Little bit of perspective
鈥淚n Flanders fields the poppies blow,
between the crosses, row on row,
that mark our place; and in the sky.
The larks still bravely singing fly鈥
鈥n Flanders fields!
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead, short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie鈥
鈥n Flanders fields!!
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not speak, though poppies grow鈥..
鈥︹n, Flanders , Fields!!!
For Flanders fields read: Passchendaele, The Somme, Ypres, Verdun, Mons, Gallipoli, Syria, The Battle of Jutland and moving on鈥 Dunkirk, The Battle of Britain, The Blitz, The Battle of Malta, The African campaign against Rommel. The Desert Rats! And more so El Alamein鈥 Monte Cassino鈥he Pacific Campaign鈥loodshed! D-Day and the Normandy Campaigns, Arnhem, the Battle of the Bulge, The Battle of the North Atlantic and The Pacific through to the defeat of Hitlers forces in Europe鈥nd then Hiroshima and Nagasaki...Stalingrad, Warsaw, Dresden, Berlin!!!! Not to mention the Korean war, Vietnam, and the Falklands Then the First and Second Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.
No matter what we should remember that these Men & Women went and did what they were told and that鈥檚 what they do鈥 They are Soldiers, Firemen, Policemen鈥 for Every man read man, woman, and child 鈥︹.a monumentally tragic amount died.
I for one will try to remember them鈥ll of them
I wish I had the ability to right such poetry鈥ut then again perhaps that comes from the sorrow of what he went through. This is remembrance day. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Men died up until 10.59. The guns fell silent on the minute.
I worry greatly that we forget these men that were our fathers fathers. Men who are alive today fought through the Great War and then for and against the Third Reich and subsequent campaigns鈥
鈥..in the millions.
鈥..some of them are our family
Men died and they suffered, globally, nation to nation, supposed enemy or foe, regardless of creed or colour and in their tens of millions and as such only those that were there can perhaps comment鈥 therefore in the words of Siegfried Sassoon鈥..
鈥淗ave you forgotten yet?鈥濃
鈥..I hope not!
听
Message 2 - Today of all days
Posted on: 14 November 2003 by manfromwrexham
What a superb contribution. The only improvement I can suggest is to expand a little on the quotation from Siegfried Sassoon:
"Look up and swear by the green of the spring that you'll never forget"
Message 1 - Remembrance Day
Posted on: 13 November 2003 by dafferdowndilly
I wrote this poem as my act of remembrance and said it and prayers in the peace of the chapel, having left my students with work yesterday. As I teach in a church it was easy for me and others who wished to observe the silence to go down the corridor to the little chapel and spend some quiet time in prayer and thought. I write most of my poetry as a salve to my emotions and this remembrance day not only kept the dead of all conflicts in my prayers but close family members who have left this life recently. Here is my personal act of remembrance.
Poppies
poppies in the wind
trenches on the mind
the Cenotaph stands proud
as we say aloud
all the things to ease our souls
while raking over the coals
poppies in the wind
there but to remind
of soldiers dust in the ground
the airmen never found
how our thoughts are turned
when memories we churned
poppies in the wind
now with time to be kind
we remember the men
we remember the when
too many to count but this we must
do if in tomorrow we cannot trust
Chris K
Message 1 - Remembering family
Posted on: 17 November 2003 by Liverpool_Judy
this is simply a remembrance tribute to my parents Bronwen Megan Wynne Holmes and Robert James Holmes and my mother's sister Genesta Myra Wynne Plack of Coedpoeth and Liverpool. They are now all dead and in their life although there were many improvements the world didn't turn out as well as they had hoped. And finally my parents modest savings that they had hoped to pass on to their family had to be used for nursing home fees, something they had never expected to happen.
Message 1 - Remember Albert
Albert Thorpe POW on Ambon Island, put aboard the "Suez Maru" to be transported as a slave for the Japanese. These ships did not have a red cross on them to warn the Allies that they were carring POWs. The ships that were carring ammo had the red cross on Them instead. Suez Maru was torpedoed by US submarine, as the the prisoners floated in the water the japs gave the order to machine gun them until the last one was dead.
Poor Albert's name is on Kranji war memorial. To read Albert's story go to www.chindit.org.uk
Message 1 - Italy November 1944
Posted on: 19 April 2004 by troopergeoff
I was a tank crew member in 6 troop B Sqdn 51st.RTR. Just before the attack on Forli airfield, our troop officer was severely wounded, his name was Lt.Jack Morley and he came from Bulawayo Sthern Rhodesia as it was known then. We understand he made it home OK, but nothing more has been heard of him since. I know its a long time ago, but old tank commander Bill Hare is still alive and kicking, therefore its possible Mr.Morley is. Any talks on this story would be welcomed. Geoff Prater
Message 1 - Seaforth Highlanders
Posted on: 30 May 2004 by SEAFORTHJIM
I'm trying to find some history on my uncle Jim Wanless / Willey from Prudhoe who served with the Seaforths & was killed on the 29th July 1944 in France. I have a lot of letters from him to his mother ( my Grandma) but would love to find out more about him. I think he was with 2nd Battalion. All I know is he was shot in an Orchard on the 26th or 29th July. Please can you help?
Dave--- DavBORO@fsmail.net
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