- Contributed byÌý
- Lancshomeguard
- People in story:Ìý
- William BLAKE
- Location of story:Ìý
- Salerno and Normandy
- Background to story:Ìý
- Army
- Article ID:Ìý
- A4567458
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 27 July 2005
This story has been submitted to the ‘Peoples War’ Web Site by Betty & Don TEMPEST of Lancshomeguard on behalf of Mr William BURKE and has been added to the Web Site with his permission.
‘Salerno Landings’.
I was called into the Army in 1940 and after training at Folkestone Barracks in the Durham Light Infantry, we went to Egypt, landing in Genetha.
I went to the Mediterranean area from there and eventually to Palestine fighting the Germans. We were up near Damascus when we got the call back to Egypt to help chase Rommel out. On our way we went through the Atlas Mountains, which was the way that Hannibal took.
We finished up in the Salerno landing and there we were joined by some Americans. After the Salerno landing we were told that we were going into the desert, but suddenly that was changed and we were taken back to London. From there we went down the Thames to Dover, to take part in the Normandy landings.
We had to carry out a lot of repair work, but eventually we landed in Normandy.
We were on the beaches, fighting, and then my Commanding Officer told me that there was a truck that was in difficulties, could I go and fix it.
He pointed the truck out to us and five of us went forward to try and repair it. Unfortunately, what none of us, including the Officer knew was that the area where the truck was had been mined by the Germans.
We got to the truck, had a look at it and then I asked one of the lads to go and get me some tools. He went to get them and the next thing I knew was that there was an explosion. Apparently two mines had been triggered and had blown up. I don’t remember much more because I was blown up.
I remember coming round eventually, and then being brought back to England. I was badly injured, mainly facial.
That was the end of my war. I have received a lot of treatment, all around the country, at various hospitals.
I’m now at BLESMA House in Blackpool, and I can still remember those days.
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