大象传媒

Introduction

This article has been submitted to the 大象传媒 鈥淧eople鈥檚 War鈥� website by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer story-gatherer for the 大象传媒 Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk group of volunteers. The terms of the 大象传媒 鈥淧eople鈥檚 War鈥� website have been read and understood.

The article has been submitted on behalf of two World War Two veterans, John Lowrey and Bob McCormick from Whitehaven, Cumbria. John and Bob told their stories at an Armistice Day Memorial Service at St Nicholas鈥檚 Church Gardens, Whitehaven on Friday 11 November 2005. While the service was organised by West Cumbria Branch he Normandy Veterans Association, there was a general invitation for anyone to attend to commemorate the victims of the World Wars and other conflicts past and present.

Bob And John鈥檚 stories

During World War Two, Bob McCormick served with the Royal Artillery. He served with the 51st / 203 Battery Field Regiment. His unit was in action in the Middle East arena, including most of the now-famous battles in North Africa. In particular, Bob was involved in the siege of Tobruk.

At the outbreak of World War Two, John was in the 5th Battalion Border Regiment, which was the traditional Territorial Army battalion for West Cumbrians. After war was declared, they formed part of the 42nd Division. John and the rest of the 5th Battalion sailed for France in mid-April 1940. They landed in Le Havre and were initially based near the France 鈥� Belgium border. John and his comrades were then involved in the Dunkirk evacuation, and they were among the last troops to get away, their ship sailing on 3 June 1940. In June 1944, John took part in the Normandy Landings and returned to France.

John and Bob regularly attend commemorative services to honour fallen comrades. Both of them took part in the official county of Cumbria 鈥榁ictory Parade鈥� through the streets of Whitehaven on 26 June 2005. They also like to meet up with friends at reunions, have a laugh and recall the many happy memories they have of the war years as well.

Conclusion

I have known both John and Bob for many years and know that they both have a good sense of humour and can share a laugh. Like all wartime veterans, John and Bob believe it is important people remember the sacrifices of the many comrades during the war years.

I would like to thank John and Bob for sharing some of their wartime memories at the service, and giving me the information for this article. They both have a good 鈥榗raic鈥� (conversation) in them. It is always a pleasure to meet Bob and John, two World War Two veterans from West Cumbria, and still on parade. Thanks lads!

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