大象传媒

Childhood memories of World War 11

My Dad, David Owens was born in 14th December 1908, he was conscripted into the Army on his 3!st birthday leaving behind his wife and three small children.

His regiment was the Royal Horse Artillery. My mother was able to visit him in Aldershot before he went with the invasion forces to liberate the Dutch people in Holland. My father was a great admirer of the Dutch people, and he sent me a card from Holland on my 9th birthday.

I remember that my Mum used to weep when at night lying in bed, she thought that her children would be asleep and would not hear, I could hear, and I used to weep too.

We survived the blitz in Liverpool, my older sister and I were sent to Aberystwyth in Wales without our mother. (a horrid experience for us both) the second time with our mother and little brother to Ruthin in North Wales.

My father survived the war and he and my mother celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary 14th May 1991 with a telegram of congratulations from Queen Elizabeth .

My father died Jan 1992 and my mother July 1999.
Among the letters and family photographs found in my mothers home after her death was a heart-shaped card with a letter tucked inside, the paper was very yellowed and the hand- writing was that of my father, which I know so well.-------- Page 7 of the letter reads.

WHEREVER YOU ARE.
Remember I love you
Remember I do
Remember I need you
Dearest just you
Remember I want you each moment each day
Remember I miss you
When I am away
Remember I鈥檓 yours dear
Till death us do part
Remember we pledged it
With lips and with heart
Remember I鈥檓 waiting
Forever need be
Longing and lonely
Till you are with me.

This love poem was sent to my mother, just before my Dad embarked on the ship that was to take him and his regiment to join in with our American allies to invade and to liberate Europe.

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