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I was in North Africa with the Royal Irish Fusiliers — the company was under attack. I sat on top of a Churchill tank ammunition box — reassured by the tank commander that he often sat out on top. I was not very convinced and had to hang on to the aerial mast. I felt a very conspicuous target for any gerry snipers that were around, but I clung on as best as I could. One of the troop of our own tanks opened fire and the troop commander ducked down into the turret and closed the lid down as he didn’t know what was going on, but I was able to reassure him when he surfaced again that it was only one of our own tanks firing! However, it did not add to my confidence - fortunately no gerries were around otherwise I might not have not have survived!
I was then with the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the Sicilian campaign, it was very hectic. My first objective was a small town — Centuripe, which was on top of a mountain on the west of Etna with access only by a winding road. This resulted in a fierce battle with the Germans, who defended well. I then proceeded over mountains and through rivers in one forward position. I was unable to dig trenches in the rocks. To solve this problem we built up rocks around ourselves to get some protection but these were very obvious to the enemy. When lying in the trench, the trace of bullets passed uncomfortably close to one’s face they were flying over our heads. Not a good position to be in! We would spend a day and a night in this position. On one occasion my sergeant was injured while we were in the trench as we were attacked with mortar bombs.

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