大象传媒

In 1942 I was working on farms as a threshing machine attendant. I was called to a medical centre in Stoke-on-Trent and was passed fit. I was told that I could be either a coal miner, join the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines. I chose the Royal Marines. My father was none too pleased as two of my brothers were already serving (one in the Grenadier Guards and one in the Royal Artillery, I was in the Home Guard). He thought his sons were contributing enough; he was wounded on World War One. In 1943 I joined the Royal Marines having reached the age of eighteen.

When I was called-up I was given a new uniform, boots, underwear, socks, money to spend, squad mates, etc. As long as I was fed I could do virtually anything.

My basic training was at Lympstone in Devon, which was shortly followed by my Commando training in Wales. This was all followed by the recognised commando training at Achnacarry Spean Bridge near Fort William in Scotland. One particular morning we marched seventeen miles before climbing Ben Nevis returning within three miles of camp. We were supposed to make a meal, build a bivouac and sleep.

Soon after this I was awarded a Green Beret. My officer L.T Myers wrote a report on me stating enthusiasm and energy unlimited, cheerful at all times, a very good soldier.

I could have served on the staff but decided to move on with my friends to Wrexham in North Wales. Some of us were to reinforce Forty Commando after losses in Yugoslavia. Wrexham was 25 miles from my home in Market Drayton so I decided to walk home prior to my departure.

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by Becky Barugh of the 大象传媒 Radio Shropshire CSV Action Desk on behalf of George Samuel Plim and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

See more of Sam's stories:

• 1) A Phoney War
• 2) Our first intake of evacuees
• 3) 鈥淲hoa Bob!鈥�
• 5) After one was shot the rest surrendered鈥�
• 6) Our Final Battle
• 7) 鈥楧on鈥檛 lose your head to an Italian Brunette!鈥�

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